This one is for Dan..

[Brand X]

211i Tweco..

225 amps/28 volts/.035 out of the machine..(525 ipm max is about it on that wire size anyway) I did not take any weld pics, Just scrap pieces anyway.. Oh yea.. C-10 gas.. Perfect spray..It's got plenty of Juice to pull everything you can get out of .035 wire.. The pic I got does not show the volts, because the flash wiped it out.. Many times the volts were 29-30 It does not struggle like MM-210 PM-215 types of machines in the area of not have enough voltage to push that combo. Machine ran cool air out the back too..

Short-arc is excellent but not with the supplied gun. Runs 86, ad HTP wire perfect.. The fusion gun should be cut up in my metal muncher. It's total garbage and it welds like it too. Gun change and the machine is awesome in spray, and short-arc.. Pushes the 15 ft whip just fine.. I wonder how many 211i owners have figured out that the machine sucks a big one with the factory gun? I found that out with my 141i, and figured it might be the same deal. This is one impressive 200 amp machine. Just not from the factory..

I am going to run the LN-25 pro off of it tomorrow. I will get some steel cut up, and see how it pushes .045 Esab 910 X dual-shield.. I just have to add a contactor switch to the 8 pin, turn the machine to spool-gun, and hook the gas line up to the LN-25.. Bingo, external long reach feeder setup..

[Dan]

28 - 30 volts! The supplied TWECO documentation I am seeing on-line is showing the MIG volts topping out at 24.5V.

[7A749]

Nice machine Scott. Yeah, those Fusion guns are junk. A guy I used to work for had several of these machines (not a 211, but several 181s) and a couple of them had that gun on them IIRC.

I would love to own one, just wound use it enough to justify it.

[Dan]

Ok Scott, I took a look at some of the old Thermal Arc documentation on the unit and it's showing an output MIG voltage range of 14 - 30. The people converting the documentation over to Tweco can't seem to make up their minds. One is showing 14.5 - 24.5 and another is showing 10 -26.

In short arc did you need to run a different inductance settings for 86 and HTP ? The HTP wire to me always seems to have a little lazier puddle wet out then the HB-28 or L-56 that I've been running.

[Brand X]

Dan,
The machine has a lot of range in it's inductance. The 86 and HTP was about the same in inductance, but wire size went up to .035 with the HTP.. I might of had more inductance on the 86 only to get the bead to layout better down in the lower amp range. Stays mostly around #8 on the dial. Just seems to work real well in this machine.. In fact after the gun change, the arc type, and bead layout was so similar to running my Shopmate 300, and .035 86 wire.. I used the new 200 magnum on it the night before and was super impressed with how it welds.. Be really hard tell the difference between the two machines when setup similar.. Has that sharp little ball on the end of the wire as far as machine drive, with a nice softness to it too. (Low spatter with drive type arc)At least where I like to set the machine..

Steve the 181 welds different for some reason, although the one I used had the Weldskill gun on it.. I would have to have one here, and setup the same to really see what they could do.. Way different on power output that's for sure.. This thing thinks it's a MM-200. (Duty-cycle aside)

I wish Tweco would just sell the base machine, and only the extra drive rolls they sent with it.. I did not use the reg,ground lead,stick lead, mig gun, or even the gas hose. (Although that one is fine) Putting another mig gun on it is tricky but well worth the effort.



Preset voltage is 10.3 to 26 on my machine..Still if you set it to 26 volts,decent wfs for spray,it consistently shows 29-30 volts. you end up turning the volts down, because it's got too much.. This machine is not your Father's Oldsmobile.. Although I would of liked to have some of my Dad's

[7A749]

I totally agree on a base machine package with just the unit and a set of drive rolls. Miller sells a lot of their stuff like that and you can put what you want on it. Most MIG machines are gonna come with a gun, but I would pull that POS off and sell it brand new to someone cheap.

