Wish there was a way to test these machines out, weld with them, get the feel for them before making the plunge.
Have been thinking about a Vantage myself but like Hillbilly said, "14 thousand" is a lot to part with on just "product reviews" online.
Getting an opportunity to weld with one all day long for a few days, now that would be putting your money where your mouth is sort of speak.
I've met a couple of welders that own them and they all say the same thing. Then again tho, most who bought a brand new Yugo probably said they loved them...
Tried them out myself for a few rods and they seem to run just fine.
On one particular project, my welder was able to plug his "into the wall", get rig pay with NO fuel expense.
That's what I'm talking Bout
hillbilly delux,
What??? You bought a Yugo???
LMAO No I bought a blue Gremlin
I don't think the new model 350 Pipe Pro has the option of plugging in to 220v to run the machine.
The older discontinued Pipe Pro 304 did have the option (additional $1,000 if I remember right) of being able to plug in to run the inverter without running the engine.
From what I see the 350PP is an entirely different machine.
I would like to run a few beads with the new one, 350PP.
I had a pretty good Black Face then bought a new PP304. My pipe welding improved.
Floyd
I can say for sure the Vantage 300 I have used in the refineries and what not is a awesome machine for stick and not bad with TIG. I have only played a little with the downhill on the vantage 300 but not enough to say its wonderful and all. I have passed many of x-ray test with that vantage 300. The best thing I guess if you don't know of someone with the vantage 300 is to go rent one and try it out for a weekend, It would be a whole lot cheaper then a new one. I to wouldn't want to spend 14k on it either so I understand where you're coming from on that but it really is a great welding machine I don't understand why some call it a disadvantage. When I'm on a job and see millers I rather go for the vantage then a miller. That vantage just makes my life so much easier I don't feel like i am fighting it, it does what I want it to do if that makes sense.
Chris
Shawn,
Around here, several of the rental place have SA's, Vantages, and others. Look around, maybe you could rent one for a week. The weekly rate usually isn't too bad. A lot cheaper than buying one then deciding you made a mistake.
edit: just noticed Chris said the same thing.
He Is In Control, Have a Great Day, Brent