Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi, I'm now contemplating the replacement/upgrade of my Hobart Handler 150... I have a new Dynasty 200DX for TIG and stick, and like having the MIG as well. I am finally getting around to building/fabricating tool stands, tables, etc. I am a hobbyist and not using for a business, however I appreciate the quality of tools. I have at times needed to weld 3/8" and 1/2" material and this is not so well done with an air cooled TIG or the HH150.

The new Millermatic 252 really strikes my interest. It is probably more machine than needed and for that matter, I can get by with what I have, but!...this new stuff is really neat and I like it!

My Dynasty 200DX and Hypertherm 45 are awesome, a whole new world of welding... Next major project might be making a CNC Plasma table...

Am I crazy not to get one at $2250, or why should I not upgrade to the Millermatic 252?

Glen,
I have had my 252 for 3 years now and it has been a great machine. I have NEVER had any problems with it. I used it in my business running .035-.052 solid wire and .045 metal core for two years solid. I never had it shut off due to over temp. The 252 is easy to use and it is really capable, far above what a hobbiest will use. Now the machine sits in my garage and is used occasionally for the odd job. At present I have .035 self shield in it while I work in a friends rusty trailer.
The only negatives I have on the machine are the M25 gun and factory ground. I tend to "fry" the factory grounds because of abuse or high amperage. I replaced it with a 1awg cable and 400-500 amp copper ground. I also have a 25' Q300 Bernard the I use most of the time in place of the M25. Those are really the only two upgrades I can recommend but probably not for light use.
Another benefit is a spool gun option if you ever need it.
Just some thoughts.
-Jonathan

Glen, look at the Hobart Ironman 230. It is a 250 amp machine. Dan at WW has one and is impressed with his.

Last week I bought the htp 2400 mig welder because I have a need for the 50ft lead on the spoolgun. It too is a 250 amp welder. The machine works very well. It gets the official thumbs up from me. It comes with the drive rollers for .023 .030 .035 .045. Give it a good look before you make your decision. I think you'll be impressed.


Jim

I know I could be happy with any of the big machines, I am just a hobbyist... At only 9% over dealer cost and free shipping, the 252 is attractive...

My Hobart Handler 150 has served me well... it is an excellent machine. Being a hobbyist and not overly skilled, I think the 4-tap settings could be a bit more detrimental than helpful. The tech at the welder repair shop recommended keeping the HH150 due to its quality over some of the newer units.

I find it interesting that Hobart compares their Ironman 230 to the MM212, not the MM252

One weakness, I really like the digital readout... the other thing I find interesting, the 252 has Integrated digital timers with presettable preflow/postflow, burnback, spot and delay (Stitch) timers. Independent timers for MIG and spool gun.

I have yet to use a single advanced feature of the 252 we have at work.

Still, it's the best MIG we have. I can dial it back to settings better suited to .023 wire, and still make nice beads with .035 (Stainless).

I can't speak to the ground issue Jonathan mentioned. Our machine was purchased as 480V input, and had heavy gear for torch and ground.

I will say, as a hobbyist, consider the repair cost "IF" something goes wrong.

Steve S

Not too worried about repairs, these have been in production long enough to have the bugs worked out... I wonder if a 253 is just around the corner????? But $3k is out of budget.

True story; I pushed one of my 350MP's so hard with .052 hard wire, I turned the factory ground every color of the rainbow and almost melted or severed the copper braid in half. I will say that the Magnum guns hold up surprisingly well even if it was way to hot to hold. You know you are pushing the machine/gun to hard when you have to throw the gun down because it was so hot. I don't recommend one do this with their machine.
Go with the 252, you will not be disappointed.
-Jonathan

I have another question... Is there any advantage in getting the 230/460/575V unit over the 208/230V? The 208/230 comes with a plug, however I will probably change to my 30A twist-lock plug... the 230/460/575V may have more resale value as an industrial machine, but costs more...(another store +$125)

Another vote for the 252, I love mine. I upgraded last year from my 250X and the 252 is a much better machine. It runs my 30A spoolgun very well also.

