256 duty cycle

[Blaze]

Looking for the duty cycle of the 256 at less than max. I found 250 amps@35%, but I am looking for lower amp duty cycles. 60% and 100% duty cycle amps? Trying to decide between the 256 and the 250ex. Thanks for any help.

[Rodsmachineshop]

if doing some heavy welding get the 250 ex . i really don't like multi unit welders the 250ex has a 100 percent duty cycle at 200 amps

[geezer]

I wouldn't make a choice based on duty cycle for either one,,,to my knowledge there isn't anyone out there that has had either machine hit it's limit on the duty cycle and had to give it a rest,,,even if they did,,,how many welding jobs does a person do to make that an issue..the 250 EX has a larger dutycycle due to it's simlicity compared to the 256 which has more components for the plasma feature etc....I would make a choice on features and requirements, budget etc,,my choice was the 250Ex and separate plasma unit,,,haven't looked back since,,,what ever choice you make will be a good one,,,

[Rodsmachineshop]

I have hit the limit but i weld aluminum cylinder heads even fried a torch lead because forgot to turn water cooler on lol . Just like Geezer i have a separate plasma since dont like switching leads

[undercut]

Personally, I try to keep to discreet (separate) units as well. Fewer parts in each to go wrong and if one dies, it doesn't take the other with it. It is an age-old problem, go with a multi and save a bit of money and floor space or go separate, keep things simple and don't intertwine the well being of one unit to the other. My two cents. Best of luck with your decision!

[geezer]

I have hit the limit but i weld aluminum cylinder heads even fried a torch lead because forgot to turn water cooler on lol . Just like Geezer i have a separate plasma since dont like switching leads

I used to be able to do things all day long,,,but 3 1/2 minutes is a long time,,,welding is like sex we think we can go to the limit,, but my girlfriend knows better..and I power out before my welder does too,

[undercut]

I used to be able to do things all day long,,,but 3 1/2 minutes is a long time,,,welding is like sex we think we can go to the limit,, but my girlfriend knows better..and I power out before my welder does too,

Hehe, a bit too much information there but an excellent point. I don't have jobs that would require me to weld continuously for that long but I do take a big difference in duty cycle as an indication of the overall robustness of the engineering of the machine - but only if the difference is pretty big like 30% duty compared to 60%.

[undercut]

Hehe, a bit too much information there but an excellent point. I don't have jobs that would require me to weld continuously for that long but I do take a big difference in duty cycle as an indication of the overall robustness of the engineering of the machine - but only if the difference is pretty big like 30% duty compared to 60%.

Oh, and only if comparing duty cycles for products from the same manufacturer.