Anyone using the 205P or 250P?

[Steve]

I have a Hobart Handler 210 and it is a nice machine. I have been reading about PULSE MIG lately and the advantages of using it for welding aluminum. I'm giving some serious consideration to getting a bit more powerful machine. Maybe Pulse mig.

I've been getting a lot of aluminum work lately and although I like my Hobart with the spool gun, it does have a lot heat generated and I have had situations where even though I have it dialed in, the edges of some of the projects have melted pretty bad where in the areas away from the edges look great.

I've seen some of the older posts about the pulse migs...but usually with the response that they rarely use the pulse option.

Questions are:

Is it worth getting the pulse mig?

What other advantages does pulse offer over standard mig?

How's the Everlast units as far as reliability?

Any other things I should know about?

[performance]

The 250P yes, it is worth it. The 205P just doesn't generate enough power to spray...which is part of the point...Of course you can pulse short circuit, but it can lead to incomplete fusion if not done properly. The 250P have been very reliable. We rarely have a problem with a MIG... The new units also feature stick welding and spool gun port as well as an "OFF" switch for pulse so it can be used as a standard welder.

[SeanMurphy265]

Just my opinion, but since you have a nice mig welder, why not add a tig welder to the collection? I will admit that I'm saving up for a 250p I got a 50% off coupon for the last contest. I moved a month ago and have had a harder time getting welding jobs.

[Steve]

Just my opinion, but since you have a nice mig welder, why not add a tig welder to the collection? I will admit that I'm saving up for a 250p I got a 50% off coupon for the last contest. I moved a month ago and have had a harder time getting welding jobs.

I already have done that. I've got a Powertig 250EX and use it a lot. I've seen some of the advantages of pulse mig and am impressed with the ability to weld aluminum with the process. The Powertig 250EX welds aluminum just great but is slow.

If you are looking to get a welding job, you might try North Dakota. The oil boom up there is helping keep their unemployment rate around 4%. But the biggest thing they have going for them is that they have their own state run bank. All the money and profits from state economic activity is kept in North Dakota and not sent to NY and Wall Street. That is allowing them to keep their money and create jobs. They have jobs available and need welders there from what I have heard.

[geezer]

The 250P yes, it is worth it. The 205P just doesn't generate enough power to spray...which is part of the point...Of course you can pulse short circuit, but it can lead to incomplete fusion if not done properly. The 250P have been very reliable. We rarely have a problem with a MIG... The new units also feature stick welding and spool gun port as well as an "OFF" switch for pulse so it can be used as a standard welder.

Gotta argue about the 205/205P not being able to spray. According the the attached site, they are capable of spray if you use the right gas.
http://www.praxair.com/praxair.nsf/0/c56dbfa8e80d0dbd85256ab300140b28/$FILE/P-8126.pdf

[everlastsupport]

The 250P yes, it is worth it. The 205P just doesn't generate enough power to spray...which is part of the point...Of course you can pulse short circuit, but it can lead to incomplete fusion if not done properly. The 250P have been very reliable. We rarely have a problem with a MIG... The new units also feature stick welding and spool gun port as well as an "OFF" switch for pulse so it can be used as a standard welder.

I would only trade or sell my old old old style 250P for the new one. I have plenty of stick machines, never really needed the pulse all the way off off, and I have an IMIG-200 for most spool gun work, but it "would" save me some space.

Also, for me to sell my 250P, it would have to be a local sale as it ships on a palette. It's a beefy thing, but a great welder.

Mark was down years ago setting up a dealer South if me, when the 250P came in. He popped over to play with it. It will spray for sure.