Is a Magna Tran 301 a good unit?

admin

I have a local guy selling a Magna Tran 301 unit. I know it's big and a beast but that would be ok to start with, ok well to keep forever?My shop has 100 amp 220 and I can't find any specifics about the welder....I'll keep lookingI will be using it for basic stuff around the farm and maybe some small projects around the house.This is the 1st welder I would ever be buying, is it too much welder?  The guy says it sticks, migs and tigs, sounds like I am complete with this thing but still wondering Thanks for any help with this decisionPugnare Fornicare Au Mort
Reply:Is this the welder?https://ia600508.us.archive.org/5/it...n003503mbp.pdf If so maybe this will help you. How much are they asking and can you see it in operation?Also I don't know if there is such a thing as too much welderHobart Beta-Mig 250T-D Cutmaster 81Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller T-Bolt 225 ACChicago Electric Mig 151Hobart RC-256 Haas-Kamp Conversion(sold)
Reply:Dang a TM!! now you're speaking my language Thank youYes thats the one and he's asking $450Pugnare Fornicare Au Mort
Reply:That manual says 100Amps at 230V (primary, i.e. input power).Oh, and that manual is 45 years old... So you really need to watch the condition.  If its a very well kept machine with little or no rust, it might be an OK purchase.Not sure how hard it will be to get parts.  At least have the guy demonstrate all the features.  For TIG you really want a remote pedal - make sure it comes with one and that it works.  In DC TIG, the high frequency should start the arc and it should cutoff once the arc is started.Its not the best machine for A/C aluminum TIG.  However, if you can get it to work for you, you can weld aluminum with anything.  It's a sine wave machine.  No balance control.Typically most MIG is done on constant voltage machines - that machine is constant current.  However, there are some wire feeders that can handle CC machines, but I don't know what it costs/takes to hook that up.  I wouldn't bank on it doing MIG.  (unless they guy can demonstrate the machine in "MIG" mode).Does it come with a pedal?   Do all the solenoid valves work?  Do all the timers work?   Does it come with a water cooler?  What about a gas regulator?  What TIG torch comes with it?Gas solenoid should not leak at all.  Hook up gas, open the valve, pressurize, then close the valve and see how long it takes to bleed off.When the copper market goes up again, the transformer in that machine is probably worth $400 in scrap alone.  I assume its copper - sometimes aluminum - but in 1970 it was probably copper.At 600lbs - make a cart for it as project No. 1  (or rather a dolly)If its still working after 45 years, it will probably work for another 45...  Just a caution about 'extras' like pedal and gas regulators.  On TIG, if you don't shop wisely, you can easily sink $500+ into parts to get TIG functionality.  That's if you can get the pedal....  Keep that in mind when you compare to something like a Miller Dialarc HF or Aircrafter or Lincoln TIG.   You might find that $1000 for a complete setup is better than $450 for power supply only.   Water coolers can be expensive but a garden hose and letting it drain outside works just fine - you would want the water solenoid to be working (and mostly no leaking).   Heck, a stinger plus work clamp plus cables can set you back $150.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:I think it's a rare oddball machine. Personally I'd look for something more common in case you did needs parts or service.
Reply:Thanks fellas, I'm taking your advice, prolly go get an ac/dc tombstonePugnare Fornicare Au Mort
Reply:Google it. Looks to me like at auction with all  acc. they sell for about $150.
Reply:I owned one several years ago.  These welders where made by Midstate.  The wiring diagram is glued on the inside of the left hand cover as you look at the front of the machine.  If it comes with the foot petal, be careful with it as it has two large adjustable resisters and I think it would be quite difficult to replace them.  The ac and dc is nice and the 301 has a max output of 400 amps so you can do some serious welding.  There are no scr's in that unit so you have straight dc output.  It has hi frequency and I have welded some serious aluminum with it.  On the lower right hand panel there is a door and inside it are the solenoids for gas and water, if you are using tig torch set-up.  This welder has nice adjustment of the current selected.  Your power of 100 amps will easily run this machine, just not at max output.  I don't think you would have a need for the max output of this machine.  Still better than any tombstone in my opinion.  Most components are readily available as is illustrated in the above post.  Hope this info can help you make an educated decision on this welder.  Best regards, Bob