ERNIE, a question I was told to ask you.

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ERNIE, a question I was told to ask you. HC 06-27-2008
Posted by HC on July 2, 2008, 2:28 pm
Please log in for more thread options
 Thanks, Ernie, for the reply. I am cool with that. I checked at the
local AirGas place today and they'll sell me that CST 280 for 1,700
and change. I'm excited about that. I have someone already biting on
the line for one smoker and should have an answer in a day (and a down
payment)...then it'll be time to buy a new toy (plus the TIG
attachments).

Thanks again for this info and the info on the thiols (with that info
and what Gunner pointed out I think I can reconsider my ban on the use
of used propane tanks).

--HC

> The =A0Dynasty 200 DX is a full fledged TIG machine with AC and DC
> capability.
> It is a very nice machine, but does not have near the duty cycle or
> amperage output of the CST 280 in stick mode.
>
> The Dynasty 200DX is a very nice machine, but for the heavy stick
> welding you are describing, the CST 280 is superior.
> I have had a Maxstar 200DX for 8 years and love it.
> The Maxstar is the DC only version of the Dynasty.
> If you need super portability and the widest range imaginable of input
> voltages, the Maxstar and Dynasty 200's win hands down with the ability
> to run on anything from 80 to 500 volts, single or 3 phase, 50 or 60
> hertz.
> The CST 280 is a 220/440 single or 3 phase machine.
> It is primarily a Stick welder, but will do very nice DC TIG welding.
>
> I still feel the CST 280 is the better machine for you.
>
> In article
>
>
>
>
> > Any thoughts, good or bad, on the other Miller "combo" units such as
> > the Dynasty 200 they list under TIG machines? =A0They claim it will do
> > stick and TIG but list it under the TIG secstion of their catalog. =A0I
> > ask because, after another session in the shop today, I am wondering
> > (dreaming) that maybe TIG would help me have better results on some of
> > my finer welding (like hinges and door straps) and, if I'm going to
> > pony up the cash to buy a new unit, I would like it to be the best it
> > can be. =A0I've welded aluminum one time only so I 'm not worried about
> > needing to TIG aluminum, just mild steel. =A0So, the CST 280 can do TIG
> > but is listed under the Stick section of their catalog but the Dynasty
> > 200 DX is listed under the TIG section of their catalog and can do
> > Stick. =A0 Ah, who knows, I think the marketing people make it this
> > confusing on purpose.
>
> > :)
>
> > --HC
>
> > Thanks again and I don't know
>
> > > In article

>
> > > > Hey, Ernie, thank you for your reply.
>
> > > > I looked that machine up and it sounds good to me. =A0I like the low=
er
> > > > power consumption over the transformer/traditional styles. =A0It's c=
ool
> > > > that it could do some TIG work as, while I was working in the shop
> > > > yesterday, I was wondering if that process might work better for som=
e
> > > > work I'm doing where I do short welds in an open area and my MIG is
> > > > leaving too much metal (even with the wire speed adjusted down).
> > > > Since I do all my work in the shop a generator machine isn't going t=
o
> > > > do what I need; I have extended periods of setup and then intermitte=
nt
> > > > welds to make so a grid-supplied unit is ideal.
>
> > > > I'm not sure what part of the country you're in but I get my trailer=

> > > > kits (axle, springs, hubs, bearings, hitch, et cetera) from
> > > > abctrailerparts.com in Alabama (I'm in Texas). =A0It's a small outfi=
t, I
> > > > think just the one guy, Randy, but he's been good to take care of my=

> > > > orders for several years and the one time I had a problem with an ax=
le
> > > > he got it taken care of. =A0If you contact him, tell him Hartford se=
nt
> > > > you. =A0It won't get either of us a break on the price but it will
> > > > spread goodwill with him knowing I pointed business his way.
>
> > > > Just in case you've never done it, don't use an old propane tank if
> > > > you can help it. =A0Whatever they put in those things to make the
> > > > propane smell is tenacious; I cut one up to make a charcoal cooker a=
nd
> > > > I took it to the car wash and pressure washed the inside (after I ha=
d
> > > > it cut open) and then make my cooker from it. =A0It still smelled ba=
d. I
> > > > had to build a couple of wood fires in it to get a coating on it and=

