ESAB XXX? vs the HTP Pro Pulse 220 MTS

[RedOak]

After pondering modernizing our welding capability for years, we're finally getting ready to make our first non-stick welding process purchase.

In short, we're seriously considering the HTP Pro Pulse 220 MTS welder...but I know that ESAB has a pretty good reputation, so the question at bar is: Which ESAB machine has capabilities that meet or exceed those that one gets with the HTP Pro Pulse 220 MTS?

By the way, I know enough about ESAB to know that there are different part numbers for different "packages," so your help with narrowing the closest ESAB welder package down to a specific part number, if possible, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your time,
Red

[Louie1961]

If you need/want pulse mig, then there is no equivalent ESAB to the propulse 220

You might consider the Miller Multimatic 255

[Munkul]

Why do you want a pulse MIG? If it's your first wire welder, then presumably you want it for steel? You'd be far better off with a good CV (constant voltage) MIG set.

If you want it for aluminium, the pulse is great, but for steel... at best it's a nice-to-have, at worst, it's not as nice as plain CV.

The Esab rebel series are overpriced and under-reliable. And don't do pulse mig. (if you need it)

EWM, Fronius, Lincoln, GYS, and kemppi all do high quality single phase 200-220 amp machines as well.

[Oscar]

EWM, Fronius, Lincoln, GYS, and kemppi all do high quality single phase 200-220 amp machines as well.

Most of those have scarce distribution/support/parts availability here in the USA though. It would be one thing to be able to drive across town to your local EWM or Kemppi dealer/distributor, but that isn't happening for 99.999999999999999999% of the American population.

[RedOak]

Why do you want a pulse MIG? If it's your first wire welder, then presumably you want it for steel? You'd be far better off with a good CV (constant voltage) MIG set.

If you want it for aluminium, the pulse is great, but for steel... at best it's a nice-to-have, at worst, it's not as nice as plain CV.

The Esab rebel series are overpriced and under-reliable. And don't do pulse mig. (if you need it)

EWM, Fronius, Lincoln, GYS, and kemppi all do high quality single phase 200-220 amp machines as well.

We definitely have AL projects that we would like to handle ourselves, and that has been at the front of my mind from the get go. I may not be the "prettiest" welder in the world, but I can weld steel with one of our tombstones. By the way, I've spoken to Fronius dealers about what they have, and even they told me that Fronius doesn't have their "support chain" worked out in the US. They seem like very nice machines. but what do you do when you need something for them?

[Rondo]

We definitely have AL projects that we would like to handle ourselves, and that has been at the front of my mind from the get go. I may not be the "prettiest" welder in the world, but I can weld steel with one of our tombstones. By the way, I've spoken to Fronius dealers about what they have, and even they told me that Fronius doesn't have their "support chain" worked out in the US. They seem like very nice machines. but what do you do when you need something for them?

There are a Lot of nice Pulse/ Twin pulse machines in the states for 1/2 the cost of Fronius. No service woes either.

[Louie1961]

I think this will do what you want https://store.cyberweld.com/miller-m...er-951767.html

Miller makes a Millermatic 255 which is MIG only and a Multimatic 255 which is MIG/stick/DC TIG. Both units offer pulse MIG and the Multimatic does pulse TIG as well (DC only-no aluminum with the TIG) Miller certainly has all the support you need in the Berkshires (which isn't far from me BTW)

[Munkul]

We definitely have AL projects that we would like to handle ourselves, and that has been at the front of my mind from the get go. I may not be the "prettiest" welder in the world, but I can weld steel with one of our tombstones. By the way, I've spoken to Fronius dealers about what they have, and even they told me that Fronius doesn't have their "support chain" worked out in the US. They seem like very nice machines. but what do you do when you need something for them?

Fair enough 1 phase or 3 phase? That makes a big difference as to what machines are available.

I bet if you had a good wire welder in the shop you'd choose it over the tombstones, you can put metal down a lot faster with them

The only Esab MIGs I would spend my own money on would be the AristoMIG 4000i/5000i, they're serious production machines, very nice quality, but maybe a bit big for your needs. I wouldn't touch a Rebel.

[pereirar910]

Esab discontinued many machines in a short time. You can't get spare parts because they bet everything on the new products.
On top of that, my machine failed, it no longer works. Esab disappointed me.