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Thread: New from South Florida

  1. Default New from South Florida

    Great looking site!

    My name is Mike. I've been welding for about 15 years.
    I build custom traction bars, Control arms (uppers and lowers), Cross members, Fabricated 9" housing's and other sorts of racing products.
    Although, I don't do it full time. It feels like it.

    I mainly use TIG and MIG.. In racing they really don't allow too many things to be stick welded.
    I am an Electrician by trade and have seen Pipe Fitters make some of the most beautiful welds with stick so, I know it can be done.

    The main reason I came here is because I am searching for an alternative MIG welder.
    My Miller 211 burned up for the last time and I am sick of it.

    My TIG is a HTP Invertig 201. It has ran smooth as silk from the day I bought it.
    I did catch a lot of slack for buying it over the big name brands.
    But, ALL of my Miller or Lincoln welders have all had issues.
    It's time for change.

    I would be grateful if someone could lead me to some comparison welds with a Everlast machine.
    1/4" is about as thick as I really need but, Having the ability to do more would be a bonus.
    220v Single Phase.

    Within the next week or so, I WILL be buying a new machine and I need real input.
    I'm tired of spending my hard earned money on what's supposed to be the "Best" only to be let down in the middle of a project.

    Mike

  2. #2

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    Hey welcome to the forum Mike. I'm curious about the EL migs too, hope you end up getting one so we can hear/see your review, I havn't seen but a couple posts (I think) about them. The big one with the dual drives caught my eye, wish I was in the market for one..
    Everlast PowerPlasma70
    Hobart Ironman 230
    Lincoln A-D/C 225
    'Classic' Everlast Powertig 200DX 'We don't need no steenkin pre-flow..'
    jakemateer.com

  3. #3

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    Hey Mike- what was the problem with your Miller? I have the same one, and if there is a problem, i want to blow it up while i still have my warranty in effect.
    Some of the crap I use to keep busy:

    Everlast 200DX
    Millermatic 211 Mig
    Hypertherm Powermax 30 plasma cutter
    Lincoln Weld-Pak 100
    Century Stick welder
    Oxy set-up with Henrob 2000 torch
    Logan 200 lathe (60 years old)
    Jet band saw
    About 6 Harbor Freight grinders with different discs/wheels/brushes

  4. Default

    Thanks for the welcome Jake. I have my eye on the Power I-MIG 250 p.
    I can guarantee you I will put it to the test. When I start a project I like to finish it.
    A typical Fabricated rear takes me about 6 to 8hrs to complete.
    Once I put it in the jig. It's go time.
    Lets see what info shows up.

    BTW, I do understand welder duty cycle but, It's still possible I am a little hard on the welders.

    Mike

  5. Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Joe from NY View Post
    Hey Mike- what was the problem with your Miller? I have the same one, and if there is a problem, i want to blow it up while i still have my warranty in effect.
    I believe its the thermal overloads. They are not working?
    When it first occurred, I was cycling my welding (building a 4 link back half)
    2x3 .120 wall. Running 3 to 4 inch beads in one location then another. Totaling about 8 welds then letting the steel cool while sitting in the jig.
    I would say the process took about 10min to weld.. Then for about 10min I would let the fan cool the unit then turn it off for another 10 to 15 while I double check all my measurements.
    When I fired it back up.. As soon as I pulled the trigger it would cut out. I'm talking the wire had not even touched the steel yet.
    I open the case and looked for blown marks on the board.. All Capacitors, Diodes and Resisters looked fine. No loose wires or connections.
    Closed it up and tried again. It started working again. (Mind you, I didn't reset anything)
    Went through the same process and it started again.
    Waited.. Then it fired back up. I was able to finish the job.

    Couple days later, I went to weld something else.
    Turned on the machine, Opened the Argon valve.. When I went to lay a bead.. Instant trip/shut off..
    Again, Breaker/overload not tripped.. machine is just not running.

    I take my meter out and check the panel, Phase to phase, Phase to neutral, Phase to ground.
    Everything perfect.
    Ohm out the feeder wires to the plug.
    Even checked the cord from the machine.
    Everything fine.

