There were a lot of people asking for this forum. Use it and we will see how the traffic is.
David
David
Esab
David R
21 - 40 of 232 Posts
Got the machine, which has a Digipulse feeder with a plain aluminum "mystery box" attached. Stan Smith suggested it's an interface box for a push-pull gun (which I didn't get with it) and tech data confirms that.
Turns out ESAB 450i cvcc do pulse, but require pulse accessories to do it. They do 275A single-phase or 450A three-phase. Runs fine off a 50A breaker though I haven't maxed it out yet.
It stick welds nicely (I need one more cable to run the feeder) but requires an external control be plugged in. They won't strike an arc without the correct external accessories, but they will power up. Keep that in mind when inspecting used machines.
I find it quite annoying, since I want to do straight stick at a distance without a remote, but I'll settle for leaving a brick on the TIG pedal. It would be easy to make a dummy TIG control circuit and plug it into the connector, and I likely will.
These machines have been around a long time, and are originally an L-tec product. Internal inspection reveals they are very well made. I'd buy another. I'm sure the reason I got it cheap is low public awareness. Fine by me!
ESAB could make things MUCH easier for their customers by better indexing their download library and using INFORMATIVE file names. A few days work at most for one person. They could also support a user forum, but all they have is a (lame) Facebook page.
Miller and Hobart have by far the most useful corporate-sponsored forums, so they win by exposing potential customers to their offerings.
Turns out ESAB 450i cvcc do pulse, but require pulse accessories to do it. They do 275A single-phase or 450A three-phase. Runs fine off a 50A breaker though I haven't maxed it out yet.
It stick welds nicely (I need one more cable to run the feeder) but requires an external control be plugged in. They won't strike an arc without the correct external accessories, but they will power up. Keep that in mind when inspecting used machines.
I find it quite annoying, since I want to do straight stick at a distance without a remote, but I'll settle for leaving a brick on the TIG pedal. It would be easy to make a dummy TIG control circuit and plug it into the connector, and I likely will.
These machines have been around a long time, and are originally an L-tec product. Internal inspection reveals they are very well made. I'd buy another. I'm sure the reason I got it cheap is low public awareness. Fine by me!
ESAB could make things MUCH easier for their customers by better indexing their download library and using INFORMATIVE file names. A few days work at most for one person. They could also support a user forum, but all they have is a (lame) Facebook page.
Miller and Hobart have by far the most useful corporate-sponsored forums, so they win by exposing potential customers to their offerings.
If you want to stick weld. there is a control box that has two switches and a control knob.
the switches select mig or stick and output on. knob controls the output.
same box is used with the svi units, Ask jamie or stan about it. If they are no longer available should be able to get a wiring diagram and build one easy enough.
the switches select mig or stick and output on. knob controls the output.
same box is used with the svi units, Ask jamie or stan about it. If they are no longer available should be able to get a wiring diagram and build one easy enough.
Joined
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13 Posts
I have a esab multimaster 260 and very pleased with it. the only thing I regret about it. I cant tig weld aluminum with it.
Search the Hobart forums for posts on DC TIG using helium. Interesting stuff. I haven't tried it yet since I have no helium cylinder.
Inspecting my 450i, I noticed burn marks where the power cables go from the power switch past the case member next to it. Looks like those got pinched in the past as they and the protective strip they run across are new.
The cables were treated to some zip-tied "polyurethane anti-chafe" (strip cut from anti-freeze jug). The insulating material on the inside of the case panels will be replaced with something stouter, though I don't plan on bashing them in.
I visited a local welder repair shop where they mentioned disliking ESAB case interior layout in general, citing the 653 (insufficient ventilation) as an example. I see their point though the 450i has good cooling. FWIW they prefer to repair Miller of all brands.
Every used welding machine deserves a look-see inside to determine what you can improve.
Joined
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2 Posts
old feeder interface
Hi all i'm going nuts looking for what i think is an out dated external feeder power supply. About a year ago i bought a mobilmaster 2cv feeder with the intentions of runnung it off my stick welder as a power supply. I thought i was buying the newer cv/cc version witch run's the feeder from the arc voltage. My version has a 19 pin plug on the back to hook to the high$$ power supply's. I consulted the manual for a solution, never fear ! The manual for my feeder, the older 2e, and 4hd unit's all say theres a 115v ac to 42v ac interface available p/n 34351. can't find it . anyware ! the only info i'v found was in the feeder manual's i'v mentioned. Does someone have a better way of plugin this sucker into 115 than i know? should i cut my losses and buy the one i wanted in the first place? $'s tight right now and i could really use the feeder for side job's Thank's all, Rick. :drinkup:
Hi all i'm going nuts looking for what i think is an out dated external feeder power supply. About a year ago i bought a mobilmaster 2cv feeder with the intentions of runnung it off my stick welder as a power supply. I thought i was buying the newer cv/cc version witch run's the feeder from the arc voltage. My version has a 19 pin plug on the back to hook to the high$$ power supply's. I consulted the manual for a solution, never fear ! The manual for my feeder, the older 2e, and 4hd unit's all say theres a 115v ac to 42v ac interface available p/n 34351. can't find it . anyware ! the only info i'v found was in the feeder manual's i'v mentioned. Does someone have a better way of plugin this sucker into 115 than i know? should i cut my losses and buy the one i wanted in the first place? $'s tight right now and i could really use the feeder for side job's Thank's all, Rick. :drinkup:
Joined
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2 Posts
I'd trade up or down for a hefty or similar voltage sensing unit as long as it has a gas valve, torch, and work's on dc. My mobil master 2cv is in brand new condition it has a euro plug, with a 18 ft. tweco no.4 witch is also like brand new. Would also consider selling it for $500. Thank's Rick.