> > > > I'm not convinced that I couldn't still smell that stuff some; I nev=
er
> > > > cooked on it. =A0I did, however, not find any evidence of the "pocke=
ts
> > > > of gas" that everyone around here claim remain in the tank; the
> > > > propane had long since vacated the tank, it was jut the stink that w=
as
> > > > left.
>
> > > > Thanks again.
>
> > > > --HC
>
> > > The chemical is called Methyl Mercaptan.
> > > It is one of the stinkiest things on earth.
>
> > > The only way I know to get rid of it is it burn it out with a BIG
> > > rosebud tip.
>
> > > For the home smoker I am building the main tank is going to be a 100
> > > gallon air tank.
> > > The smoker I built last year at school is a 300 gallon air tank that
> > > came from our air system.
> > > The BIG tank at school is a 500 gallon air tank I found at the junk
> > > yard for scrap price of around $180.
>
> > > > > OK to sum up you fried your little Stickmate, and would like to up=
grade
> > > > > to something bigger.
> > > > > You have reasonably stable mains power, but not a lot of it.
>
> > > > > On the machines you list, any of the transformer machines would wo=
rk,
> > > > > but I would avoid the shopmate like the plague.
> > > > > Miller invented that machine for schools, and that is where it sho=
uld
> > > > > stay.
>
> > > > > The best machine that I can recommend is the Miller CST280 inverte=
r.
>
> > > > >http://www.millerwelds.com/products/stick/cst-280/
>
> > > > > List price is around $2300, but the real price is more like $1900.=

> > > > > I bought one for my school 2.5 years ago and it has been a workhor=
se
> > > > > ever since.
> > > > > Absolutely excellent stick welder, and can be used for basic TIG.
> > > > > It can use a foot pedal, but does not have high freq. start, AC ou=
tput,
> > > > > or a gas valve.
> > > > > You can use a gas valve body TIG torch and it does have lift arc s=
tart.
> > > > > Aluminum up to 1/8" can be TIG welded using DC Electrode Positive,=
and
> > > > > a very large tungsten.
>
> > > > > The best bit is the power efficiency.
> > > > > It makes 6010 rod crackle with joy, and runs 7018 at a purr.
>
> > > > > At school we run it for extended periods of 180 - 210 amps output =
and
> > > > > it has never complained once.
>
> > > > > I put it above all the transformers you listed, and also Lincoln's=

> > > > > comparable inverter machine, simply because Miller has inverters d=
own
> > > > > pat.
>
> > > > > You will love the portability.
>
> > > > > The other viable option would be a generator machine, but with fue=
l
> > > > > prices soaring I am not sure how that would effect your bottom lin=
e.
>
> > > > > BTW I built a HUGE smoker/BBQ for the school from an old 300 gallo=
n air
> > > > > tank.
> > > > > Works great.
> > > > > I have a 500 gallon tank I am tempted to build into a trailer moun=
ted
> > > > > Smoker/BBQ.
>
> > > > > In article
HC
>
> > > > > > Someone named/going by Steamboat Ed (steamer) read the following=
post
> > > > > > I had put in rec.metalworking and said I should post it here and=
ask
> > > > > > Ernie so here it is below. =A0Thank anyone for your time. =A0I b=
asically
> > > > > > got two responses over there and only one really tried to addres=
s my
> > > > > > base question which is about a couple of machines I'm thinking o=
f
> > > > > > buying to replace my current welder.
>
> > > > > > Original post below------
>
> > > > > > Hey, all, I currently have a Hobart Stickmate 235/160 AC/DC mach=
ine
> > > > > > and I am thinking of buying a larger machine; what I'd like is t=
o know
> > > > > > thoughts and opinions about what would be a good machine to get.=

>
> > > > > > I mostly do hobby welding but that may include hours of continuo=
us
> > > > > > welding (I sometimes, rarely, will weld for a couple of hours no=
n-
> > > > > > stop). =A0I build smokers and have also built metal brackets to =
use to
> > > > > > raise my concrete foundation on my house (and lots of other proj=
ects),
> > > > > > and almost all the material I weld on is 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch th=
ick.
> > > > > > Mostly I use 6010 or 6011 rods which are 1/8 inch diameter, alth=
ough I
> > > > > > have found a really good use for 3/16 inch diameter 6010 rods. =
=A0I have
> > > > > > also used 5/32 6013 and 7014, and most all of this has been done=
with
> > > > > > DC at the maximum output of my welder, 160 amps (well, whatever =
it
> > > > > > puts out when it's cranked up fully, nominally it is 160 amps).
>
> > > > > > I was in the middle of building 35 brackets to go under my found=
ation
> > > > > > last year when, POP, my little Hobart went from humming along to=
being
> > > > > > noisy as hell and it's never gotten quiet again. =A0I'm not sure=
what
> > > > > > changed, maybe an adjustment screw on the slider in the thing fe=
ll
> > > > > > out, who knows? =A0It gets hotter than hell (even with a 120 V, =
112 CFM
> > > > > > fan scabbed over a hole immediately over the rectifier in the th=
ing).
> > > > > > I don't use it all day any day, but, from time to time, I will c=
rank
> > > > > > it up and burn rods for, literally, a couple of hours. =A0I do a=
fair
> > > > > > amount of welding in the 90-120 amp range with 6011 rods that ar=
e 1/8
> > > > > > inch diameter, and also some 7018, 6013, 7014 rods, all at 1/8 i=
nch
> > > > > > diameter at various amperages, but never anything below 75 amps.=