    I ended up taking it to my local 'WS" and they said they will look at it.
    4 days later, I am told I need a new board.
    I asked what caused it? Reply, Dont know..
    I asked whats wrong with it? Reply, It's bad.
    That's not good enough for me. I work with complex circuits all day. I help design high speed train systems and part of my job is troubleshooting.
    He told me it will run me close to 800 to fix.
    I lost it! I said this thing is still under warranty! He told me "As a certified dealer/technician" He didn't find any factory issues with the machine.
    I then had some choice words I care not to repeat here. Took oath at that very moment, I am done..

    Thats why I'm here now.. Looking for something different and capable of doing what I need.

    The people at HTP want me to buy their MIG but, Consumables for their machine are not easy to get locally.
    I would like to get something that would let me run a common torch.

    Mike
    Last edited by Diabolical; 02-02-2012 at 12:41 AM.

  6. #6

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    What are your plans for the miller... repair, sell, trash ?

    I'm very happy with my I-Mig 250p since I changed the oem torch. http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...-my-I-MIG-250p

    Also may be of interest...
    http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...1588#post21588
    http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...9033#post19033
    http://www.everlastgenerators.com/fo...Mig-250p-volts
    2013 250EX : SSC Pedal : I-MIG 250P 20' Profax gun : Power Plasma 60 p80 torch : 3M Speedglas 9100XX : Evolution Rage 3 DB cold saw

  7. #7

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    Quote Originally Posted by Diabolical View Post

    BTW, I do understand welder duty cycle but, It's still possible I am a little hard on the welders.

    Mike
    Mike, be sure to check the duty cycles on the Everlast units, according to many threads and posts, if you get an Everlast welder that is rated at 100% duty cycle at a specific amperage, it still needs to cool at the end of each 10 minute cycle for an unspecified amount of time. I've never come across this rating system with other brands, and it seems to cause some confusion.
    Todd

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by todmorg View Post
    Mike, be sure to check the duty cycles on the Everlast units, according to many threads and posts, if you get an Everlast welder that is rated at 100% duty cycle at a specific amperage, it still needs to cool at the end of each 10 minute cycle for an unspecified amount of time. I've never come across this rating system with other brands, and it seems to cause some confusion.
    I thought that was weird too, so I asked Sjon Delmore of CK Worldwide for a definition of 100% duty cycle... here's his email response.

    Hi James,

    Glad to hear you received everything and are pleased with our TIG Products. Yes, your statement below is correct regarding duty cycle:

    A power source rated at 100% duty cycle can be run continuously at the rated output 24/7/365.

    Thanks,
    Sjon
    2013 250EX : SSC Pedal : I-MIG 250P 20' Profax gun : Power Plasma 60 p80 torch : 3M Speedglas 9100XX : Evolution Rage 3 DB cold saw

  9. Default

    Thanks for the info guys.
    zoama585, I usually weld a little hot. When you start your welds, have you had any issues with being too close before you pull the trigger? I am usually about a 1/4" away from my work when I first start a bead.
    A lot of these guys who buy parts from me like the welds to look aesthetically pleasing. I'm not sure if they really understand that the "stack of dimes" look is not always the best.
    But I dont want to have to stop in the middle of a good run.

    todmorg,
    Thank you. Thats what my impression of 100% duty cycle as well.
    Some of the chargers we put on the trains have a 100% duty cycle rated at 200amps/480v
    They are capable of 250amps. And on a "quick charge". We have seen issues with boards if people continuously use the "quick charge" option exclusively.

    Here is a sample of what I like to offer for "exposed work".
    Click image for larger version. 

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    I know I didnt get full coverage, It's just a quick sample on some mild steel.
    Its what I am limited to with my TIG right now.
    I need a MIG bad!!
    Last edited by Diabolical; 02-02-2012 at 06:28 AM.