ESAB US welder manufacture going overseas.
Old news, but I didn't know about the moving of arc welding manufacture offshore:
"Under the new structure to be implemented by the end of the year, the manufacture of gantry cutting machines, arc equipment and plasma power supplies will be transitioned to other global factories."
http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/loca...ews/local/pee_dee/article/esab_announces_restructuring_florence_job_cuts/63798/
I'll use up what I have, but no new ESABs for me. They don't need my business if Americans aren't building (I check the factories which build my purchases) what I buy.
I'll be looking for American Made products from Miller or Lincoln. May they kill their competition.
Old news, but I didn't know about the moving of arc welding manufacture offshore:
"Under the new structure to be implemented by the end of the year, the manufacture of gantry cutting machines, arc equipment and plasma power supplies will be transitioned to other global factories."
http://www2.scnow.com/scp/news/loca...ews/local/pee_dee/article/esab_announces_restructuring_florence_job_cuts/63798/
I'll use up what I have, but no new ESABs for me. They don't need my business if Americans aren't building (I check the factories which build my purchases) what I buy.
I'll be looking for American Made products from Miller or Lincoln. May they kill their competition.
Farmall,
Apparently you don't know about the layoffs at Miller, or that Lincoln already imports most of its own product, or that ESAB isn't an American company to start with...
Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, and Thermal Arc all makes stuff off shore already as well.
Apparently you don't know about the layoffs at Miller, or that Lincoln already imports most of its own product, or that ESAB isn't an American company to start with...
Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, and Thermal Arc all makes stuff off shore already as well.
ESAB absorbed the US operation in Florence, but is snuffing it. Multinational company, but getting rid of the US workers. I'd not object if they had kept them.
I mentioned I check the origin of the specific machines I buy new, not that I shoot for the impossibility of PURE US production.
A "welding power supply origin thread" WOULD be interesting though.
I mentioned I check the origin of the specific machines I buy new, not that I shoot for the impossibility of PURE US production.
A "welding power supply origin thread" WOULD be interesting though.
Joined
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745 Posts
I have a Migmaster 251 and love it far better than the lincoln & miller migs I've used, but I'm all for buying the best quality I can afford not catering to which local economy produced it. My shop has stuff from snap on and bridgeport thats American made, German Haberle and Wurth and a host of other goodies. Don't fool yourself into thinking that Chinese only make crap, I'm sure there are very determined and capable chinese factories but the crap market is quite lucrative if you can produce it cheap enough and still make a profit.
Chinese make excellent computers and electronics. I don't mind buying when there is no competition and their work is superior. Their low prices and high quality kickstarted the consumer PC revolution in the US.
They aren't there yet with welding machines, so I'll try not to fund their development. There is not currently a Chinese "welder equivalent" of their Lenovo Thinkpad.
They aren't there yet with welding machines, so I'll try not to fund their development. There is not currently a Chinese "welder equivalent" of their Lenovo Thinkpad.
I just picked up a Migmaster 275, it says made in the USA right on the top.
I have welded with a lot of Lincolns and Millers, including both the 350P and the 350MP and the 275 blows both of them away. I would also take it over the XMT's also. Ran about 20lbs through it in the last several days and I am real impressed. The price was right too.
I have welded with a lot of Lincolns and Millers, including both the 350P and the 350MP and the 275 blows both of them away. I would also take it over the XMT's also. Ran about 20lbs through it in the last several days and I am real impressed. The price was right too.
It's a real good machine alright, but is no longer in production. The Swedish 280 replaces it. The 260 muti-master is still being made here. I prefer it to the 275, but that's just me.
Some are still coming of the line. My friend was just down in Florence SC, and used some of the new Swedish mig stuff. Auto sense which gas or wire type and corrects the arc to suit.
The thing about the 275 was, it is/was a really good machine that was selling well. Can the new Swedish Migmaster 280 pro match that?
The thing about the 275 was, it is/was a really good machine that was selling well. Can the new Swedish Migmaster 280 pro match that?
Joined
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59 Posts
Getting ready to purchase a new mig welder next week and was looking to get something in the 250amp range and was wondering has anyone used one of the esab migmaster 215 pro yet? How would you rate it compaired to a lincoln powermig 216?
I'd let them build it for a few years before buying. I follow that rule with lots of equipment and it has served well. Always let early adopters find out if something has problems.
Lincolns take generic Tweco-style consumables and fit Tweco guns, while ESAB Tregaskiss-style consumables are more expensive.
Lincolns take generic Tweco-style consumables and fit Tweco guns, while ESAB Tregaskiss-style consumables are more expensive.
Joined
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3 Posts
Hey, Im new here...interesting stuff. I have a Migmaster 251 as well and its still working...top notch! I know someone who works with some ESAB people and will ask about the new swedish machines.
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