A Miller Mig Question

[okdirt]

I have millermatic 185 that I use with .030 and .035 wire on Co2/Argon fabbing fence H-braces ( stretcher posts ). I usually use .035,which gives me fair speed and good weld quality, but will use .030 if i run out.

The question is : How much trouble am i asking for to try and run .045 with this machine ? The lws says it will be hard on the drive motor,only pushing to 15 feet to the gun.

I'm trying to increase my production time, which is at 18 min. per unit now ( that's 2-4" welded caps, 4-2" to 4" pipe welds without saddles) That 18 min. is from the time the pipe is capped, loaded in the jig, 2" is done,forked out of the jig and on the trailer ready to strap down and ship.

Any suggestions?

P.S. Capping is a boring job so I'm thinking about automating that process especially if i can get a ready market for precapped posts !!! Good winter work

[H80N]

Think it is time to seriously consider upgrading to a MM252 or MM350P....

duty cycle not wire thickness is going to be your limiting factor... IMHO..

then you could really up your production and fly... the new machine will probably pay for itself in short order with increased output....

(I have a MM350P... like it lots and lots...)

[cutter]

Originally Posted by H80N

Think it is time to seriously consider upgrading to a MM252 or MM350P....

Or even an old 251. There should be lots of them begging for a new home pretty cheap.
Mine will blow .045 all day long & just sit there grinning at you.

[okdirt]

The thought of a new machine has crossed my mind

Looked at the Lincoln 255 (i THink it was ) mainly because i have wonderful support from my material supplier who also deals Lincoln. Have also considered putting a used feeder on the old Lincoln 300 but I would have to put in a gas valve of some kind and she's not the greatest on the power bill. Hell of a stick machine tho.

[H80N]

Originally Posted by okdirt

The thought of a new machine has crossed my mind

Looked at the Lincoln 255 (i THink it was ) mainly because i have wonderful support from my material supplier who also deals Lincoln. Have also considered putting a used feeder on the old Lincoln 300 but I would have to put in a gas valve of some kind and she's not the greatest on the power bill. Hell of a stick machine tho.

Whatever you get... Read and Understand the duty cycle charts and specs...

the sticker numbers may refer to 60% duty cycle or maybe 10% duty cycle....
there are no standards for that... so you had better do your homework to avoid expensive disapointment....

[Shade Tree Welder]

Originally Posted by okdirt

I have millermatic 185 that I use with .030 and .035 wire on Co2/Argon fabbing fence H-braces ( stretcher posts ). I usually use .035,which gives me fair speed and good weld quality, but will use .030 if i run out.

The question is : How much trouble am i asking for to try and run .045 with this machine ? The lws says it will be hard on the drive motor,only pushing to 15 feet to the gun.

I'm trying to increase my production time, which is at 18 min. per unit now ( that's 2-4" welded caps, 4-2" to 4" pipe welds without saddles) That 18 min. is from the time the pipe is capped, loaded in the jig, 2" is done,forked out of the jig and on the trailer ready to strap down and ship.

Any suggestions?

P.S. Capping is a boring job so I'm thinking about automating that process especially if i can get a ready market for precapped posts !!! Good winter work

My first MIG was a 185, it will not run .045 wire, Oh you can put the rolls
on it and it will feed the wire but it does not have the power or duty cycle
to run it. Stay with .035 or upgrade to a 25x or 350P.

[derekpfeiffer]

I'd suggest upgrading. If you get a larger machine then you can spray transfer. I spray everything 3/16" on up. No splatter, lots faster, and deep penetrating, but then you'll have to go to a higher argon content gas. I use Moongone. Here's some 1/4" fishplates I welded last night.

[platypus20]

I'm waiting for Miller to come out with a Dynasty 500 or Dynasty 700.

[USMCPOP]

There is a dynasty 700.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00119

[platypus20]

Originally Posted by USMCPOP

There is a dynasty 700.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00119

Pop,

I'm having severe brain fade, I meant to say a MM 500P or a MM 700P


forgive me, it what happens when you can type faster than you can think