MIG arc characteristics

[pmcbs]

Is there a 220v MIG welder would have about the same or better arc characteristics of a TB301G? I have only owned engine welders bobcat's and now the Trailblazer 301. I'm trying to find a welder to put inside the shop?

[ASKANDY]

The Trailblazers MIG arc is great!! It's a 3phase arc that is as smooth as about any Mig unit with the exception of some inverters. You will not ever go back to a Bobcat after using the Trailblazer. Great purchase!

Have fun

Andy

[Teeps]

I'm guessing to have the same arc characteristics you'd have to have a 3 phase machine like the MM350 ? ? ?

However, I think the MM251 would suit you fine. Lots of rave reviews.

Personally I'm going to go with the bang/$$$ MM210 but I'm a shadetree welder.

Anybody have hands on use with a 220v mig, and the trailblazer for comparison?

[fun4now]

andy

i think you missed the point of the ??
i'm shoure you are right about never going back but
he is looking for a welder for in the shop



P.S. i hope this didnt sound mean

[wrench3047]

My weldors have a mm251, one is the guy that picked and loves it. The other is use to more power but can't complain, we haven't had a need for anything bigger.

[HAWK]

The MM251 has a sweet MIG arc and will compare to the Trailblazer arc. You will see some difference in the TB arc will be a little cleaner in my opinion. The ultimate MIG arc I have found is what I currently use in my shop.

The XMT 304 or XMT 350 with the inductance control provides an awesome arc and does not care if it is powered by 1 or 3 phase power. I am running a discontinued model of the XMT304 which is basically the same unit with "Auto-Line" and a lower range PC board for the thin stuff. It is the ALT 304. If you go with an XMT 304 / 350 you will need a separate feeder such as the 22A for the shop or the 12RC suitcase for portability. This runs into some cash.

The MM251 is a great machine as is what I have seen of the new MM350P which is big cash and probably more machine than you want or need.
Try the Miller MM251X

Also look at the Millermatic 350P

And just for the fun of it take a look at the
XMT 350

Here is a look at the 12 RC Feeder

Here is a sweet feeder made for daily use at a value price. I have its predecessor The Miller 22A Wire Feeder

[Sberry]

If the 251 would make enough power its the one I would get, cheap, good, simple. Heck, by the time a guy figures out what a good arc is he is usually way past his prime anyway, eyes shot and cordination on the downside, fingers smashed, so it dont make much difference anyway,,, hahahaha Another thing, depending on type of shop it would certainly make a diference on feeder choice, but the wire spool being inside the machine out of the dust and grit isnt all bad either.

[cope]

Heck, by the time a guy figures out what a good arc is he is usually way past his prime anyway, eyes shot and cordination on the downside, fingers smashed, so it dont make much difference anyway,,, hahahaha .

That's the truth. I don't know if its coordination or arthritis but my beads are not as straight as they used to be. If you are already seeing this at your age wait till you are on the back side of 50.

[Sberry]

Back in the day we used to throw parties and there was always the debate about the beer brand. We learned, first couple to make it the brand everyone was so fond of, after that we switched to Blatz at about 20$ a barrel cheaper, no one noticed the difference. I have never run inverters on stick machines so I cant comment, but back in my workforce days where I used dozens of different machines there was a lot of talk, this machine is better and that one, etc. A lot of it come from guys who's ability was certainly, lets say questionable compared to my own (didnt want to sound conceited here) ha,, ok, but when that machine was on the other side of the wall I couldnt tell which is which unless something was wrong with it. As far as I can tell my little Lincoln tombstone AC/DC is about as good as any of them, certainly up to the point where my skill would have to come into play as a deciding factor. I am sure its likely some of the pipeliner crowd could find some noticeable differences but the avg operator would be hard pressed to notice it. Out in the field about half the real noticeable problems I ever encountered was with the attachments, stingers and connectors.

[cope]

I have never run inverters on stick machines so I cant comment, but back in my workforce days where I used dozens of different machines there was a lot of talk, this machine is better and that one, etc.

I could tell a difference with stick on my PowCon, but it may have been the difference in AC VS. DC. The PowCon ran hot on stick and I never stuck a rod with it. The inverter made a funny high pitched sound on stick and it was distracting but it welded nice.

[Scott V]

Sberry in the mig mode there is something about a good inverter-arc that cannot be discounted. It generally will have inductance ,so when you spin that knob you can have a super crisp inverter arc or the softest arc you will ever weld with. You can not only see the effects but really hear them. Yes you would notice it for sure unless you are dead!!!

[HAWK]

Scottv,

That's very true. I have run many machines and brands and was happy with most of them. However, the ALT 304, Optima pulser, and 12RC suitcase makes a great combination. The MIG arc is one of the best arcs I have ever had the pleasure of burning. That holds true for short arc, globular transfer, spray, and pulsed spray. It has my vote for the best all around inverter arc for stick, TIG, and MIG in the DC mode. Yes the Dynasty inverters have more control over the TIG arc, but nonetheless the same arc quality is inherent in the ALT 304.

Cope,

The stick arc on the XMT 304 and ALT 304 is unbeatable. There is no whine with either if these machines that can be heard while welding. The whine is negligible at idle as well. If your head is touching the machine, the whine is more prevalent. I have said before and stand strong by this: If you cannot stick weld with the ALT or XMT, then you simply cannot weld. I am not talking about a certified stick weld as now ability comes into play. In this case a good clean 6" bead from one 1/8" rod would serve the purpose. The difference is that noticable.

[GunLocators]

Never compared to a TB but I own a MM251 and love it.