I've went back to using a Tweco number one gun. I got it with some feeders I bought and I've grown quite fond of it. I've had it up in the 25-27 volt range running it on a 54 feeder off my Maxtron. Of course, with what little welding I do, I can get by with just about anything.

If I do happen to buy another portable MIG, that 211i would be it.

[Brand X]

Steve,
what I like about it is the extra power allows for you to do a bit of Spray-arc welding..For the little projects you know short-arc is marginal . It's not like the machine just barely breaks in a spray-arc with 98-2 gas. It's the real deal, with perfect arc starts. I ordered the roll bar, and fixed up a computer bag to hang off the side of the machine . Stick leads/tig torch, ground leads, drive rolls, 120volt adapter/etc.. fit into it.. The cage will protect the machine, and add some much needed carry handles/mig torch holder.. One thing about the size, and weight with this machine. You do get a power supply to match it's size.. It would be interesting to see what the Lincoln 210 will do, but I just bet it not even close to the top end output. That's a gut feeling, and not based on using one..Sometimes Size does matter..

[jim cafarelli]

Heres how I modded the supplied Fusion guns,,works real good

[jim cafarelli]

Scott I maxed mine for kicks and saw it at 31 maybe Im gettin a little more out of the recpticle ,,or because its got 030 in it?

Dan,
The machine has a lot of range in it's inductance. The 86 and HTP was about the same in inductance, but wire size went up to .035 with the HTP.. I might of had more inductance on the 86 only to get the bead to layout better down in the lower amp range. Stays mostly around #8 on the dial. Just seems to work real well in this machine.. In fact after the gun change, the arc type, and bead layout was so similar to running my Shopmate 300, and .035 86 wire.. I used the new 200 magnum on it the night before and was super impressed with how it welds.. Be really hard tell the difference between the two machines when setup similar.. Has that sharp little ball on the end of the wire as far as machine drive, with a nice softness to it too. (Low spatter with drive type arc)At least where I like to set the machine..

Steve the 181 welds different for some reason, although the one I used had the Weldskill gun on it.. I would have to have one here, and setup the same to really see what they could do.. Way different on power output that's for sure.. This thing thinks it's a MM-200. (Duty-cycle aside)

I wish Tweco would just sell the base machine, and only the extra drive rolls they sent with it.. I did not use the reg,ground lead,stick lead, mig gun, or even the gas hose. (Although that one is fine) Putting another mig gun on it is tricky but well worth the effort.



Preset voltage is 10.3 to 26 on my machine..Still if you set it to 26 volts,decent wfs for spray,it consistently shows 29-30 volts. you end up turning the volts down, because it's got too much.. This machine is not your Father's Oldsmobile.. Although I would of liked to have some of my Dad's

[Brand X]

Nice Job on the gun..

I ran some .045 dual-shield to load test it.. None of the high amp ones came through. All had 29-30 volts, even the one at 284 amps.. No problem running the wire at 600 IPM. Way out of range of the wire, but it handled easy. Machine ran cool too.. It's a monster..I did put my 450 amp tweco gun on it.. Fit right on. Looks like if you stick with Tweco, no issues fitting a gun to the machine

[jim cafarelli]

gunmaster slipped right in too,, quick fix for a door stop picture frame cable

[Brand X]

Good job again..

Here is a pic of some 120 volt welding.. It's hot, and 160+ amps-maybe 20 volts on a 20 amp circuit. oh yea, .035 wire, and C-25 gas...
This thing just blows me away.$900.00 machine kicks some A$$ on the big boys..

[jim cafarelli]

Whats there not to like!!

[Oldendum]

Scott,

What do you think of the 211i wire drive assembly now that you've had time with it? I know you had some initial concerns way back.