>
> > > > > > I feel I'm asking too much, at the higher output, from my little=

> > > > > > machine and would like a larger one. =A0I live in rural (sort of=
, we
> > > > > > have a 24/7 Supercenter about 4 miles from me; how rural can it =
be?)
> > > > > > north central Texas and my power feed from the grid is what we c=
all
> > > > > > 220 VAC, 60 Hz (but, with my RMS meter is really 250 VAC). =A0Wh=
atever
> > > > > > it is, it is single phase and not strung between two of the grid=
's
> > > > > > phases (208, I believe) as I have spoken to the utility to be su=
re.
> > > > > > My shop is fed off a 100 amp breaker from the power pole and has=
a 100
> > > > > > amp main breaker in the power panel/breaker box.
>
> > > > > > So, I started looking at the Lincoln Idealarc 250 with PFC (powe=
r
> > > > > > factor correction) it can draw as much as 68 amps
>
> ...
>
> read more =BB- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -


Posted by Grant Erwin on July 2, 2008, 4:24 pm
Please log in for more thread options
 Let me jump in here. Ernie works at a welding school who buys lots of scrap
steel from a local vendor, cuts it up into bits and welds it up again, turning
it into even scrappier scrap, and then sells it back. When they have something
like an old air tank he has the opportunity to pick it up for a low price. He
certainly didn't bribe them with liquor as has been inferred here.

Also, you can make a smoker out of propane cylinders, but old air tanks are
better. Small propane cylinders (20#) are easy to destink - remove the valve,
pour in a cup of household bleach and add a couple gallons of hot water, pick
it up and thoroughly slosh it around, then dump it out. Done. But a huge
cylinder would be much much harder. You'd have to cut it open and then spray on
the bleach solution, and the whole area would stink for a long time. Unless you
have Hercules handy, of course. :-)

I wish I could find a place where guys who weld up smokers posted regularly. I
would love to hear from guys who had been doing it for awhile. I only want to
make one! :-)

Grant

HC wrote:

