Originally Posted by
akschu
I bought one of these, but I'll be returning it. There are a number of issues with it:
1. The documentation is pretty much non-existent. There is no manual for it on the web site, and the manual I have doesn't really go over all of the settings and what they do. I was able to figure it out because I have enough welding experience, but at first it wasn't obvious that in the DC pulse settings, the background current is a percentage of the minimum current set for the pedal. I little mention of that in the manual would have been great.
ESAB has a terrible manual game!
I like that you can access a lot of part numbers and set-ups in the machine menu.
I like that they give you a USB loaded with the manual.
But would it kill them to give you a paper hard copy?
There are menu icons, and processes (spotweld) that barely get a mention in the manual. Let alone any information on set-up or use.
A hard copy (besides the one on the inside of the door) of MIG parameters would be nice to have for the shop. It would also be nice if the values were even close.
2. The pulsing acts funny. When I turn it on I can't go below 20pps, but if I tough anything in the pulse menu (not changing, just looking at the settings), then it will go below 20pps. If I set 1pps with 100% background current (10amp) and 50% frequency, it doesn't actually pulse.
I got nothing here, I'm running a 285ic.
3. The fan runs all of the time, and it's LOUD. Even if I'm just doing thin 4130 at 40amps, I need ear plugs because it sounds like a jet taking off.
About 20 minutes ago, I was in the house sitting on the toilet, my machine is out in the garage with the fan running, and I thought DANG that is obnoxious!
It is bar none, the loudest fan in a welding machine (or possibly any machine of its size) that I have ever had the pleasure to work around.
I like that it doesn't come on until you strike and arc.
I wish that you could lay down at least a few tacks before it kicks on.
Or if it must kick on for a mere tack, I wish the fan had thermostat instead of a timer (I think). No mater how much, or how little, welding I do the fan runs for about 5 minutes after no arc.
ESAB if your listening, copy the Miller XMT fan situation. It's on demand only, and after owning this 285, I realize it was pretty darn quite.
Anyone else buy one and like it or dislike it?
Like I said above I purchased a 285ic, but they share a lot of features. There are other things I would change about this machine (like having AC capabilities), but I have never owned a machine that I felt was 100% perfect.
For the most part I'm happy with my ESAB purchse. I've been trying to use it everyday, and put it through it's paces while its still within it's first 100 days. It's on its 68th day in my shop, and as of right now, I think she's gonna be a keeper.