Shopping: Mig welder comparison

[Cord]

Would really like to get a inverter multi-process machine, but I'm also debating the merit of a purpose built mig welder. Here are the machines on my short list:

ESAB Fabricator 252i
ESABs 280
Lincoln 256
Miller 252

I'd also consider some of the aluminum 350 welders if I could find a good used one.

Thoughts????

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Very nice selection - I'd own any of them

Your list includes portable and not so portable.
I think I'd narrow down by what you need.
Do you need multiprocess portability or just a mig welder that stays in the shop?

I have a millermatic 210 full size machine that stays in the shop - I don't regret owning it even though I have some portable stuff too.

I also like having a mig separate from my stick welder as I sometimes use both together.

 

[Big Barn]

That's a nice list! I'm certain you'll be happy with any of those.

Have fun shopping.

Terry

 

[gilraine]

I love the Esab migmaster 280 we have at work.

 

[yomax4]

Would really like to get a inverter multi-process machine, but I'm also debating the merit of a purpose built mig welder. Here are the machines on my short list:

ESAB Fabricator 252i
ESABs 280
Lincoln 256
Miller 252

I'd also consider some of the aluminum 350 welders if I could find a good used one.

Thoughts????

I cringe when I see ESAB 252i. ESAB has / had nothing to do with Tweco / Thermal Arc. ****, ESAB doesn't even make anything at all except a small amount of wire which is mostly imported these days.. ESAB doesn't own anything. They don't even own themselves. They just Killed the Victor Torch line and replaced it with some cheap looking import low cost product. The ESAB Florence SC plant has been closed for 2 years. No welders built there since the Mig Master 250. The others were imports. Truth be known, The ESAB people were elated when Colfax bought Victor / Thermadyne. the Victor Thermadyne guys, Not so much.

 

[Cord]

Portability is something that I need to decide on. Frankly, I don't think I really need it, but the inverter stuff is pretty nice. The Fabricator will do everything that I need, but I know they are discontinuing it.

What about spending the money on a used Miller Shopmaster 300 or Syncrowave 250? The Shopmaster will do everything I want, but I'd have to add HF start. The Syncrowave has HF, but can it do MIG with a feeder?

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Portability is something that I need to decide on. Frankly, I don't think I really need it, but the inverter stuff is pretty nice. The Fabricator will do everything that I need, but I know they are discontinuing it.

What about spending the money on a used Miller Shopmaster 300 or Syncrowave 250? The Shopmaster will do everything I want, but I'd have to add HF start. The Syncrowave has HF, but can it do MIG with a feeder?

The Syncrowave 250 is a CC only tig/stick machine, so no CV for mig.

Multiprocess CC/CV machines are pretty nice.
I have a thermal arc 300 for that and it runs my suitcase feeder well.

 

[xring100]

I just bought a millermatic 252 in march not an inverter machine but its pretty nice and at least its assembled here in the U.S. looked at the lincoln 256 its also a nice machine. Features are easily accessible without going through menus like the miller. I believe the lincoln also had a 110v outlet for powering a grinder lights etc.

 

[2458n]

Hobart in Troy was big for years. Now a green space in town.

 

[yomax4]

Sorry all. The ESAB Victor concoction was a bad deal for a few hundred Victor Thermadyne folks that were let go 10 days before Christmas a couple years ago. ESAB managers made the call. Very nice for the families just before Christmas. Many were old friends.

 

[jack707]

Miller

 

[Big Barn]

Sorry all. The ESAB Victor concoction was a bad deal for a few hundred Victor Thermadyne folks that were let go 10 days before Christmas a couple years ago. ESAB managers made the call. Very nice for the families just before Christmas. Many were old friends.

Interesting to keep in mind. Stuff like that matters to me.

Terry

 

[coherent]

I have a small millermatic and love it. It's portable which does come in handy on accasion. A good friend is a welder by trade and has a welding business in my area. He's owned or used most every brand and swears by his miller machines. I also have a import TIG made by AHP that performs well and has never had any issues. For the price I have no complaints.

 

[johncanfield]

I have a Hobart Ironman 250 MIG, it will weld up to 1/2" in a single pass. Great machine and priced right, good support. I prefer dedicated boxes and not an all-in-one. Unfortunately a spool gun is really expen$ive.

 

[OkieDave]

I love my MM252. It's a far better welder than I am.

(Those who know me might call that "damning by faint praise," but seriously, it's great. Hasn't given me a lick of trouble.)

 

[Cord]

I think I might pick up a Lincoln 300mp I found over the weekend. Comes with a 25' cobra push-pull gun and a 12' mig gun. If I changed the gun liner, that long gun would certainly make up for the machine being less mobile than an inverter based unit. It's really intended to MIG aluminum, but it'll do steel. Plus I could TIG steel and it'll do stick as well. I don't need tig right now, but the ability to stick is important so I don't need a second machine for that occasional cast iron or hard facing project.

I agree with you on buying a machine that is better than you are. Makes it pretty easy to identify the source of the problem.

 

[Big Barn]

I find a cart for the welder and 15 foot mig gun makes it mobile enough for me. I like to keep the 25 Cobra set up for aluminum.


Here's one of mine (prior to paint) that would probably be suitable for your Lincoln.
Edit. Maybe your Lincoln is already on wheels.

Terry

 

[dragoneggs]

How are you punching all those pretty holes, Terry?

 

[Shield Arc]

Man oh man, that Terry is quite the craftsman! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[Big Barn]

How are you punching all those pretty holes, Terry?

Hi Mark.

I use either annular cutters or a Whitney sheet metal punch for the holes. They are then flared with dimple dies. (on material up to 1/8" thick). These dies strengthen panels with lightening holes.

Dimple dies:




Panel I recently made:

Terry