[Brand X]

I wish it was top roll driven, just because it's better.. It seems to run well at spray-arc ipm with a 15ft gun, so can't complain too much.. Just set it to not slip without using too much pressure on the drive wire is best. Anymore and the wire will deform some.. Had it happen one time so far.. They put a nice gearbox, and motor in the machine, just cut corners in this area.. (Other then the accessories) That said, it could have a four roll driven ,and all the nice accessories, but the power supply sucks in arc quality.. Happens more then you think..: But you do get pay 4-5 times the amount of $ to join that club..( so you just have to think it's the cat's meow)

[Oldendum]

... but the power supply sucks in arc quality.. .

? You can be terse at times.

[Brand X]

? You can be terse at times.

It's because I have owned some of those high dollar units..

[AKweldshop]

Hey Scott, does the machine come with an .045 drive roller?

I just ordered one of these from Bakers gas.

I got a friend that's driving up from the 48, and he'll pick it up for me.
Be about 3 weeks tho.

[Brand X]

No it does not,
let me look the # up. I need one too..



http://store.cyberweld.com/tharcdrrovkn1.html


http://www.bakersgas.com/THE704277.html

[7A749]

Steve,
what I like about it is the extra power allows for you to do a bit of Spray-arc welding..For the little projects you know short-arc is marginal . It's not like the machine just barely breaks in a spray-arc with 98-2 gas. It's the real deal, with perfect arc starts. I ordered the roll bar, and fixed up a computer bag to hang off the side of the machine . Stick leads/tig torch, ground leads, drive rolls, 120volt adapter/etc.. fit into it.. The cage will protect the machine, and add some much needed carry handles/mig torch holder.. One thing about the size, and weight with this machine. You do get a power supply to match it's size.. It would be interesting to see what the Lincoln 210 will do, but I just bet it not even close to the top end output. That's a gut feeling, and not based on using one..Sometimes Size does matter..

Yeah, it's a pretty nice unit all around. I know if you speak highly of it, it's gonna be good to go

I really like the size to power ratio and the fact I can just plug it into my engine drive versus hauling out lead and a feeder. Again, as little as I weld anymore it's an expense I currently cannot justify. No question it will be the next personal MIG purchase tho. At least for myself and not to resell.

[Brand X]

Yeah, it's a pretty nice unit all around. I know if you speak highly of it, it's gonna be good to go

I really like the size to power ratio and the fact I can just plug it into my engine drive versus hauling out lead and a feeder. Again, as little as I weld anymore it's an expense I currently cannot justify. No question it will be the next personal MIG purchase tho. At least for myself and not to resell.

I have two generators to run this on. One is a cheap China one 3500..(Light weight) which will run the 120 volt side just fine. Also a real deal MQ 6000 that will handle the rest. Be a nice setup for the back of the F-150. That's all I will ever need for my portable stuff.. That's the last test I need to run, other then the Stick welding.. Even then, I have even lighter machines that will work for Stick/tig.. I know Jim is really liking the stick arc on his 211i...

In fact he is thinking about selling his Multimaster because this machine will do all he needs... John already unloaded his last week.. I am still keeping my Shopmate 300, because it welds so similar to the Tweco.. (Great) Besides it truly is one you can push really hard without worring about melting it down. I pushed the Tweco, and it will do it, but not really what it's made for.. Nice it has lots of extra power, for the times when you need a bit more then any 200 amp mig will give you..


When I ordered my 141i from Central welding in WA. the guy there was telling me about the 211i Said he could take home any machine they had, but liked the 211i the very best of all for a home shop..They have every size, and brand there too. I though he might of not quite of known what was available, but it turned out it was me...


Jim,
ordered all the parts to convert the Tweco fusion over to the Tweco #11 stuff. I went ahead ,and bought a decent .023 liner too.. Just need the $7.00 tap to complete.. Going to be $45.00 with all the stuff to do it.. I cannot see why it won't work as well as any other gun at that point.. I will still have a .030-.035 liner too.. I wanted a decent 12 ft gun to run .023 wire, and for $45.00 It's worth it to me.. It will a pretty nice gun when finished with your mod..

