Suitcase Wire feeders

[GaryM]

I am looking at getting one to hook up to a 302g which would be the best way to go.

The only suitcase feeder i have used is a lincon LN-25 let me know guys what to get.


Gary

[HAWK]

GaryM,

Take a look at Miller's 8RC or 12RC suitcase feeders. These are true CV feeders powered through the Miller 14 pin connector on the TB 302G. You will need the feeder, drive rollers, the extension cord, mig gun and enough welding cable to reach the feeder.

The extension cords are available in 25', 50', and 75' lengths. The 8RC holds the 8" spools and the 12RC holds the larger spools up to 44lbs. There are only a couple of inches of difference in their outside dimensions. There is the plain version and the deluxe version of these units. The deluxe unit has digital meters and a trigger hold switch. The deluxe is only a couple hundred more dollars. The meters (voltage and amps) did not work with the TB 301G and probably won't work with the TB 302G since the Trailblazer lacks the feedback circuit necessary to run the meters. Miller does make a kit for about $100 to make them work, but who can watch the meters and weld? Not me. I have never even considered it. The dials have numbers for repeatability. The voltage and wire speed is completely adjustable from the feeder. There is no back and forth to the gas drive to get it dialed in.

Unless you are welding inside a submarine or similar confined space, the 12RC is a better value since the wire is cheaper by the pound in larger spools. Also some wires are just not available in the 8" spools. All total the set up costs around $2000.

The other option is a voltage sensing feeder such as the Lincoln LN-25 or the Miller 8VS or 12VS EXTREME. Voltage sensing feeders are great for spray arc and flux core, but lack in their short arc performance. The 12VS EXTREME is suppossed to have a better all around arc than other VS feeders. Since you have the CV capability on the TB 302 the RC suitcases are a better choice for most applications. The only reason you might go with a 12VS would be if dragging the 3rd cable (extension) is a problem. Working inside a rock crusher 24/7 365 is an example of where a VS unit might be more practical.

I have owned a 12RC for several years and ran it from a TB301G up until a year ago. Now I power it from an XMT machine in a shop most of the time. Occassionally it still hits the road. It is a great feeder. Miller makes all kinds of rollers including plain for steel wire, v-groove, u-groove, knurled, knurled/grooved combos, etc. There is a roller for just about every wire imaginable.

[DDA52]

I have a Miller 8VS. And so far, it is fitting my needs perfectly. I can't add much to Hawk's post, but I can reinforce one thought. I was looking at wire availability in a few types and sizes. There are way more around in the 12" size than the 8" spool. The 8" IMO will limit you a good deal if you plan on doing more than basic steel and alu. The wire just isn't available in the smaller spools like they are in the 12". As unfortunate as that is, it is a fact of life. Fortunately for me, it doesn't limit my jobs.
My .02 .

[HAWK]

DDA52,

Have you run the 8VS and a CV feeder like the RC series or 22A side by side? If so I was wondering what you think of the differences? For me it is harder to dial in the VS feeder for clean crisp low end short arc. The VS really does a nice job on the upper end of the spectrum.

[GaryM]

Thanks for all the info Hawk. I will look at cost here and go from there. Trying to get a moble service up and going so want to be able to do anything that may cun up.


Gary

[DDA52]

Gary
If you are trying to do anything that comes up, I'd say get a 12RC. Like Hawk said, it will get the most out of the Trailblazer and handle the bigger spools which will add versatility. I have an opportunity to get involved in some crusher rebuilding, but am unable to find the needed wire in a 8" spool.


Hawk
No I haven't been able yet. The friend of mine that has the crusher is going to get a 12RC soon I believe. Maybe then I'll get a chance. I'm not having a problem running down low. The lowest I've gone was running some 1/8 with fluxcore. Andy was right way back when. My voltage IS high. That makes thin stuff out of the question. I have noticed that it does run better on CC than on CV. .045 f/c runs ok on CV, but really rocks on CC. The same goes for the .035 solid and 75/25. The upper end was very smooth. I'm still playing around with it to see exactly what works best. My work load has been too heavy to get much accomplished lately.

Having a better upper end is exactly what I needed. I wanted the feeder for mobile work and to compensate at the shop for the lack of a big MIG when the need arose. So far, so good.

[HAWK]

Thanks for all the info Hawk. I will look at cost here and go from there. Trying to get a moble service up and going so want to be able to do anything that may cun up.


Gary

GARYM,

TIMING IS EVERYTHING. I JUST SOLD A COMPLETE SETUP WITH 300 AMP MILLER ROUGHNECK GUN, 8RC, AND 75 FOOT 14 PIN EXTENSION CORD FOR AN EVEN $1000. IT WAS ALL BRAND NEW AND IN THE BOX. IT BELONGED TO A FRIEND OF MINE THAT LOST HIS JOB AND NEEDED THE MONEY.

I was really shocked that nobody jumped on the deal. It was posted here on the site. Maybe it sounded too good to be true.

On the bright side the 12RC would be a better choice for you.

[HAWK]

DDA52,

Let me know how you like the 12RC your friend gets.