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I got a "tap on the shoulder" this week at work and was asked: "you can weld, right?" (I'm an IT guy) and of course I answered "yes". I was then asked if I wanted to be involved in a fabrication project with the potential to do production runs if the "prototype" is a sucess. I thought about it for about 2 nano-seconds (IT guy speak) and answered "YES!". I was told to compile a list of all the tools I need and the company will buy it all.My 15+ years experience is with hobby class machines, 125's 180's, AC buzz boxes, etc so I don't know what to look for in the next class of machines.I'd like to spec out a mig machine with a closer to 100% duty cycle and is capable of single and 3 phase. Although the work will primarily take place in a commercial facility with 3 phase power, I will "bring home work with me" at times to fab in my shop and install later. A dual phase machine will let me use the welder in both locations.The project is strickly mild steel, up to 3/8" but could occationaly have some 1/2" stuck in there.I did a quick search and landed on a Millermatic 350P but wanted to get some opinions from the professionals before recommending anything.
Reply:My other thought would be an XMT and a wire feeder. One thing about the XMT is that you will also have the option of stick, and DC tig as well as mig by adding the apropriate addons.About the only thing that I see as a down side on th XMT series, is that the MM350P would be spooolgun or push pull ready and have pulse as standard. With the XMT 304/350 you'd have to get the optional pulse kit added (standard on the XMT 350MPa) and have to add a spoolgun controler.If someone else was footing the bill, I'd want an XMT350Mpa with an 8 or 12 RC wire feeder, 2 50' lengths of stick lead, 2 50' lengths of cable for the feeder, WP17v tig torch and reg, (WP20 and cooler if I was doing a ton of tig), Spoolmatic 30 Spoolgun and controler (if I was planning to do serious alum with the spoolgun then the push pull set up)On a budget, the XMT304, and any of the feeders at a minimum. And add the tig or spoolgun components if needed.This setup would let you do just about anything except AC tig..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Hey Mark,Personally, I use MIG for all my production runs as that provides the optimum profit level. Any company has to insure that all production runs can/will be done with the minimum expended time which is labor, & the end result will be a profit with all material & labor costs tallied. I would definitely opt for the 350P over anything else with your data posted. Since I do a varied mix of metals, ie., steel, SS, alum., I have individal MIG units set up for each so as to reduce wasted time changing over wire/gas per application. Also, some jobs(production) will require a premium aesthetic finish, & the 350P can produce that. If aesthetics is the primary factor, then TIG would be the process to apply. The customer has to make the final decision regarding their needs. I also have the option to furnish samples as to MIG or TIG so the customer can actually "see" the differences. They are also informed of the difference in costs. Anyway, just some fodder to contemplate & provide your employer some sound reasoning in your choice.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Thanks for the quick responses!From what I understand about the project so far, I'll be working with angle, plate and rectangular tubing in 1/4" and 3/8" mostly. We're building hanging shelving assemblies to hold a pair of generators and fuel tanks with a combined weight of a little over 2200lbs. Astetics of the welds isn't important, just a good strong bead is all that's desired.The design calls for alot of welds and some really long continues beads which is why I'm looking to go to a professional class machine versus using my MM180 (which is still an option). Plus, if they want to buy the machine, then I'm game to learn and get to the next level.I like the idea of the XMT, I didn't see that it's multi-phase as well as multi process. Plus it's upgradeable when/if needed. I'll call my welding supplier for a price check.
Reply:Originally Posted by markfugaI got a "tap on the shoulder" this week at work and was asked: "you can weld, right?" (I'm an IT guy) and of course I answered "yes". I was then asked if I wanted to be involved in a fabrication project with the potential to do production runs if the "prototype" is a sucess. I thought about it for about 2 nano-seconds (IT guy speak) and answered "YES!". I was told to compile a list of all the tools I need and the company will buy it all.My 15+ years experience is with hobby class machines, 125's 180's, AC buzz boxes, etc so I don't know what to look for in the next class of machines.I'd like to spec out a mig machine with a closer to 100% duty cycle and is capable of single and 3 phase. Although the work will primarily take place in a commercial facility with 3 phase power, I will "bring home work with me" at times to fab in my shop and install later. A dual phase machine will let me use the welder in both locations.The project is strickly mild steel, up to 3/8" but could occationaly have some 1/2" stuck in there.I did a quick search and landed on a Millermatic 350P but wanted to get some opinions from the professionals before recommending anything.
Reply:I've been drooling over the XMT350 or the MM350P for quite some time now, just can't convince myself to spend the money until I figure out how to let the smoke out of my 30 year old Linde. She pushes my LN-25 and Cobramatic just fine.Dont pay any attention to meIm just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by Fat BastardMM 252 will do this jog just fine and is what I would see you understanding well with your experience level |
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发表于 2021-9-1 00:19:55