That arc is the result of Lincoln's "Chopper Technology" and it's had a hold on me for 6 years and I just won't let go.
But that "Chopper" is just the way they turn it back to a respectable DC arc.
( I am fully aware of the pot I have just stirred.)
Well Rick, As soon as we get started again I'm Gonna have to take you to school !
Well no disrespect intended but I've been welding in the field for enough years that the practicing is all over. I work my rig and produce x-ray (API 1104, B31.1, B31.3) work with that 250 D. Thought I'd let you know
Im sure as far as Cactus is concerned your 250D is a Pile of S#*t. If it doesnt say Vantage on it you might as well not talk about it with him. Im sure he thinks his Vantage will outweld a well tuned ol Redface.
they sure are great welders, and so are reface welders! but i dont if cactus will know how to work on his vantage, considering all electronics inside and that its a seal compartment. as far as reliability goes well we know that these old 200's are proven time will tell the story on the vantage. will it last as a trademark welder or be phased out into a different product. but it is a lincoln so we know that it has a lot of enginuity behind it and is trustworthy.
if the printed circut board ever goes out and it's not under warranty go to the bank and get a small loan 3500.00 just for the board
There plenty of guys out here welding with machines that are 30 and forty years old. I dare say you wont be welding with a 2009 vantage in 30 years. Just a thought.
Neither will you or I be driving the same truck in 30 years. One thing I do know is that for the time being,my Vantage 400 hasn't let me down,on cold start-ups,rough roads, on x-ray or structural welding. And in 30 years I'll probably be sitting around a piano at the seniors lodge singing Stairway to heaven.lol
Maybe I wasnt clear on my last post. I was referring to the old school Lincolns are very good machines. They dont have or will ever have expensive maintainance issues. The older lincolns are primarily mechanical. The Vantage has alot of computer components. My fear in buying a Vantage is some of that computer stuff goes out and I have to drop 3 or 4 grand and I dont think that the Vantage has the long life as the old 200s do. Do you think that the Vantage has staying power or do you think they will fade out like the lincoln commander did.
Argoncowboy- you're right on all accounts. Old lincolns just keep running and running and when I broke out I ran a 1970 Sa200 but despite its proven longevity, I found it short on 110v power and other options that the Vantage offers. How long will the Vantage last? I hope the rest of my career. But one thing certain, that Chopper arc sure keeps me employed and THAT my friend is the way we all like to be kept.
argoncowboy-I don't think the Commander 400 faded away, put to death more likely.
LarryM
I believe you are right. I havent seen one of those in a while. Do you think the Vantage will fade like that as well.
up-ten I hope your teeth don't fall out when you hit the soaring chorus!
JTMcC
You are so VERY right ! I wont be welding with mine much more at all. But dont make the mistake Rick did and think I cant weld. I hold all the certs you hold + some. If I am welding in 30 years JUST SHOOT Me. come to think of it. If I am welding in 5 Years, Shoot me because something has gone bad wrong.
i just want to be welding now
well maybe not but who knows
700.00? what are you talking about
It will !!!! Glad you agree okwelder82
Cactus, I don't own no fancy, MAGIC welder like you but I have a question, If a guy comes for a test and says " I see you have a LINCOLN DISADVANTAGE "is that an automatic "BUST" LOL If so please post because this will save some guys alot of time,money and drive time. Rick, MR. Shad pay attention. GO STEELERS and PENS.
i dont need a vantage machine to do my job cactus knows that rain or shine day or night shad will be there
i was gonna call but i cant make it this week theres a ranch rodeo this weekend put on by the church and my wife wants to go they are ok to watch but more fun to enter and i cant enter that sucks
Cool, we will get together when possible. Looks like you may be finding some stick work, with some luck. I guess I will be burning some 5p - 70+ to keep myself entertained Saturday.
The week snuck by me and I would have to haul butt tomorrow afternoon to get argon, anyway. Take care and good luck!!!!!!!
Well I think I found a chink in the Vantage armour today. Welding in the wind using 70+ rods. It seems that the wind has an adverse effect on that arc that is so much better. I never seemed to have that problem with my 250.
try turning heat up 5-10 and holding closer arc.... and maybe a bit of angle into the wind - works for me altho depending upon how hard of a wind???
No, not the almighty Vantage!!!!!!!
Most popular saying " turn it up 5 or 10, it will be good" BS
Well the verdict is in. It is a dis-advantage. I'm sure they are a fine up hill machine. But down hill, I aint digging it. Between the pinholes and the trapped slag I am truely suprised. They cap out real well with a 70+ rod as long as the wind aint blowing. I got my 250 back yesterday and I could not be happier to pull that Vantage off of my truck. Maybe the GREAT Cactus could hold a class. LOL