Questions on Suitcase Feeders

[djd775]

I've been wanting to get into a portable wire feeder for some time now, but I'm always looking for versatility in my tools. I appreciate that some of the things that I want to do are not dead-simple, but I'm willing to improvise a bit if needed.

I want to find a feeder that will satisfy a few criteria, and I'm hoping to draw on the knowledge and experience on this forum to tell me if I can make this work, or if I'm just insane. My 'want list' is basically:

1. Can I get a feeder that will run off my TA 252i for now? I can see moving to an XMT, Invertec, or similar in the future - but I definitely could use the extra reach of a separate feeder in the meantime. I realize that I would have to release the tension on the drive rolls or maybe install a shutoff switch on the feed motor of the 252 to make this feasible, and I would want a feeder with a gas solenoid and a contactor included.
2. Based on that, the feeder would have to be compatible with XMT/Invertec or similar power sources in case I go to one of those machines in the future.
3. I would like to have the CC/CV option, so that I could run the feeder in VS from an engine drive or off of the old Dialarc at work.
4. I would like to keep my mig guns standardized at this point (if possible) which means a Tweco #4 backend is prefferable.
5. Will any of the suitcase feeders support push-pull guns if a lot of aluminum work comes my way, or am I dreaming?
6. I've just started learning a bit about GMAW-P and the synergic pulse capabilities. Again, in anticipation of getting an XMT/Invertec/etc down the road, do suitcase feeders support this process?

I realize that this may be a far-fetched list of dreams, but 'if you don't ask, you'll never know'.

TIA for any inut/help/suggestions/reality checks.
Dan

[CEP]

I have an LN-25 that I run on my SA-200s, and my Invertec V350-Pro. With a Tweco gun, or K-126 Lincoln Innershield gun. LN-25s have the CC/CV option. I have no idea if an LN-25 would run on a TA 252i. I've never seen an LN-25 with a push / pull gun.

[djd775]

Ok thanks. Can you run synergic pulse with an LN-25? I think I could get the feeder to run on the 252 as it has dinse connectors on the front...just a matter of forcing the contractor on the 252 and stopping it from feeding out of the built-in feeder.

Realistically, the idea of keeping the guns the same is not a huge issue-it would be handy though.

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[Broccoli1]

For the Feeders to do Pulse you'll need a controller-
http://store.cyberweld.com/miopmigpu...FchhfgodFhMAew

Thread about LN-25 (won't work)
http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...-Pulse-Control


Optima thread
http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...ghlight=optima

[djd775]

Ok thanks guys, I can see I'm probably being too optimistic in my search.

CEP, you would still be powering the LN-25 from arc voltage when running on your Invertec right? How do you find the performance in that mode compared to a standard constant-speed feeder? I've read varying opinions, just wondering what yours is.

To clarify, I wasn't thinking of trying to get pulse mig from anything other than an XMT/Invertec/etc.



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[CEP]

CEP, you would still be powering the LN-25 from arc voltage when running on your Invertec right? How do you find the performance in that mode compared to a standard constant-speed feeder? I've read varying opinions, just wondering what yours is.

Yes, the LN-25 is still running on arc voltage.
I just put the V350-Pro in CV Mig Standard mode, and make sure everything is set on the front panel. Make sure the LN-25 is set to CV, hook up the little clip, and pull the trigger. I can't tell one bit of difference between the LN-25 and the LF72 shop feeder.

[Stick-man]

I also run my LN-25 and Super S32P off of my Shopmaster. Unless I got a really good price on a regular feeder, I would just keep buying suitcase feeders.

[djd775]

Yes, the LN-25 is still running on arc voltage....I can't tell one bit of difference between the LN-25 and the LF72 shop feeder.

Unless I got a really good price on a regular feeder, I would just keep buying suitcase feeders.

Thanks, that's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. Sounds like I should be keeping an eye out for an LN-25. There's a Hefty II in the local classifieds, but the price seems a little steep.

[M J D]

There are quite a few different Miller S32p12 feeders on Ebay for decent prices. In my opinion its as good a feeder as an LN-25.

[Stick-man]

There are quite a few different Miller S32p12 feeders on Ebay for decent prices. In my opinion its as good a feeder as an LN-25.

My Super S32P feeds wire great. My LN25 feeds wire great. The LN25's outer shell is far superior to the 32P's. But, the newer Miller VS series feeders level that playing field. I have most drive rolls for both, so I will buy any that I get a great price on. I do like the new Activ8, though.

[M J D]

My Super S32P feeds wire great. My LN25 feeds wire great. The LN25's outer shell is far superior to the 32P's. But, the newer Miller VS series feeders level that playing field. I have most drive rolls for both, so I will buy any that I get a great price on. I do like the new Activ8, though.

My feeders are all Miller so I only need 1 style of drive rolls. I just picked up my third S32p12 feeder for $60 ,not working. Figured the meters on it were worth that. Turns out the CC-CV switch was open so that was a cheap fix. EAsier to change feeders than switch drive rolls and wire. I would buy any of those feeders for the right price but its pretty hard to justify spending $1500- $2000 for a feeder.

[blawless]

I have the S32p suitcase and have used it since new in 2000. I would buy another one like it should it need replaced. I've used the LN 25 and have found that the people who use those are generally better looking and make more money. So I need to stay with Miller. Really I'd buy either one. You should have at least 30 or 40.

[M J D]

I live about 50 miles from where the Millers were built so I usally see 5-6 Miller products for 1 of anything else. Must be a regional thing, I know in the past Miller employees used to get huge discounts on their products so that was a good thing to know someone who worked there.

[djd775]

If you want to do pulse in the future, you'll need, first an inverter machine with the capability .... If you happen across an LN 25 (with gas at a minimum) or S 32 P 12 VS suitcase cheap, grab it. You wanna make sure you at least have the gas solenoid tho. You can't use solid wire without one (or a hack up modification/ outboard solenoid box) & both the Lincoln & Miller feeders require a separate board to run the solenoid & it's not cheap.

Good luck with the search.

IMHO of course

Thanks for the valuable advice. Is there any difference in features/abilities between an XMT with a pulsing pendant vs. an XMT MPa machine?