> Thanks, Ernie, for the reply. I am cool with that. I checked at the
> local AirGas place today and they'll sell me that CST 280 for 1,700
> and change. I'm excited about that. I have someone already biting on
> the line for one smoker and should have an answer in a day (and a down
> payment)...then it'll be time to buy a new toy (plus the TIG
> attachments).
>
> Thanks again for this info and the info on the thiols (with that info
> and what Gunner pointed out I think I can reconsider my ban on the use
> of used propane tanks).
>
> --HC
>
>
>>The Dynasty 200 DX is a full fledged TIG machine with AC and DC
>>capability.
>>It is a very nice machine, but does not have near the duty cycle or
>>amperage output of the CST 280 in stick mode.
>>
>>The Dynasty 200DX is a very nice machine, but for the heavy stick
>>welding you are describing, the CST 280 is superior.
>>I have had a Maxstar 200DX for 8 years and love it.
>>The Maxstar is the DC only version of the Dynasty.
>>If you need super portability and the widest range imaginable of input
>>voltages, the Maxstar and Dynasty 200's win hands down with the ability
>>to run on anything from 80 to 500 volts, single or 3 phase, 50 or 60
>>hertz.
>>The CST 280 is a 220/440 single or 3 phase machine.
>>It is primarily a Stick welder, but will do very nice DC TIG welding.
>>
>>I still feel the CST 280 is the better machine for you.
>>
>>In article
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>Any thoughts, good or bad, on the other Miller "combo" units such as
>>>the Dynasty 200 they list under TIG machines? They claim it will do
>>>stick and TIG but list it under the TIG secstion of their catalog. I
>>>ask because, after another session in the shop today, I am wondering
>>>(dreaming) that maybe TIG would help me have better results on some of
>>>my finer welding (like hinges and door straps) and, if I'm going to
>>>pony up the cash to buy a new unit, I would like it to be the best it
>>>can be. I've welded aluminum one time only so I 'm not worried about
>>>needing to TIG aluminum, just mild steel. So, the CST 280 can do TIG
>>>but is listed under the Stick section of their catalog but the Dynasty
>>>200 DX is listed under the TIG section of their catalog and can do
>>>Stick. Ah, who knows, I think the marketing people make it this
>>>confusing on purpose.
>>
>>>:)
>>
>>>--HC
>>
>>>Thanks again and I don't know
>>
>>>
>>>>In article
>>
>>>>
>>>>>Hey, Ernie, thank you for your reply.
>>
>>>>>I looked that machine up and it sounds good to me. I like the lower
>>>>>power consumption over the transformer/traditional styles. It's cool
>>>>>that it could do some TIG work as, while I was working in the shop
>>>>>yesterday, I was wondering if that process might work better for some
>>>>>work I'm doing where I do short welds in an open area and my MIG is
>>>>>leaving too much metal (even with the wire speed adjusted down).
>>>>>Since I do all my work in the shop a generator machine isn't going to
>>>>>do what I need; I have extended periods of setup and then intermittent
>>>>>welds to make so a grid-supplied unit is ideal.
>>
>>>>>I'm not sure what part of the country you're in but I get my trailer
>>>>>kits (axle, springs, hubs, bearings, hitch, et cetera) from
>>>>>abctrailerparts.com in Alabama (I'm in Texas). It's a small outfit, I
>>>>>think just the one guy, Randy, but he's been good to take care of my
>>>>>orders for several years and the one time I had a problem with an axle
>>>>>he got it taken care of. If you contact him, tell him Hartford sent
>>>>>you. It won't get either of us a break on the price but it will
>>>>>spread goodwill with him knowing I pointed business his way.
>>
>>>>>Just in case you've never done it, don't use an old propane tank if
>>>>>you can help it. Whatever they put in those things to make the
>>>>>propane smell is tenacious; I cut one up to make a charcoal cooker and
>>>>>I took it to the car wash and pressure washed the inside (after I had
>>>>>it cut open) and then make my cooker from it. It still smelled bad. I
>>>>>had to build a couple of wood fires in it to get a coating on it and
>>>>>I'm not convinced that I couldn't still smell that stuff some; I never
>>>>>cooked on it. I did, however, not find any evidence of the "pockets
>>>>>of gas" that everyone around here claim remain in the tank; the
>>>>>propane had long since vacated the tank, it was jut the stink that was
>>>>>left.
>>
>>>>>Thanks again.
>>
>>>>>--HC
>>
>>>>The chemical is called Methyl Mercaptan.
>>>>It is one of the stinkiest things on earth.
>>
>>>>The only way I know to get rid of it is it burn it out with a BIG
>>>>rosebud tip.
>>
>>>>For the home smoker I am building the main tank is going to be a 100
>>>>gallon air tank.
>>>>The smoker I built last year at school is a 300 gallon air tank that
>>>>came from our air system.
>>>>The BIG tank at school is a 500 gallon air tank I found at the junk
>>>>yard for scrap price of around $180.
>>
>>>>>
>>>>>>OK to sum up you fried your little Stickmate, and would like to upgrade