[jim cafarelli]

Scott ,, I think your really going to like it with that front end on it.. if you cut it off where I did I used the cut off piece to do a dry run drilling and taping it,it was tricky for me to get it done without mauling the threads but im no expert on that theres probably a specific lube I just used WD40.. Im going to just keep my loaded with 030 for now and keep the caddy for 023 ,, Yes I found the stick mode is pretty outstanding, great hot arc starts and smooth running after..the 211 mig low end is impressive no trouble running a 2 inch pass with ease on 22 gauge with 030 not the ideal wire but worked well

I have two generators to run this on. One is a cheap China one 3500..(Light weight) which will run the 120 volt side just fine. Also a real deal MQ 6000 that will handle the rest. Be a nice setup for the back of the F-150. That's all I will ever need for my portable stuff.. That's the last test I need to run, other then the Stick welding.. Even then, I have even lighter machines that will work for Stick/tig.. I know Jim is really liking the stick arc on his 211i...

In fact he is thinking about selling his Multimaster because this machine will do all he needs... John already unloaded his last week.. I am still keeping my Shopmate 300, because it welds so similar to the Tweco.. (Great) Besides it truly is one you can push really hard without worring about melting it down. I pushed the Tweco, and it will do it, but not really what it's made for.. Nice it has lots of extra power, for the times when you need a bit more then any 200 amp mig will give you..


When I ordered my 141i from Central welding in WA. the guy there was telling me about the 211i Said he could take home any machine they had, but liked the 211i the very best of all for a home shop..They have every size, and brand there too. I though he might of not quite of known what was available, but it turned out it was me...


Jim,
ordered all the parts to convert the Tweco fusion over to the Tweco #11 stuff. I went ahead ,and bought a decent .023 liner too.. Just need the $7.00 tap to complete.. Going to be $45.00 with all the stuff to do it.. I cannot see why it won't work as well as any other gun at that point.. I will still have a .030-.035 liner too.. I wanted a decent 12 ft gun to run .023 wire, and for $45.00 It's worth it to me.. It will a pretty nice gun when finished with your mod..

[Brand X]

My $45.00 dollars will allow me to do a few of them, so once you get things rolling, less cash output.. Low-end is really nice with .023 wire, but it will clean up even more with a liner change. Being able to see around the big honking nozzle will be nice too.. I got the #50 series gas diffuser ordered, (9 MM X .125) Guess if you screw those up, maybe you can get a #51 to thread in after the fact.. (Two shots anyway..)

http://airgas.com/product/Welding-Pr...d3&fo_s=gplaus

[Dan]

Scott or Jim,

In the mid 17's to 18 volts, on 1/8", if you play with the inductance are you able to produce an extremely high frequency buzzing short arc that produces basically zero spatter and has good puddle wet out ?

[Brand X]

yep.. Perfect! Really took a gun change to get there too.. Stable arc. The inverter is extremely fast to keep you there too.. The Lincoln 200 gun with a .030-35 15 ft liner is just excellent on the arc starts, and general feeding of the wire. You don't have to snip the wire to get great arc starts every time. Like that about this Thermal/tweco machine. Starts like the Shopmate, and 300 Multimaster.. That area tends to piss me off more then anything. Spray-arc has perfect starts too. Jim is using HB-28 china, and likes it. Machine is not picky about wire. He said that stuff would not even run in the Hobart 230, and Migmaster. I agree, wire is not the issue.. I know it's the exact arc you have been looking for.. I just wonder how many people stick with the fusion gun ,and think the machine sucks? Or even know that is sucks. I knew right away this is bent, and somebody from Tweco has pushed the fusion gun fame, way beyond what it truly is.. POS, but I think can be a nice gun with some work..




I am doing the Jim mod to the factory fusion gun. Changing the Liner, to a .023 American Torch tip liner, and the older #11 tips diffuser/etc.. At that point it's got all the stuff to make it weld right..