Powermig 300

[Mark Prosser]

Have been looking at the powermig 300. The welding shop is going to bring in one so I can demo it. I am looking to use it for mig and stick welding. this may be the one I end up buying. I looked at some of the Miller versions, such as the CST 400 but all of there inverters are derated for single phase operation. You pay for a 400 amp machine but only get a 300 amp one. That is why I am leaning toward the Lincoln units. Any comments?
Thanks

[Scott V]

Mark,I think you get 225 amps out of that one on single phase.The powermig also has a 6010/7018 stick setting also.You get a peak output of 360 amps out of the single phase 300 powermig.I like the fact that everything is on the machine,and ready to go,no pulse,or feeder to buy.Right now I have my stick,mig gun,python setup,and tig torch mounted on the machine ready to go.I can use three out of four processes without a change over.I have to swap setups between the aluminum,and standard mig gun.Everything is inside the storage for a fast change over.A double bottle rack would be nice also,I have to work on that one. I like the way it welds steel,something that always gets overlooked on that machine.Be sure to mess with the run in speed,and the inductance,and even the manual #5 setting with .035 wire.Have them setup some 90/10 gas,and try some pulse mig,spray mig.

[rangerod]

Scott - Double Cylinder Rack

Scott

Have you looked at the rack that is already on the machine? I am planning on using it & extend it out for the second bottle. I have not worked out the details but I am prety sure it will work just by adding two bolts, we'll see

[Scott V]

Rangerod,I will have to use a style like that,because of the size of my argon bottle.I also made some holders of the back top of the bottle rack for a tig torch on one side,and the python curled up ready to strike at the first piece of thin aluminum that gets to close.My other welder right next to it is my steel welder,so I don't have to swich guns all the time.If I want to I can pull the gas of of that one.I might build one just to use my home made bending brake for my Ironworker.Its made out of 0.125 angle,and I have bent some 0.250 mildsteel,and around 0.180-304 SS.It held together so far.It was all scrap steel,and cost me nothing.The Edwards one is $700.00. Maybe post some pics if you come up with something.That always speeds me up a whole lot.That way I don't have to think that hard.

[Mark Prosser]

Scott
The is talkin MIG mix for the demo, I think this is 90/10. Is this a good mix to use in general or is there something better for 1/8 to 3/8 steel. i think I will see if he will throw in the dual cylinder rack, as I would like to try aluminum sometime when I can afford a spool gun.

[Scott V]

That is a very good gas for a demo of that machine.you also could use some 86/14 is Airgas a mix.It will run all gases well even co2.The one I am not setup for is some .045 mild steel wire.I have a feeling that machine just might short arc the stuff real well.Which will be kind of different from most machines.