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I put this thread in the machine, toos, & cutting methods forum. Not sure where would be the place to put it. I was hopping some of you guys might be able to help out thanks.Hello I just joined the forum. I have Lincoln 240 volt 225 amp ac,dc, dc+ machine. I am not very good with it. I have to run it hot to keep it from sticking much. And it seems like the distance from the end of the rod to the material being welded is real short. I learned how to weld with a Lincoln Pipeliner sure seem like it was a lot smoother and easier to use. I am looking at 2009 Lincoln Ranger 250 that only has 60 hours and is in real good shape. Anybody knows how it would compare to 240 volt welder and how it would compare to that ole Lincoln Pipeliner. Anybody have any experience with the Lincoln Ranger they can share.I appreciate any information.ThanksSWB
Reply:I run the 240 volt machine, and the GXT 250. Lincoln all the wayThe one that plugs in has a higher OCV, and arc starting is easier. The plug in machine has a crisper arc while welding. Because it's tapped, fine tuning is not possible, but you can manage to get around that by changing travel speed etc. It's a good reliable machine on DC and AC.The GXT seems to have a smoother arc as opposed to crisp. It's infinitely adjustable. The performance in DCEN and DCEP is very predictable. My one observance is that the transition from idle to full throttle is somewhat slow when you first strike the arc. Sometimes it fails to establish the arc at first. But once you get used to it, it's no problem. Drag the rod lightly in the joint to establish the slightest of sparks, the idle goes up, and you're hot. You're good to go.On the AC side, the GXT runs cold (at least my machine does). Don't be afraid to turn it up beyond what you "think" the rod should run good at. Forget the dial, and concentrate on what you want to see in the puddle. This may be attributable to the overlap in settings. The GXT has considerable overlap in what you read on the dial, it's done for a purpose. Mostly to give a wider range. Once you realize this, you appreciate it. IE.......130-180amps is actually lower on the low side but right on on the up side. In reality, you have a considerably wider range. Look at the manual if it confuses you. It's a well designed machine made for practical use.CV settings, and range, are also very predictable, and easy to adjust on the GXT. Once again, forget the dial, and look at the puddleBTW...........HOT IS HOW YOU SHOULD WELD, DON'T WORRY ABOUT HAVING TO RUN IT HOTAs far as stiking your rods.........you don't stick them when you become used to the rod and figure out the amps to run them at. AGAIN, IGNORE THE DIAL. No two machines weld alike, and no two weldors(I hate that word) weld alike."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Some moreBoth machines are excellent.It mostly depends on the guy doing the welding I think. (thanks for the help Don)I also swear by Excalibur when running DC, and Lincoln's 7018AC when running AC.Pic One.........welds running GXTPics Two and Three...........welds running the plug in machineAnd I'm sure a Blue machine works just as well Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I've owned a Ranger 250 for several years and it has burned a lot of rod. The same thing that I used with all the SA 200s I used over my welding career. Quite a bit of 5P, 5P+, 6011, Jet, some SS, and a lot of 7018. Set it in pipe mode and it's just like the SA200 except it burns about half the gas to do the job. Lots quiter too unless you put a muffler on the 200 which I always did. I just didn't like to listen to that straight pipe beller of the 200s.I'm deaf enough now even with the mufflers. |
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