>>>>>>to something bigger.
>>>>>>You have reasonably stable mains power, but not a lot of it.
>>
>>>>>>On the machines you list, any of the transformer machines would work,
>>>>>>but I would avoid the shopmate like the plague.
>>>>>>Miller invented that machine for schools, and that is where it should
>>>>>>stay.
>>
>>>>>>The best machine that I can recommend is the Miller CST280 inverter.
>>
>>>>>>http://www.millerwelds.com/products/stick/cst-280/
>>
>>>>>>List price is around $2300, but the real price is more like $1900.
>>>>>>I bought one for my school 2.5 years ago and it has been a workhorse
>>>>>>ever since.
>>>>>>Absolutely excellent stick welder, and can be used for basic TIG.
>>>>>>It can use a foot pedal, but does not have high freq. start, AC output,
>>>>>>or a gas valve.
>>>>>>You can use a gas valve body TIG torch and it does have lift arc start.
>>>>>>Aluminum up to 1/8" can be TIG welded using DC Electrode Positive, and
>>>>>>a very large tungsten.
>>
>>>>>>The best bit is the power efficiency.
>>>>>>It makes 6010 rod crackle with joy, and runs 7018 at a purr.
>>
>>>>>>At school we run it for extended periods of 180 - 210 amps output and
>>>>>>it has never complained once.
>>
>>>>>>I put it above all the transformers you listed, and also Lincoln's
>>>>>>comparable inverter machine, simply because Miller has inverters down
>>>>>>pat.
>>
>>>>>>You will love the portability.
>>
>>>>>>The other viable option would be a generator machine, but with fuel
>>>>>>prices soaring I am not sure how that would effect your bottom line.
>>
>>>>>>BTW I built a HUGE smoker/BBQ for the school from an old 300 gallon air
>>>>>>tank.
>>>>>>Works great.
>>>>>>I have a 500 gallon tank I am tempted to build into a trailer mounted
>>>>>>Smoker/BBQ.
>>
>>>>>>In article
>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>Someone named/going by Steamboat Ed (steamer) read the following post
>>>>>>>I had put in rec.metalworking and said I should post it here and ask
>>>>>>>Ernie so here it is below. Thank anyone for your time. I basically
>>>>>>>got two responses over there and only one really tried to address my
>>>>>>>base question which is about a couple of machines I'm thinking of
>>>>>>>buying to replace my current welder.
>>
>>>>>>>Original post below------
>>
>>>>>>>Hey, all, I currently have a Hobart Stickmate 235/160 AC/DC machine
>>>>>>>and I am thinking of buying a larger machine; what I'd like is to know
>>>>>>>thoughts and opinions about what would be a good machine to get.
>>
>>>>>>>I mostly do hobby welding but that may include hours of continuous
>>>>>>>welding (I sometimes, rarely, will weld for a couple of hours non-
>>>>>>>stop). I build smokers and have also built metal brackets to use to
>>>>>>>raise my concrete foundation on my house (and lots of other projects),
>>>>>>>and almost all the material I weld on is 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch thick.
>>>>>>>Mostly I use 6010 or 6011 rods which are 1/8 inch diameter, although I
>>>>>>>have found a really good use for 3/16 inch diameter 6010 rods. I have
>>>>>>>also used 5/32 6013 and 7014, and most all of this has been done with
>>>>>>>DC at the maximum output of my welder, 160 amps (well, whatever it
>>>>>>>puts out when it's cranked up fully, nominally it is 160 amps).
>>
>>>>>>>I was in the middle of building 35 brackets to go under my foundation
>>>>>>>last year when, POP, my little Hobart went from humming along to being
>>>>>>>noisy as hell and it's never gotten quiet again. I'm not sure what
>>>>>>>changed, maybe an adjustment screw on the slider in the thing fell
>>>>>>>out, who knows? It gets hotter than hell (even with a 120 V, 112 CFM
>>>>>>>fan scabbed over a hole immediately over the rectifier in the thing).
>>>>>>>I don't use it all day any day, but, from time to time, I will crank
>>>>>>>it up and burn rods for, literally, a couple of hours. I do a fair
>>>>>>>amount of welding in the 90-120 amp range with 6011 rods that are 1/8
>>>>>>>inch diameter, and also some 7018, 6013, 7014 rods, all at 1/8 inch
>>>>>>>diameter at various amperages, but never anything below 75 amps.
>>
>>>>>>>I feel I'm asking too much, at the higher output, from my little
>>>>>>>machine and would like a larger one. I live in rural (sort of, we
>>>>>>>have a 24/7 Supercenter about 4 miles from me; how rural can it be?)
>>>>>>>north central Texas and my power feed from the grid is what we call
>>>>>>>220 VAC, 60 Hz (but, with my RMS meter is really 250 VAC). Whatever
>>>>>>>it is, it is single phase and not strung between two of the grid's
>>>>>>>phases (208, I believe) as I have spoken to the utility to be sure.
>>>>>>>My shop is fed off a 100 amp breaker from the power pole and has a 100
>>>>>>>amp main breaker in the power panel/breaker box.
>>
>>>>>>>So, I started looking at the Lincoln Idealarc 250 with PFC (power
>>>>>>>factor correction) it can draw as much as 68 amps
>>
>>...
>>
>>read more »- Hide quoted text -
>>
>>- Show quoted text -
>
>

