What features would you like to see on a MIG/GMAW gun?

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Hey everybody,Just doing a bit of research - what features do you like about your typical hand-held semi automatic MIG/GMAW gun? What features do you wish you could get on a gun?Any ideas/suggestions/wish lists welcome! Green Light thinking here, no suggestions are bad ones!Thanks,Ryan
Reply:Welcome Ryan to the board.For my tastes,  I like sensitivity in the switch.  Particularly to have the switch cantilevered,and not the push-in type switch found on so many guns is one way to achieve that.  A sturdy nozzle, thick enough to handle the heat without the asbestos like lining disintegrating, or coming out of the nozzle when it is pulled off for cleaning is a good idea for me.   A quick release for the contact tip so fixing burn-backs is quick and easy would be even better.  Also maybe some sort of nonstick, high heat coat on the nozzle so that spatter won't stick inside the nozzle seems like an obvious choice if possible.A sturdy, generous sized hook to hang the nozzle up that won't get bent or twisted easily is also a requisite.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Sticher for stringing spot welds on thin metal.Lincoln PT185 TIGLincoln 175 MIGLincoln 240 amp AC StickLind Needle Arc plasma welderPlasma cutter, soon???
Reply:It would have to be incorporated into the machine, how 'bout a dual heat setup two position switch. Great for when the fitup isn't just perfect.A quick type of thread for the nozzle so the damn spatter deosn't make the nozzle impossale to remove without the diffuser coming off with it.....without the asbestos like lining disintegrating....
Reply:I would like to see s switch lock to keep from accidently jogging the wire. weld it like you own it
Reply:I would like be able to adjust the wire speed at the gun while welding with my OEM mig gun. Just like the dedicated Python push pull gun set up I use with aluminum.
Reply:a switch lock would be nice or some kind of stand off protection sort of like the hand guard thingy on a sword that keeps the fingers intact when the enemy slashes at the hand.  It called the bail I think.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Thanks for the great feedback so far guys!Keep the suggestions rolling in!I know we already offer some 'lock-out' options for certain styles of guns, to prevent the accidental jogging you're talking about...Anyway, keep the suggestions coming!Thanks again,Ryan
Reply:Originally Posted by OMSI would like be able to adjust the wire speed at the gun while welding with my OEM mig gun. Just like the dedicated Python push pull gun set up I use with aluminum.
Reply:I Love the lockout feature on the new LN-25 pro's makes big old full pen welds a breaze.  I would like to see a gun that could accept flexible goosenecks for innershield wire that you could bend around into different positions to allow the most comfortable welding position.In a mig gun a self insulating nozzle that could easily be adjusted for more or less coverage of the contactor.   Say when im running stainless wire I like to run the tip "Proud" of the nozzle a bit I usually end up taking a regular nozzle to the belt sander to get that effect.  and since were just bouncing ideas off the wall some magical anti dingle berry coating would be awesome also.  I get tired of having to clean the nozzle every time I start a new project.MUST be self insulating nozzles.  I hate the screw on 2 piece insulators.And a gooseneck that's well insulated where it wont exceed 120deg when welding high duty cycles.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:What company do you work for?-Matt------------------------------------------