portable welders etc.

admin

I am starting my own welding business, and I'm trying to get a few opinions on some equipment. What type of portable welders do you prefer and why? I'm looking for something that can handle small projects as well as heavy repair. Also just out of curiosity does anybody prefer apache gas to acetylene? I have better luck with backwashing when using acetylene. Just wondering what the best things are to outfit my rig with?
Reply:Unending possibilities without knowing your budget.Do you want a machine that will make welding enjoyable, or one that will just get the job done?How big a truck is this going to be?  Will you have a need for CAC-A?
Reply:brian, if your a welder and haven't figured out the type of welder you like, you may be jumping out on a limb. i started welding out of my 1990 GMC. well 2 transmissions later and a few chats on here and i realized that my welder and compressor were too heavy for the truck. UPGRADE, 2000 F-450 flatbed for the low, low price of 15 grand. i sold my bobcat 250 for a trailblazer 302. it's a more versatile machine able to run cc/cv. the grand total was 1700 for the exchange. the bobus had quite a few hours on it. throw in the compressor, you will need one to carbon arc, and for an air hammer to split some welds. also it will run the plasma. compile a torch with tanks for around 800. the plasma is 1900. the compressor is 1700. the 12vs wire feeder for those all day welding jobs is 1700. you see brian, it takes a large investment in welding equipment to be able to weld in the field. you didn't state your level of experience or the depth of your pockets. but i'll sell you my truck with all the equipment for $27,000. i'm ready to just weld in the shop. i prefer blue, my lws is blue and the service is great."Retreat hell, were just fighting in the other direction"Miller Trailblazer 302, Extreme 12 VS, Dimension 400, Spectrum 375, HF 251D-1, Milermatic 251 w/ spoolgun  Hypertherm 1000Lincoln sp 1702000 F-450 to haul it
Reply:Apache Gas used to be Air Products and It is no better than Propane, in  the long run, when compaaring the BTU's and all the advantages.  Propane is much less $'s.   John G.SMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:I run either or for gas, If my MAPP tank is full I use it if it is empty and I don't feel like filling it, Propane it is.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by TozziWeldingI run either or for gas, If my MAPP tank is full I use it if it is empty and I don't feel like filling it, Propane it is.
Reply:Nope, MAPP tip for both gases, works fine.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:if you are not sure of the welder you will need for the market that you are trying to enter, i would take some time to think about what you are about to do. i would think that someone in your situation would already know the answer to this question. maybe a dilemma as to what you can afford, but not what i'm getting out of your question. this decision will be one of the most important in your life, i would want to make sure i have all my ducks in a row. i could be way off base. i'm sure you'll get a lot of advise from others. just my opinion.
Reply:MAPP is an acronym for Methyl Acetyl something propadiene.It's similar to acetylene, but more stable.  It isn't limited to 15 psi delivery pressures.  The heat content and uses are similar to propane; better for cutting than for welding.It's expensive, more than either acetylene or propane.  I'm dubious that the extra cost is worthwhile; unless it's the only thing you have/can get.The track torches at my welding school all run on MAPP.  My opinion:  performance-wise, acetylene pre-heats faster, but MAPP is less sensitive to the distance between torch tip and work surface. Originally Posted by olddadHad a couple Goss tips given to me tonight. Just looked them up and they are for MAPP. Since you use both, what's the difference, do you switch tips when you switch gasses ? I've never dealt with MAPP so I'm in the clueless column on this one.  Thanks
Reply:Brian, I am in the same boat.  My best advice to you is know what you want and don't be afraid to wait for it.  I found a good deal on a 2003 F-550 cab and chasis, but I shopped around for a year to find it.  I paid a little over $10,000 for it.  I bought a Big 40 gas on a trailer with 100 foot leads for $1600.  When I first brought it home it was in fair shape.  I've put alot of work into it since however.  Paid $1000 for material for build the bed on the truck another $1500 for the tool boxes from tractor supply. So far I have about $15,000 in the truck and machine. Email me if you have questions [email protected]
Reply:The setup I use is a Bobcat 3 and a Miller Matic 330P. The Bobcat is a 225amp welder capable of AC/DC tig and it will run rods up 3/16" with a littl power to spare. The MM330P is single or 3 phase you must order the 3 phase and the benifit is I Use #6 wire and by the amp draw I can run 150' cord. Also if you have any 3 phase equipment you can run it in the field or in the shop if the power is out. The regular single phase output is not enough to run the mig at full power but on 3 phase it works great. I have 100' leads on the welder and I done have to much trouble reaching most things. I also cary a Maxster 150sth that I use for TIG it also stick welds. I use this inside and in remote areas were my truck mont reach. The other item I could not live without is a my Miller 375 extreme plasma cutter. It runs on 110v or 220v with 22v having a higher range and duty cycle. I use it for cutting and  gouging I just love it. I run it with a 6.5 H.P. compresor and with the generator runing the plasma and the compresor it will and has run all day. I recently started my own welding service and have some other advice it you are interested. Feel free to  send me a pm. Steel Thunder Welding LLC. St. Thomas VI USAMM350PBOBCAT 3MAXSTAR 150 STH375 EXTREME PLASMA6.5 HP COMPRESORDEWALT 18, 24, AND 36 VOLTO/A TORCH SETAND SO MUCH MORE I DONT REMEMBERALL IN MY 2005 2500HD EXTENDED CAB L/B
Reply:I have a Miller portable welder with 4000 watt power. My question is does it have an inverter inside to make the 120 volt power and if so what does it look like?
Reply:I believe its an ac generator driven by the gas engine.  Definitely not any type of inverter if its. A bluestar trype welder/generatorTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:I'm trying to get a few opinions on some equipment.----------------------------My choice has always been a Lincoln SA200 welding machine (early 1950's model) and the largest acetylene bottle I could get on my truck (something that will run a #10 Victor rosebud for a long duration).Good Luck.HoboLincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawI believe its an ac generator driven by the gas engine.  Definitely not any type of inverter if its. A bluestar trype welder/generator