Posted by HC on July 2, 2008, 5:55 pm
Please log in for more thread options
Grant, to be sure we're on the same page, I was certainly not meaning
anything negative with my comment about offering beer in return for
getting sweet deals at the scrap yard. Whether the sweet deals are
facilitated by that offering or not doesn't cause me any animosity or
ill will; when I visit my local scrap yard with stuff to dispose of I
give almost all of it to them for free, even the aluminum cans. When
I go there and want to know if they have anything I need I get free
range to roam over the yard and usually get whatever I want for free;
it's a good relationship and I was thinking of beer offerings in a
similar light.

I have a 1,000 gallon propane tank I bought to use as an air tank but
never did (fearing it might blow up if it was corroded inside and
lacking a suitable way to test it). I was thinking, in light of the
information about de-stinking with bleach, that I could dump about 10
gallons of wally-world bleach in there and run a hose in it for a
while then seal it off and use my tractor to roll it around a while.
Yes, it's probably pretty redneck...but it might work. :)

My advice on building a smoker would be to accept that mostly likely,
no matter what you do, you'll find, when it's done, that you could
have done things differently. With that in mind, use good materials
and paint it well (I love the Rustoleum Hi-Temp in quart cans (use a
big automotive-style sprayer) because it holds up well to the heat
(even on the firebox) and also to the elements). The idea being, if
you finish it and wish you'd done a bunch differently you can sell it
and build another; that's what got me started.

Have fun!

--HC



> Let me jump in here. Ernie works at a welding school who buys lots of scra=
p
> steel from a local vendor, cuts it up into bits and welds it up again, tur=
ning
> it into even scrappier scrap, and then sells it back. When they have somet=
hing
> like an old air tank he has the opportunity to pick it up for a low price.=
He
> certainly didn't bribe them with liquor as has been inferred here.
>
> Also, you can make a smoker out of propane cylinders, but old air tanks ar=
e
> better. Small propane cylinders (20#) are easy to destink - remove the val=
ve,
> pour in a cup of household bleach and add a couple gallons of hot water, p=
ick
> it up and thoroughly slosh it around, then dump it out. Done. But a huge
> cylinder would be much much harder. You'd have to cut it open and then spr=
ay on
> the bleach solution, and the whole area would stink for a long time. Unles=
s you
> have Hercules handy, of course. :-)
>
> I wish I could find a place where guys who weld up smokers posted regularl=
y. I
> would love to hear from guys who had been doing it for awhile. I only want=
to
> make one! :-)
>
> Grant
>
>
>
> HC wrote:
> > Thanks, Ernie, for the reply. =A0I am cool with that. =A0I checked at th=
e
> > local AirGas place today and they'll sell me that CST 280 for 1,700
> > and change. =A0I'm excited about that. =A0I have someone already biting =
on
> > the line for one smoker and should have an answer in a day (and a down
> > payment)...then it'll be time to buy a new toy (plus the TIG
> > attachments).
>
> > Thanks again for this info and the info on the thiols (with that info
> > and what Gunner pointed out I think I can reconsider my ban on the use
> > of used propane tanks).
>
> > --HC
>
>
> >>The =A0Dynasty 200 DX is a full fledged TIG machine with AC and DC
> >>capability.
> >>It is a very nice machine, but does not have near the duty cycle or
> >>amperage output of the CST 280 in stick mode.
>
> >>The Dynasty 200DX is a very nice machine, but for the heavy stick
> >>welding you are describing, the CST 280 is superior.
> >>I have had a Maxstar 200DX for 8 years and love it.
> >>The Maxstar is the DC only version of the Dynasty.
> >>If you need super portability and the widest range imaginable of input
> >>voltages, the Maxstar and Dynasty 200's win hands down with the ability
> >>to run on anything from 80 to 500 volts, single or 3 phase, 50 or 60
> >>hertz.
> >>The CST 280 is a 220/440 single or 3 phase machine.
> >>It is primarily a Stick welder, but will do very nice DC TIG welding.
>
> >>I still feel the CST 280 is the better machine for you.
>
> >>In article
>
>
> >>>Any thoughts, good or bad, on the other Miller "combo" units such as
> >>>the Dynasty 200 they list under TIG machines? =A0They claim it will do
> >>>stick and TIG but list it under the TIG secstion of their catalog. =A0I=

> >>>ask because, after another session in the shop today, I am wondering
> >>>(dreaming) that maybe TIG would help me have better results on some of
> >>>my finer welding (like hinges and door straps) and, if I'm going to
> >>>pony up the cash to buy a new unit, I would like it to be the best it
> >>>can be. =A0I've welded aluminum one time only so I 'm not worried about=

> >>>needing to TIG aluminum, just mild steel. =A0So, the CST 280 can do TIG=

> >>>but is listed under the Stick section of their catalog but the Dynasty
> >>>200 DX is listed under the TIG section of their catalog and can do
> >>>Stick. =A0 Ah, who knows, I think the marketing people make it this
> >>>confusing on purpose.
>
> >>>:)
>
> >>>--HC
>
> >>>Thanks again and I don't know
>
>
> >>>>In article

>
>
> >>>>>Hey, Ernie, thank you for your reply.
>
> >>>>>I looked that machine up and it sounds good to me. =A0I like the lowe=
r
> >>>>>power consumption over the transformer/traditional styles. =A0It's co=
ol
> >>>>>that it could do some TIG work as, while I was working in the shop
> >>>>>yesterday, I was wondering if that process might work better for some=

> >>>>>work I'm doing where I do short welds in an open area and my MIG is
> >>>>>leaving too much metal (even with the wire speed adjusted down).
> >>>>>Since I do all my work in the shop a generator machine isn't going to=

> >>>>>do what I need; I have extended periods of setup and then intermitten=
t
> >>>>>welds to make so a grid-supplied unit is ideal.
>
> >>>>>I'm not sure what part of the country you're in but I get my trailer
> >>>>>kits (axle, springs, hubs, bearings, hitch, et cetera) from
> >>>>>abctrailerparts.com in Alabama (I'm in Texas). =A0It's a small outfit=
, I
> >>>>>think just the one guy, Randy, but he's been good to take care of my
> >>>>>orders for several years and the one time I had a problem with an axl=
e
> >>>>>he got it taken care of. =A0If you contact him, tell him Hartford sen=
t
> >>>>>you. =A0It won't get either of us a break on the price but it will
> >>>>>spread goodwill with him knowing I pointed business his way.
>
> >>>>>Just in case you've never done it, don't use an old propane tank if
> >>>>>you can help it. =A0Whatever they put in those things to make the
> >>>>>propane smell is tenacious; I cut one up to make a charcoal cooker an=
d
> >>>>>I took it to the car wash and pressure washed the inside (after I had=

> >>>>>it cut open) and then make my cooker from it. =A0It still smelled bad=
. I
> >>>>>had to build a couple of wood fires in it to get a coating on it and
> >>>>>I'm not convinced that I couldn't still smell that stuff some; I neve=
r
> >>>>>cooked on it. =A0I did, however, not find any evidence of the "pocket=
s
> >>>>>of gas" that everyone around here claim remain in the tank; the
> >>>>>propane had long since vacated the tank, it was jut the stink that wa=
s
> >>>>>left.
>
> >>>>>Thanks again.
>
> >>>>>--HC
>
> >>>>The chemical is called Methyl Mercaptan.
> >>>>It is one of the stinkiest things on earth.
>
> >>>>The only way I know to get rid of it is it burn it out with a BIG
> >>>>rosebud tip.
>
> >>>>For the home smoker I am building the main tank is going to be a 100
> >>>>gallon air tank.
> >>>>The smoker I built last year at school is a 300 gallon air tank that
> >>>>came from our air system.
> >>>>The BIG tank at school is a 500 gallon air tank I found at the junk
> >>>>yard for scrap price of around $180.
>
>
> >>>>>>OK to sum up you fried your little Stickmate, and would like to upgr=
ade
> >>>>>>to something bigger.
> >>>>>>You have reasonably stable mains power, but not a lot of it.
>
> >>>>>>On the machines you list, any of the transformer machines would work=
,
> >>>>>>but I would avoid the shopmate like the plague.
> >>>>>>Miller invented that machine for schools, and that is where it shoul=
d
> >>>>>>stay.
>
> >>>>>>The best machine that I can recommend is the Miller CST280 inverter.=

>
> >>>>>>http://www.millerwelds.com/products/stick/cst-280/
>
> >>>>>>List price is around $2300, but the real price is more like $1900.
> >>>>>>I bought one for my school 2.5 years ago and it has been a workhorse=

> >>>>>>ever since.
> >>>>>>Absolutely excellent stick welder, and can be used for basic TIG.
> >>>>>>It can use a foot pedal, but does not have high freq. start, AC outp=
ut,
> >>>>>>or a gas valve.
> >>>>>>You can use a gas valve body TIG torch and it does have lift arc sta=
rt.
> >>>>>>Aluminum up to 1/8" can be TIG welded using DC Electrode Positive, a=
nd
> >>>>>>a very large tungsten.
>
> >>>>>>The best bit is the power efficiency.
> >>>>>>It makes 6010 rod crackle with joy, and runs 7018 at a purr.
>
> >>>>>>At school we run it for extended periods of 180 - 210 amps output an=
d
> >>>>>>it has never complained once.
>
> >>>>>>I put it above all the transformers you listed, and also Lincoln's
> >>>>>>comparable inverter machine, simply because Miller has inverters dow=
n
> >>>>>>pat.
>
> >>>>>>You will love the portability.
>
> >>>>>>The other viable option would be a generator machine, but with fuel
> >>>>>>prices soaring I am not sure how that would effect your bottom line.=

