Builds Fly By Night

[WarDamnEagle]

Had a couple different models from a couple different manufacturers that I was looking at. Was also considering a multi-process unit, but very few of them can do AC TIG at the price range I was in.

I'm pretty wide open at the moment. Learned to weld on a Lincoln tombstone and could lay a pretty good bead when I was 15. I would be starting completely over with MIG. A nice TIG weld is a work of art. Really loved watching pipewelders over the years laying TIG roots on large-bore stainless.

 

[bobm]

Nice. Kinda, sorta in the market myself.

MILLER

 

[WarDamnEagle]

MILLER

211 or?

 

[bobm]

Did some Pipefittin, Laundra matts, all Stainless weldin and black pipe for steam. Miller makes a Multi process that does Mig, Tig, Stick, and dual plug, Pricey but my O ( ****IN) Pinion worth the just under 3 gs. I have Millermatic 211 autoset like brand new i might entertain lettin go

 

[bobm]

With Alum spool gun maybe

 

[RHINO]

Good choice on the Loncoln, love mine

 

[Unimogguy]

As this engine mount weld job has gotten closer, I’ve been setting my sights to upgrade my welding game. There’s still several more welding projects to do besides the engine mounts, most of them involving 3/16” - 1/4” steel, so the machines I’ve been looking for need to be able to easily weld those thicknesses and beyond, while only requiring a 220v power source.

Going back to late 2019/ early 2020 when I was fabricating the new spring hangers, I borrowed my friend’s Lincoln Power MIG 255. Loved that machine! Been spending the last couple months looking for one. Long story short, found one 45 minutes away at a good price, so I pulled the trigger.

One of the other requirements I had besides its amperage output, was the ability to hook up a spool gun and MIG weld aluminum. This machine also checks that box. Didn’t get a spool gun yet, but here down the road shortly…

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Why are you only looking for 220? Because it’s generally a residential maximum voltage?

Have you considered adding a 3-phase converter? They are relatively inexpensive and would allow you to use other 3-phase equipment if spec’d properly.

We purchased a 3-phase converter in 2016 to run our production equipment (80 qt mixer, dough sheeter, fryer) at the donut shop. We didn’t have 3-phase at the shop. AEP (energy provider) said it would be $12k to have a pole dropped in our back yard and 3-phase run from the street behind us. Installed it was $1,500.

 

[RUSH55]

Why are you only looking for 220? Because it’s generally a residential maximum voltage?

Yes

 

[bobm]

Mmmmmm s

 

[RUSH55]

Have you considered adding a 3-phase converter?

No, that thought never occurred to me.

 

[RHINO]

Have you considered adding a 3-phase converter?

3 phase has advantages, but I think the cost of true 3 phase for a home shop is not worth it.

I also think, with most folks, a 3 phase converter is going to be a static converter, which only starts your machine in 3 phase then runs it on single, which of course is no good for 100% motors, welders, chop saws and other common metal shop equipment.

 

[Megadoomer]

3 phase has advantages, but I think the cost of true 3 phase for a home shop is not worth it.

I also think, with most folks, a 3 phase converter is going to be a static converter, which only starts your machine in 3 phase then runs it on single, which of course is no good for 100% motors, welders, chop saws and other common metal shop equipment.

also very expensive if you are at the end of a long run that is single phase. Then they have to add a 3rd wire, and in some cases a fourth as a ground to every pole and that can cause a whole pole re-work to accommodate. usually single phase is old and no longer compliant and to do that kind of work triggers cost prohibitive needs.

 

[bobm]

No, that thought never occurred to me.

I think for what you're doing at home! You really dont need an upgrade in your service. I would research more welders with the service you have! Most of the New welders conventional or inverter tech can weld up to 3/8 or more sometimes higher with multi- passes! Do you see yourself welding 1/2 inch plate frequently in the near future?? Thought so! If you can weld 1/4 inch in a single pass at home, you have the perfect welder. Maybe a Miller Bobcat that will run your house if you lose power . And weld whatever you need

 

[scrapdaddy]

Here's an idea if someone really wants 3 phase. I have a 4 cylinder Onan military generator that will run single or 3 phase, just switch cables and run what you want, when you want. J Mack is running 3 phase, but he's got all the good sheet in his shop.

 

[RUSH55]

I have a 4 cylinder Onan military generator that will run single or 3 phase, just switch cables and run what you want, when you want.

Now I like that idea!

Really though, this welder is gonna take me on through pretty much any home or shop project I’m going to have. The issue I’m looking at now is the probability of upgrading to a 220v powered dual stage air compressor.
I have one 220 outlet for the dryer. So now there’s the probability of running another leg out of the fuse box and out towards the front of the garage. Gonna need to get more knowledgeable minds involved cause I don’t really know much about it.

 

[scrapdaddy]

 

[RUSH55]

Yeah baby!!

 

[PabloCruise]

With Alum spool gun maybe

Tease!

 

[Unimogguy]

Here's an idea if someone really wants 3 phase. I have a 4 cylinder Onan military generator that will run single or 3 phase, just switch cables and run what you want, when you want. J Mack is running 3 phase, but he's got all the good sheet in his shop.

This is a great idea! They’re relatively inexpensive and portable to cover all the bases. Plenty of them here for sale: Search Results - https://www.govplanet.com/jsp/s/search.ips

 

[scrapdaddy]

I got my set @ 12 years ago from a government auction. The trailer came with two generator sets, so I removed one and put a 225 gal. fuel tank in it's place. The house and shop can be powered up within minutes.