New member

[gdad]

I've enjoyed browsing your site and decided to join! I always enjoyed using and selling Miller products above all others. I love my Trailblazer 301G, just don't find time to use it enough!

[MAC702]

Welcome gdad!!

I, too, have a TB301G that wants to be used more often. It was especially saddened recently when I got the Maxstar 150 STH that plugs in almost anywhere!! Great machine, though!

[gdad]

Those Maxstars are very handy! Best of luck with your work in South America. Being a Christian myself, I support the work you are doing there.

[goatwelder]

another new member

Hi all. I just found this forum yesterday and found the posts to be very informative. I just bought a miller vs 12 suitcase welder. I have oly had a chance to try it out once. Any advice would be appreciated.

[MAC702]

Those Maxstars are very handy! Best of luck with your work in South America. Being a Christian myself, I support the work you are doing there.

Thank you! Actually, I forgot to change my signature on this forum; we got back two months ago after being there for six. I'm still getting used to it. We'll go back to South America next summer, but don't know which country yet. Lots of expansion going on there STILL. The Maxstar will go with me this time!

[MAC702]

Hi all. I just found this forum yesterday and found the posts to be very informative. I just bought a miller vs 12 suitcase welder. I have oly had a chance to try it out once. Any advice would be appreciated.

Did you buy an older one or the new Extreme model? From what power supply are you going to run it? Start a new thread about it at www.millermotorsports.com in the Ask Andy forum and you'll get us plus several more pros who are familiar more with using one.

[goatwelder]

vs 12

I bought it new but it is not an extreme model. I am using it on a Lincoln Ranger 250. I did go to the other forum but got no replies.

[MAC702]

I just bought a miller vs 12 suitcase welder. I have oly had a chance to try it out once. Any advice would be appreciated.

Well, I would say that general advice might be difficult without knowing what problems you might be having or expect to have. After all, many of us have voltage-sensing feeders, many of us even have the 12 VS, but the chances of one of us running specifically a 12 VS from a Ranger 250 is remote and some might think they don't qualify to give you general advice.

I guess, just start using it and let us know how it goes. Try it with both the CC output and the CV output, as it seems some machines work their voltage-sensing feeders better from one and sometimes it's different from another guy's machine.

[gdad]

I had a 12VS and it was a super feeder. I sold many of them and know they have been used very successfully on many different machines including the Ranger 250. I have not personally run a 12VS on a Rgr. 250, but I have run an LN-25 (the former Cadillac of voltage sensing feeders) on one quite a bit with no real complaints. I don't think you'll have any "feeder related" complaints no matter what machine you run it on. The power source dictates most of the performance you'll get. A lot depends on what type of welding you're doing. If you're using innershield wires, I think you'll do great with a lot of power sources. If you're trying to short-arc with solid wires, you'll probably be a little more picky on what power source to use. Some machines such as the Bobcat do a terrible job running solid wire, even on CV. Others, like the Trailblazers, Pipe Pro, etc. will rival the best shop machines. My experience has been that your particular red machine will do a pretty nice job with your first-class feeder.

[goatwelder]

Glad to know I got a good wire feeder.

I have never used a device like this and finding input from an experienced user for this particular model next to impossible. It seems most welders got to have the LM25. That’s why I got a good deal on the vs12. The shop just couldn’t sell it. I was just wondering if there was anything in general to look out for, situations to avoid, or how users felt about their machines, so I appreciate the responses.
I will mostly be using it with self-shielded wire since I got it for on the road and outdoor use. I have it set up for .045 with drive rollers for flux core. I will also use it with solid and dual shield if conditions permit it. I purchased the rollers for .030 solid wire for light indoor work away from the shop. I’m glad to hear others are happy with their machines.
I have occasion to hire out to a sign company for welding on large signs. I figured that this would greatly speed up my work since they use stick. Sometimes I use their machine, which just happens to be a Bobcat. Now I will know to bring my truck and ranger. That’s just the kind of advice I was looking for.
Thanks

[MAC702]

I don't think he frequents this board, and may have missed your post on the other board, but go back to www.millermotorsports.com and the Ask Andy forum and PM "dda52". He runs an 8VS feeder, the same thing just a smaller version. He may have advice. He runs it from an OLD Bobcat, but has hooked it up to other machines as well.

[gdad]

Rest assured that you made a good choice in feeders. I have owned both a 12VS and an LN-25 and have sold many of each. The LN-25 is an excellent feeder, but the 12VS is way better yet. Anyone who would want the Lincoln now has not been around the 12VS much. One other piece of advise-try running 1/16" self shielded wire. I like it much better than .045 and it does not take a huge machine to run it. Your machine or the Bobcat will run it just fine. As I was trying to say last night, the Bobcat should work great with your feeder running self shielded wire. I just think you'll find it a little dissappointing with solid wire. Also, don' forget to run your self shielded wire on straight polarity instead of reverse. Most guys know this, but often forget when changing back and forth between different kinds of wires. I see you are in Utah. I was a T.M. for Praxair in Logan, UT for several years and I know the guys at any of the Praxair stores in Utah have a lot of experience with these feeders and would be glad to help you. Not an advertisement, just a bit of advise. Good luck!

[goatwelder]

I’ll try the 1/16. I’ve never run anything that large before since most of my welding has been on smaller stuff and only used stick on larger stuff…that is until now muhaha ha ha. I’ve worked up in Logan but I live below salt lake so I deal mostly with the welding shops down here. I am excited to get out and try this thing. Thanks again.

[HelgothJ]

Hi, I decided to join today, after looking over the boards and the site. I do like welding projects even though im not good at it, though I am pretty good at wiring stuff

[fyoung]

welcome

Welcome and good luck with the trailblazer.
Farris