Thinking ahead

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I’m already thinking about my next welding machine.   My Miller MM215 is still in the shop for repairs, but I expect it to be fixed in the next day or so.    I like the idea of getting a multi-process unit, and have been reading the advice here on some threads lauding the MM255.  Its duty cycle is better than my 215 for sure, but metal thickness is  listed as 1/2” on a single pass on mild steel, while my 215 is 3/8” on a single pass.I want to do some repair and light fabrication when I retire, and could use the 255 with my generator for mobil welding on different sites, but an engine driven unit like the Bobcat 260 seems a pretty good choice, and would give me some arc gouging capability, and well as multi-process capability, and mobility.  If I wanted to use it in my shop environment, then with running gear it could be rolled outside, and with sufficient length leads could still be an effective shop unit, I think.   For you experienced guys, is my thinking flawed, or feasable?    Given my desire to be mobil, do you like the Bobcat 260 better, and is it enough amperage for most things including 1/2” plate welds, and what about AR-500 welding?    I have thought about targets for shooting ranges.   I have some connections with some in the training businesses.Last edited by RCWelds; 6 Hours Ago at 08:55 PM.Miller Multimatic 215Spoolmatic 150 spool gun, Miller TIG kitPrimeweld Cut 60 Plasma CutterVevor Pipe StandsBauer Portaband/Swag tableGrinders-Milwaukee, Porter Cable, DewaltArcUnion M-20 portable rod oven
Reply:A 255 is a shop machine and a Bobcat is for mobile. Forget the thickness ratings, the 255 is 2x the machine a 215 is.  Using engine drive for shop fab gets old fast and given fuel cost would pay to i find something electric. While is noble to want to do portable would take a long time for a part timer not familiar with the biz to make back the investment.Last edited by Sberry; 6 Hours Ago at 09:00 PM.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:The 255 should do 1/2" no problem
Reply:

Originally Posted by robert-r

The 255 should do 1/2" no problem
Reply:The 255 is a beast. I love mine. pulse MIG and or dual shield flux core would make short work of half inch plate. I personally wouldn't trust any welder to properly weld anything thicker than 5/16-3/8 with short circuit MIG. That said I agree with Cary (Sberry). Its a shop machine. I wouldn't trust it in the back of a tuck or on a trailer. If mobile work is a firm requirement, I think you need two different welders, one for the road and one for the shop.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Have you considered the Trailblazer engine drive ? I have a 302 and its great ! They have a independent welder / generator. You can weld while someone uses the generator and the arc is not affected. this is really nice when the generator is the only power source available. An engine drive is great for emergency power at home too. Not as efficient as a generator but saved me a few times. I've done many in field farm implement repairs, all stick welding.
Reply:You said “repairs” and light fabrication. Not sure what repairs you are considering.   A 215 will handle that 1/2”? A generator can provide power.  You probably should work a bit before sinking money to seem where your repair money will come from.  I would only look at a large mig for extended duty cycle, unless I had a steady diet of 1/2 or better.  You can weld larger with a smaller machine.  As far as engine drive,  I find it entertaining to see folk towing a sa-200 to do a gate repair.  Or better, a new machine, monthly payment and doing a gate repair.However if you have and want to spend the money on nice toys,  I ain’t gonna be mad.Good luck.
Reply:I'm sort of old school(maybe because I'm old

), but I'd rather see you get a scarfing tip for your O/A instead of plunking down a ton of money on an engine drive for use with an arc gouger.  And, you don't have to fool around with a compressor when you use a scarfing tip.