GlenC wrote:I have another question... Is there any advantage in getting the 230/460/575V unit over the 208/230V? The 208/230 comes with a plug, however I will probably change to my 30A twist-lock plug... the 230/460/575V may have more resale value as an industrial machine, but costs more...(another store +$125)

Glen,
That is probably 50/50. It will depend on who is looking to buy your machine. I wish I would have bought the multi voltage unit but I have 3 phase at the shop. If a person just starting up wants one than the multi might be beneficial otherwise I see no need to get it. Two cents.
-Jonathan

Superiorwelding wrote:Glen,
That is probably 50/50. It will depend on who is looking to buy your machine. I wish I would have bought the multi voltage unit but I have 3 phase at the shop. If a person just starting up wants one than the multi might be beneficial otherwise I see no need to get it. Two cents.
-Jonathan

3-phase is not the issue, seems the 252 is only a single phase machine... I see no mention of 3-phase compatibility. The multi-voltage unit would just work in industrial situations ... only 21A@460V ... smaller extension cords..

Okay, another thought .... what is the functional difference between the 251 and 252...??? I could get a used 251 with a 30A gun for about $400 less than the "NEW" 252.... I don't really see much aluminum in the near future, but who knows...

I have started to think about targeting my search for an inverter powered MIG.... Possibly finding a used Millermatic 350P!

GlenC wrote:I have started to think about targeting my search for an inverter powered MIG.... Possibly finding a used Millermatic 350P!

Glen,
Stay away from the older 350P's. Most of them had board problems. I worked at a place that had 3 of them and they all had board problems. I have heard from some machine repair friends that most of this problem came from the machine being moved around all day jarring them. They reported limited to no problems with machines that sat in the same spot all their lives. There was a time when you could walk into their shop and all you saw was 350P's in for repair. They have said the newer ones are better however. I would recommend a Lincoln 350MP. I love them and have a friend who has bought used ones with no problems to date.
Just some thoughts.
-Jonathan

Jonathan, I agree, the newer 350P has the latest programming and I would like to stay away from the first units. I'm still not a fan of the Multi-process machines (Lincoln 350MP), I just like the idea of single process design.

To move into the Miller MP I would need to go to the 350XMT-MPA with a D74-MPA feeder to have the similar functions of the 350P (in the Pulsed MIG)... ~~ $9K+

Looks like I am starting to narrow it down to a "pre-owned" MM350P or a possible deal on a Invision 352MPa.S-74MPa Plus package....

I can go New MM252 for about $2300 or hope to find a MM350P around $3000 and can get a Invision 352MPa/S-74MPa around $4200... You know, the old logic, spend an additional $2k to save $5K....

All 3 machines are 1-phase...
252 = 200A 60% 230V@46A (250A @ 40%, 300A @ 27%) MSRP $2,904
350P = 300A 60% 230V@61A (350A @ 40%, 400A @ 30%) MSRP $5,404
352MPa = 300A 60% 230V@54.6A (350A @ 40%) MSRP $10,705

Well, it seems to be narrowing to a few options, price will somewhat dictate which way to go...

Currently looking at (price low to high)

1. Lincoln Invertec V350 Pro Advanced (2003 model) and buy new LF-72 feeder and gun
2. Lincoln Power Mig 350MP (new)
3. Millermatic 350P (new)
4. Miller Invision 352MPa with a S-74MPa Plus wire feeder (used)

350MP!!!!
-Jonathan

I am with Jonathan, Miller!

mcoe wrote:I am with Jonathan, Miller!

Matt,
Jonathan said Lincoln in his last post.

I didn't see the M

That's alright, we will forgive you.
-Jonathan

mcoe wrote: I didn't see the M

It happens.

I personally think a guy could get lost in a PM350MP. All those settings.....
I had the PM300MP, same thing and it was so confusing for a guy raised on a AC225

You just liked the part where I agreed with you