Who has a Powermig 350mp??? or runs one

admin

For those of you who have one or run one in a shop a bunch, how user friendly is it to set up and run. Im mainly questioning the computer programing side etc.  I mean when you shut it off and turn it back on, Do you have to redo all the programming etc to mig.I'm used to running a Millermatic 250. You just turn it on and go.  Is the Lincoln gonna be a pain to operate.ALSO, I thinking about the Lincoln over the Miller also because it has STICK capabilities.How hard is it to change from mig to Stick? Whats the process to swap over to STICK from MIG.Is the STICK on this machine good??Im running a Miller thunderbolt XL 300/200.  Its a 200amp DC machine.
Reply:I guess what my goal is so everyone will no what im doing...I want a good mig capable of 3/8 material. However If I can get a machine that can do both MIG and STICK and I can roll it around my shop I think this is a good plan.  My Miller thunderbolt is a 200amp dc. I'm running it on 150-170 so I have it pretty loaded up.So most importantly is a high quality mig. But if I can swap from mig to stick in a decent amount of time and the Stick will outdo the miller hands down then I think i'll go with it.I just need some reassurance on the Lincoln machine. I don't want to have to sit there for 10 mins and program a computer every time I make change in mig welding (say switching from 1/8 to 3/8 material) or swap over to stick from mig.I guess my other option is get a Lincoln or Miller 250amp MIG and then keep on trucking with my Thunderbolt STICK welder.So thats my Dilema??
Reply:When I ran a pipe shop...I had a power mig and a regular mig that was a lincoln...I liked it alot...the settings were just a matter of changing the numbers...if you shut it off...It started right were it was before...It stick welded wonderfully and it had a lift arc tig!  And it could incorperate a foot peddle[...At my school and my current job we have xmt's and a variity of other migs...xmt's are nice...they run real sweet!!  For tig and stick welding , we have several syncrowaves and 4 Dynasties...In fact we just bought a brand new Dynasty last friday!!   So for a all purpose machine...Yes I would buy a power mig...I like the xmt's aswell...rent one for a month...then buy the one YOU like!!  Its a small price to pay for a machine that  is going to serve you for years!!Jonesy
Reply:Anyone else have input, I just can't see why i would go with the Millermatic 350p being that the Lincoln also has the STICK capability where the miller doesn't... any more thoughts
Reply:We use them at the local college in various forms.  It is a very versatile machine.  You do not have to worry about losing memory.  In fact these machines have ability to connect to a laptop.  In the  future if there is a custom current that is not included in your machine,, say for a special type of cored wire, you will be able to download the software to your machine and it is instantly upgraded.  With the extreme shortage of helium for example there will be some new mixes in the coming years.
Reply:I have the Lincoln 350MP and have been using it for over a year with excellent results. The only memory loss is when I forget all the possible settings and processes this unit is capable of.I have had to make copious notes in the operator's manual to short cut going from one process to another. The Miller is also a fine machine too and I believe uses inverter technology.
Reply:That sounds good, im just basically making sure this machine is the best for what im needing and has top of the line Mig and Stick capabilities.
Reply:The Lincoln PowerMig 350 P is a very user friendly, multi purpose welding platform.I have an older PM300, and a new PM350 at the shop.  The PM350 is on a custom cart, with pnematic tires, dual bottles, Shell Ryn cable reels (100' of #2/0 cable per reel) Tig torch, and seperate positive (+) ground for GTAW DCEN.I also have the foot amptrol for the Tig, and the 857 100' remote for stick work at a distance.I use the machine HARD, and switch daily between  GTAW, GMAW, SMAW, and CAC-A.  While you are learning, you can leave the machine on Synergic control and the software will select the correct Voltage for you, then when you are more comfortable, switch to non-Synergic and customize the arc to your preferences. Unit is also capable of GMAW-P (pulse) but I do not use it.  I may later when I cut down an old gun  to 10 or 12' and put in a teflon liner.I also have the option to upgrade to the spoolgun, but I already have a MM251 and 30A spoolgun.Miller does not have a product in the MillerMatic line that will touch this machine for it's ease of use or versatility.The Lincoln PM 350 will do everything you want and more.  No ProblemLater,Jason
Reply:My perspective is as a home hobby user.I agree with everyone else that the PM300/350 is an excellent machine. I have the PM300 and have enjoyed using it. The only shortcoming that I have found is in the documentation - related to process and setup. Sometimes the information I need is on the right door of the machine, sometimes the informaiton is in the owners manual, sometimes I simply send an email to Lincoln support.And I do have to admit that I do not like the "gull wing doors" that open upwards on both sides of the machine. They work perfectly well until I try to come up with a way to put something above the welder - like my plamsa cutter or ...  I have a very small shop and space is precious. Not being able to build a cart that utilizes the space above the welder because the "gull wing doors" need to have a place to go oabove the welder is somewhat of a pain. But that is the only issue that really irks me about the machine and I'm willing to put up with it to get all of the other features.