Esab makes an all in one unit, ARC, MIG and TIG. True it's expensive, but cheaper than owning all three and takes up less space.
http://products.esabna.com/EN/home/a...ster%C2%AE_300
Senior Member
3 in 1
Esab makes an all in one unit, ARC, MIG and TIG. True it's expensive, but cheaper than owning all three and takes up less space.
http://products.esabna.com/EN/home/a...ster%C2%AE_300
Senior Member
Miller made one I just passed on 250amps for $950 at a local school. Nice machine! Looks like the same machine, may have been a 300amp?
Last edited by flylo; 06-19-2012 at 09:30 PM.
The richest man hasn't the most but needs the least.
Keep Calm and carry Guns! Old Friend of Old Iron.
Always Plan for the Future but Live for the Moment!
Senior Member
It appears you have discovered a little concept that eludes so many people...
"Operator experience" makes a piece of equipment work much better!
Senior Member
Originally Posted by Mike Burdick
Perhaps so.....
But, considering that the previous time I had picked up a FCAW torch was well over a year previous in class, that I had maybe an hour of FCAW plus 20 class hours of Mig, and that I had done no more than probably 20 hours of TIG time since that, it might not be a LOT of experience.
In fact, I was shocked that I was able to do as well as I did. I'd say the beads were at least as good as anything I had done in class.
Senior Member
Flux core convert
I only use my MIG machine rarely, like every 60 days. But seems like every time I need it, that little gas cylinder is empty. And then there is the hassle of getting filled, and the inevitable "Hydro test is out of date, cost you $$$ to refill it". <grumble>
Couple years ago we were having a lot of upgrades to my workplace, including a new covered entry. Part of that was new handrails for the stairs and ramp. I noticed the welder doing this was using a 120V MIG with no gas. I asked him why he wasn't using gas. He told me working outside, he did not have to worry about wind, or running out of gas. One less thing to maintain. And his joints were as good as any I've seen.
Hey, if it's good enough for a pro, I ought to give it a look. So I bought a couple rolls of Thermadyne flux core and tried it on my next project. Works great. Although it's more expensive and it is consumed twice as fast, I won't be buying much gas in the future.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote