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Welder question......

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Shimmy1

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So, after much debate and flip-flopping for over a year, am getting close to making a decision on a new shop welder. Since we already have the 12RC suitcase feeder, I am leaning towards a Miller XMT 304 cc/cv power source. I am pretty good with a stick welder, and this could pretty much do anything I need that I'm capable of doing in the shop. Has been a long road deciding on whether or not we wanted a dedicated wirefeed, but since the little Thunderbolt is pretty much only big enough for things you'd normally use a good wirefeed for, I'm thinking setting up with the suitcase as a feeder is the best plan. Plus, if I ever get the ambition to become proficient at TIG welding, I'll have the ability. Anybody have any opinions on this?
 
Junkyard

Junkyard

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Claremore, OK
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I like the idea. I have a 12RC and a 12VS suitcase. Been contemplating an XMT for the shop to save the use on the engine drive. A former customer used them in their heavy fab shops and had great luck with them. The new technology is great as far as multi-process, noise and power consumption. I don't think you can go wrong with that plan.

Junkyard
 
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Shimmy1

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Between the RC and the VS, which do you prefer? Using the suitcase as a feeder in the shop, the VS would basically be fine unless you wanted to drag it up into something to get closer to the work. We went with the RC for the convenience in the field of setting voltage and wire speed at the feeder.
 
Junkyard

Junkyard

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Well they both have their little quirks I guess you'd say. I think for anything but solid wire the VS isn't bad. I like the RC better for MIG. With the RC you have the extra cord to the machine but you've already got a shield gas hose and whatnot anyway, although with the VS you have the extra little ground clamp to deal with so it guess it's even lol. I agree it's handy to set the feeder where you are working vs however far away the machine might be. At work we use several of the VS in the field when we have to work casing and want to move a little quicker than burning rods.

Junkyard
 
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lantraxco

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Jan 1, 2009
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Elsewhen
The XMT's are bulletproof in my opinion, look for one with the features you want. I had one a few years back at a former job that had the ability to run on single or three phase, autoswitched, came in handy now and then I can tell you when we moved from shop to shop.
 
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Twisted

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Oct 29, 2007
Messages
389
Location
MN
I own a 304 and absolutely love it (I own 6 other welders). It is one of the smoothest stick and MIG welders I have ever used. I have all of my cords hanging on it for both processes. I have used it for gouging but I normally hook up to an old 400A unit for that. I have it mounted on a cart but it is easy enough to carry to another location with single or 3ph power and do some stick welding.
They are light, powerful and the inverter technology is very efficient.
You won't be disappointed.

P.S. I bought mine about 5 years ago used with all of the cords, wirefeed and regulator for $2600 delivered to where I was working.
 
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Shimmy1

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Aug 14, 2014
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North Dakota
Bought a XMT 304 at an auction on Friday. Got it for $676. No leads, but we have plenty from other welders, just have to put the Dinse plugs on. Am looking forward to seeing how the 12RC works on it. They had a second one on the sale that was a little older that sold for $750. Should have probably bought both, LOL.
 
Junkyard

Junkyard

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Heck of deal. I'd have been all over them. I seldom need one in the shop but for that price I'd have one. What auction was it?
 
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Shimmy1

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Aug 14, 2014
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North Dakota
Online auction for Cimarron Energy Services in Grafton, ND. It was a crude oil tank building company. They had over a dozen 400 barrel tanks, skids, jigs for building them, and lots of parts. Pallets of weld-on fittings, gauges, and other stuff. Lots of junk, had to go look at things. We also picked up 96' of 14' high pallet racking. The good stuff, 6" wide horizontals with all the planks, 3 shelves per 12' wide section. Got it for $2950.
 
nowing75

nowing75

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Aug 5, 2009
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898
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coatesville indiana
We have an xmt in the shop with an Rc feeder. Works great for stick and mig but have not used the tig yet as I have a dynasty for that. I have an rc feeder on the truck with an 80' extension for the control.
 
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