>
> >>>>>>BTW I built a HUGE smoker/BBQ for the school from an old 300 gallon =
air
> >>>>>>tank.
> >>>>>>Works great.
> >>>>>>I have a 500 gallon tank I am tempted to build into a trailer mounte=
d
> >>>>>>Smoker/BBQ.
>
> >>>>>>In article
C
>
>
> >>>>>>>Someone named/going by Steamboat Ed (steamer) read the following po=
st
> >>>>>>>I had put in rec.metalworking and said I should post it here and as=
k
> >>>>>>>Ernie so here it is below. =A0Thank anyone for your time. =A0I basi=
cally
> >>>>>>>got two responses over there and only one really tried to address m=
y
> >>>>>>>base question which is about a couple of machines I'm thinking of
> >>>>>>>buying to replace my current welder.
>
> >>>>>>>Original post below------
>
> >>>>>>>Hey, all, I currently have a Hobart Stickmate 235/160 AC/DC machine=

> >>>>>>>and I am thinking of buying a larger machine; what I'd like is to k=
now
> >>>>>>>thoughts and opinions about what would be a good machine to get.
>
> >>>>>>>I mostly do hobby welding but that may include hours of continuous
> >>>>>>>welding (I sometimes, rarely, will weld for a couple of hours non-
> >>>>>>>stop). =A0I build smokers and have also built metal brackets to use=
to
> >>>>>>>raise my concrete foundation on my house (and lots of other project=
s),
> >>>>>>>and almost all the material I weld on is 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch thick=
.
> >>>>>>>Mostly I use 6010 or 6011 rods which are 1/8 inch diameter, althoug=
h I
> >>>>>>>have found a really good use for 3/16 inch diameter 6010 rods. =A0I=
have
> >>>>>>>also used 5/32 6013 and 7014, and most all of this has been done wi=
th
> >>>>>>>DC at the maximum output of my welder, 160 amps (well, whatever it
> >>>>>>>puts out when it's cranked up fully, nominally it is 160 amps).
>
> >>>>>>>I was in the middle of building 35 brackets to go under my foundati=
on
> >>>>>>>last year when, POP, my
>
> ...
>
> read more =BB- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -


Posted by SteveB on July 2, 2008, 8:26 pm
Please log in for more thread options
> certainly didn't bribe them with liquor as has been inferred here.

I have found that liquor has been one of the most efficient cost effective
greases to get the wheels of commerce turning that I have ever seen.
Politicians and all sorts of businessmen have known this since they hammered
out the first round rocks. Cold drinks of all types work well, too. No
telling you what a pizza or some hot coffee on a cold day would get you.
It's just the idea that someone comes in and is willing to spread a little
joy around while looking for scrounge.

I have had all kinds of delivery men, garbage men, counter men, and other
men who I feel treated me a lot better (sometimes financially) because of a
little extra grease now and then. And then if they were not agreeable to
liquor, I'd ask, "What else would you like on the next trip?" If I ever
profited less than I gave, I had the opportunity to end the arrangement.
But I rarely did.

Steve



Posted by John L. Weatherly on July 3, 2008, 10:17 am
Please log in for more thread options
SteveB wrote:

>
> I have found that liquor has been one of the most efficient cost effective
> greases to get the wheels of commerce turning that I have ever seen.
> Politicians and all sorts of businessmen have known this since they
> hammered
> out the first round rocks. Cold drinks of all types work well, too. No
> telling you what a pizza or some hot coffee on a cold day would get you.
> It's just the idea that someone comes in and is willing to spread a little
> joy around while looking for scrounge.
>
> I have had all kinds of delivery men, garbage men, counter men, and other
> men who I feel treated me a lot better (sometimes financially) because of
> a
> little extra grease now and then. And then if they were not agreeable to
> liquor, I'd ask, "What else would you like on the next trip?" If I ever
> profited less than I gave, I had the opportunity to end the arrangement.
> But I rarely did.
>
> Steve

Yep. A little goodwill goes a loooong way. Especially if the folks on the
receiving end aren't even used to people being nice to them. Sometimes a
simple please and thank you is all it takes. Sometimes it takes (around
here, anyway) some shine.

Or so I have heard.

--
John L. Weatherly
Nashville, Tennessee

please remove XXXs to reply via email

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