I’ve been toting around a Vulcan MIG Max 215 (Harbor Freight) since 2018. By toting, I mean it’s in the rear compartment of my service truck. Subjected to the dust, and not a smooth ride as most of my work is off pavement.
I have put probably 20 10# rolls of flux cored wire through it over the years. By comparison, I only drag out my stick welding leads once a year…if that.
Picked up a second one that was on “Clearance” which is to say it was a returned item. That lives in my trailer for shielded gas welding, and spool gun.
The Vulcan mig max 215 has been a great mig welder for me as well.7 years now on mine not a hiccup. Now the pro tig 205 Vulcan is another story,6-10 hours of aluminum welding ac side stopped working on three different 205. now looking for better tig machine.
Ended up getting the Everlast MTS Lighting 275! Does everything I want. Now I can do some serious TIG. After I learn how I did get the dry torch add on, as I’m likely not going to need the water cooler anytime soon. One step at a time.
The control panel is very nice, very easy to operate and find all the settings. I hadn’t used an analog machine with dials, but I can see how it would be just as easy after you know what all the settings mean. I messed around with stick welding some thick 1/4 and had no problem, MIG leaves a very nice bead.
The only thing I’ve noticed with MIG is the wire doesn’t seem to retract enough and ends up getting stuck in the puddle at the end of the bead, overall the “stick out” seems to be too far out. Any way to adjust this? I thought it was backburn seconds, but that didn’t seem to do much.
I also ordered the CNC torch for my 52i. I called and ordered it over the phone, which I would suggest if you have previous products from everlast. They really take care of existing customers
I’ve never know a MIG to retract the filler wire. Just cuts power to the weld and the drive motor. You should have a 1/8 to 3/16 air gap that is all arc and spray when welding. If your filler metal is submerged in the weld puddle while you are welding, turn down your feed. too much stick out means move the torch nozzle closer.
Thanks for this. Maybe that is the case. I’ll reduce wire speed. The burn back feature prevents a ball forming on the wire tip so the next weld is clean and you don’t need to snip the wire tip off.
My opinion is to turn it off. Dial that machine in so that it sounds like bacon frying, and you will be on your way. All these features are just a hindrance to learning welding—my two cents from the old guy.
I did get the dry torch add on, as I’m likely not going to need the water cooler anytime soon. One step at a time.