  10. #10

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    Quote Originally Posted by todmorg View Post
    Mike, be sure to check the duty cycles on the Everlast units, according to many threads and posts, if you get an Everlast welder that is rated at 100% duty cycle at a specific amperage, it still needs to cool at the end of each 10 minute cycle for an unspecified amount of time. I've never come across this rating system with other brands, and it seems to cause some confusion.
    That nonsense does not seem to be in line with industry standards. For example, according to the Miller site, their XL225 machine "has a 100 percent duty cycle, meaning you can weld without stopping."
    Some of the crap I use to keep busy:

    Everlast 200DX
    Millermatic 211 Mig
    Hypertherm Powermax 30 plasma cutter
    Lincoln Weld-Pak 100
    Century Stick welder
    Oxy set-up with Henrob 2000 torch
    Logan 200 lathe (60 years old)
    Jet band saw
    About 6 Harbor Freight grinders with different discs/wheels/brushes

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by Diabolical View Post
    Thanks for the info guys.
    zoama585, I usually weld a little hot. When you start your welds, have you had any issues with being too close before you pull the trigger? I am usually about a 1/4" away from my work when I first start a bead.
    I haven't had any problems, just minor things I linked to in post #6.
    2013 250EX : SSC Pedal : I-MIG 250P 20' Profax gun : Power Plasma 60 p80 torch : 3M Speedglas 9100XX : Evolution Rage 3 DB cold saw

  12. #12

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    Quote Originally Posted by Joe from NY View Post
    That nonsense does not seem to be in line with industry standards. For example, according to the Miller site, their XL225 machine "has a 100 percent duty cycle, meaning you can weld without stopping."
    Here's a quote from Everlast in another post, I think this method of rating allows higher numbers than other industry standards.

    "You have been running at 10 minutes straight with a 100% duty cycle, you cannot complain if the welder kicks into protection mode in the 11th minute. Once you near or exceed 100% of the 10 minute time limitation, you are operating the welder in an abusive manner. I've seen some things that say you should actually rest a full 10 minutes after a full 10 minutes of welding...others at least 5 minutes."
    Todd

  13. #13

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    I think it's time for water cooled power supplies and true 100% duty cycle for nonstop use when need be, or to at least take duty cycle out of consideration.
    2013 250EX : SSC Pedal : I-MIG 250P 20' Profax gun : Power Plasma 60 p80 torch : 3M Speedglas 9100XX : Evolution Rage 3 DB cold saw

  14. Default

    Well,
    As I stated before.. That 10min. window is not continuous welding. Maybe 10sec.. 15 tops.. Then move/reposition. weld again.
    In that 10min. window the welder was actually welding for maybe 2min. total.

    I guess this thread is getting out of context since it's the "introduction thread".
    I will find the correct section and continue this quest.

    Thanks for all the help so far. It's nice to see the site has active, helpful participants.

    Mike

  15. #15

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    Yeah, if you want to see a really active participant, check out the posts from a brother called Gunner.
    Last edited by Joe from NY; 02-03-2012 at 04:35 PM.
    Some of the crap I use to keep busy:

    Everlast 200DX
    Millermatic 211 Mig
    Hypertherm Powermax 30 plasma cutter
    Lincoln Weld-Pak 100
    Century Stick welder
    Oxy set-up with Henrob 2000 torch
    Logan 200 lathe (60 years old)
    Jet band saw
    About 6 Harbor Freight grinders with different discs/wheels/brushes

  16. #16

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    Welcome aboard and please keep us updated on what you decide to buy and how it treats you. Sad to hear that Miller with it's rep for customer service dropped the ball on you.
    Miller Challenger 172 Mig
    Soon to be winner of a Powertig 210 EXT

    Wade Mortenson

  17. #17

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    Quote Originally Posted by Powertig View Post
    Welcome aboard and please keep us updated on what you decide to buy and how it treats you. Sad to hear that Miller with it's rep for customer service dropped the ball on you.
    I would be so pissed off at that situation, that I would post my experience on every welding forum I can find, especially Millerwelds. Once I bought a safe at Lowes, and the guy who helped me out with it would not help me tip it into my truck. He said they dont have to lift. I looked at my receipt, and got the telephone number of the manager. I called him from the lot and told him that i was going on the internet, and telling the world not to buy anything bigger than a box fan from his store, because they wont help you get it into your car. He sent two guys right out to hump it up in there.
    Some of the crap I use to keep busy:

    Everlast 200DX
    Millermatic 211 Mig
    Hypertherm Powermax 30 plasma cutter
    Lincoln Weld-Pak 100
    Century Stick welder
    Oxy set-up with Henrob 2000 torch
    Logan 200 lathe (60 years old)
    Jet band saw
    About 6 Harbor Freight grinders with different discs/wheels/brushes

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