Inverter welder care and storage

[MikeRa]

Hey Guys,
I consider myself new to welding and just purchased a Multimatic 215. I've only used it for about 4 hours but so far so good.
This is my first inverter based welder and my question is about any differences in the care and storage of the inverter based welder compared to the transformer type. If you keep it in your shop all of the time, in a somewhat controlled environment, not an issue. I plan to move this tool. In the truck, in the van, in a shed on-site, in the shop... etc. I use a transformer based machine in an old shed that has not been directly wet but not in a controlled environment for years (some wind blown rain/snow possible) without problem. How careful do I need to be?
Thanks,
Mike

[ryanjones2150]

Blow it out once in a while, keep it out of the line of fire from grinding dust, don't kick it down the stairs and try to keep it covered when you're not using it. Should be pretty skookum.

[aametalmaster]

I have seen inverter's sitting in the refinery in the weather. But i won't treat mine that bad...Bob

[pat h]

I read a post here years ago adopt breaking in inverters I have idled mine when new for about half to one hr even transformer machines and never just start a machine and weld I let them run before using them if they sit with out use I let them run for awhile before using have 2 inverters since 2003 xmt and dynasty still running strong sure you could find the post I'm talking about lucky I've done this since new cause post is about maybe from 6 or 7 years ago by a service tech in my case even a blind squirrel gets a nut now and then and keep them clean in and out

[Olivero]

Millers machined in general seem to be really durable, my dynasty 200 has been in the Florida humid heat, Fallen down the stairs with it once on my shoulder and my helmet on the back, nothing broke *phew* someone pushed a cart it was on and smack daddied it into the wall, got a few scratches but it runs as good now as it did 2 days ago. Blowing it out with compressed air when it is off and unplugged is a good idea though, all kinds of stuff collect in there.

[mongobird]

I would exercise some caution when blowing out. I don't know about the Multimatic 215 (nice choice BTW) but I understand that many Miller boards are epoxy dipped. If not, and there are surface mount components, you can knock conductive debris into cracks an crevices, where it could cause a board malfunction. I much prefer using a soft brush and vacuum on electronics. Like the old lady's upholstery attachment for the canister vacuum.

Another idea is to use a product like 3M Filtrete (sp?) which is essentially sheets of soft filter material) on the cooling fan area. The idea is to catch the dirt before it gets in to the unit. I have a Multimatic 200, and have not done this on that machine, but I do use supplemental filter material on computers and other fan cooled electronics.

The final idea I have, is that you will want to avoid situations where there can be condensation on the unit internally. Like when a very cold unit is brought into a moist warm area. My concern would be that moisture and internal dust can create a corrosive internal to your unit, and could impact connections and exposed circuitry causing a problem years down the road. The second condensing concern is that condensation could create a mechanism for migration of conductive "dust" which could short something out on a circuit board.

All said, my guess is that common sense taking care of your machine will be quite adequate, as we don't hear many tales of inverter welders being maintenance headaches.

[Olivero]

Miller used to do Filters but I think they stopped doing them either because people forgot about them and the machine would overheat. I remember a prior thread regarding it but their boards, as most boards are these days, are coated in a non conductive material of some sort, gives it kind of like a glossy sheen.

[H80N]

Here is a useful post by CRUIZER

There are quirks with all machines. The millers require basic maintenance yearly, ya don't and yes there are problems. I make rental firms open new units up , inspect and tighten the backs of the output studs. Red loctite is added so they don't come loose. And yearly to tighten all connectors, and mod screws as they always heat loosen.

also there is a problem with the plastic strain reliefs on the backs of the machines, as they overly squish the primary's together. This causes electrical noise. And ends up taking out the machines over time. I replace them with a standard. Sleeved version.

KInda buying a car, never changing the oil, then wondering why it broke down...

The whole thread is worth reading

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/forum/welding-discussions/34656-miller-tig-inverters-fail-often