Finally here! Now what..?

[Mr-Mike]

It is a brand spanking new MagicWave 2500. The quality comments I have reaad don't do it justice. This thing is nice. For some reason, I thought I was getting the 'Job' model, even read all the 'Job' instructions - LOL. The 'Job' model of this previous gen machine was never an option to begin with. Don't know when or why I assumed it was a Job. Funny thing is it took me a long time to realize I didn't have the 'store' button. I was scratching my head for the longest time trying to find pulse settings and waveform adjustment. No, I have not even struck an arc. I haven't a clue how to weld other than You Tube videos. I guess I won't be playing the Star Spangled Banner... LOL. Silver lining is it seems a lot easier for a new guy. Not much to set especially with the pedal connected. I hope don't end up missing those advanced features or I will be trying to sell this to buy the new model.

I think I have everything I need, minus a cart and a table . I set up an AirGas account and picked up a huge 300 size bottle of Ar. (surprisingly inexpensive) and got a nice Victor flow meter, hose and adapter. I have a variety of filler rods and tungstens . Got a decent helmet, some gloves, tig fingers, and a welding shirt LOL.

Anyway, I think it's all set up so I am just going to dive in and start doing it. Wish me luck. I will report back. Should be interesting.

 

[Mr-Mike]

Running out of space....

Mocked up a table with my JawHorse and 1/2 thick plate of steel. First job is build a table, then a cart

 

[chris pruteanu]

Looks like a cracking bit of kit !

 

[Morrisman]

Looks very impressive, but if it is not the one you really wanted maybe you could return it before you start using it?

First thing I did with my new Rtech 180 mig was built a new welding trolley. I think it is one of the rules of welding.

That 1/2” plate looks remarkably like plywood.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Welcome aboard, Mr-Mike. Looks a very good set-up you have there

There's a thread on here about carts folk have built, full of ideas and pics of what other Members have made for their machines and gear. - well worth reading.

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum...+see+your+welding+cart&o=date&c[title_only]=1

 

[wyn]

Nice machine.

I wouldn't worry too much about "advanced settings" if you're just starting out welding.

 

[Mr-Mike]

Thanks guys. I'm stoked to give it a go and learn. No regrets with the purchase. I got it for a song. Fron-US wanted it gone (old stock) and I, for the first time ever, was talking to the right person at the right time. Given the deal ($,000's!), availability and even the extra amps, it still is the only choice. I also got lucky in another way. While not the 'Job' model, it is the 'MV' version - multi-voltage. I can run it on single phase power as well, 2500 and up are typically 3 phase machines. I get the feeling the newer 230i is more 'pro-consumer' with respect to target market. But what do I know... This is one is perfect for me now. I would have gotten tied up in screwing around unnecessarily with settings I don't understand before laying my second bead LOL.

Thanks for the comments and cart build links! Great stuff

 

[Richard.]

Congrats on the purchase that should see you right for plenty of years. They make a very decent tig set.
The Job model offers another button which you don’t have usually in the bottom left. This enables another menu with a few more toys. Obviously job store being one but I believe you can do things like tac , cap shaping and I’m happy to be corrected here but I’m not sure the non job model will pulse weld. Could be other basic settings not available too.
Fronius make good kit there is no question on that but they don’t like to give much away unless you buy the top model (job). Check your manual for settings like up slope, pre flow, pulse, as they may not be available to you to adjust.
That might be ok with you but just to make you aware the job model does a lot more than just stores jobs.
I only have one main bug bear with fronius and that is the torch. It’s a horrible thing with a huge handle. The cable is thick rubber all the way to the torch and the worst bit of all the torch only accepts fronius parts. They cost an arm and a leg compared to generic wp stuff. You can not fit another type of torch to the set unless you buy the (again expensive) adaptor because the socket is not a dinse. This is what annoys me about them the most. Great machines but they don’t give much away in the form of extras and unless you buy the adapter your locked in with there spares.

 

[Mr-Mike]

Thank you Wyn and thank you Richard! I think you summed it all up quite accurately, based on what I am seeing in the manual and on the machine. No pulse, no background current adjustment, no wave selection/adjustment (+/- half) and I don't think I have AC Freq adjustment either - I wish I had that (not that I know better). The other stuff I don't have that is in the 'Job' version is not related to the arc itself or welding per se, so no loss there as far as I am concerned. I do have control over all the up slope and down slope parameters, cap shaping, gas, HF start, balance, tungs dia, tacking, and other typical stuff. It does pulsing but it is automated within the tacking process, so that's no bonus. I was looking forward to 2K Hz pulsing. The waveform not so much as the factory seems to get it right, but the AC Freq may have been a decision point for the Miller Dynasty. Now that I have the Fronius, I am very pleased though.

Had I the opportunity to get the 'Job' I would have in a heartbeat (price depending of course). This one was left-over stock from the previous generation and it was the only one available. My confusion stemmed from having focused on the instructions for the Job version. I basically brainwashed myself into expecting that to arrive, I think. Anyway, this one came in at a price similar to a decent Asian machine (if there is such a thing), so zero complaints. It's pretty much plug and play - probably better for me as I tend to get distracted and obsessed with cr@p that is not important. I could probably break even if I sold it to someone familiar with the brand (in the USA), but having familiarized myself with it, I am all about Fronius so its a keeper. I don't know that I will ever weld enough to merit an upgrade and I am sure I will be very happy with this. Something to revisit in the future.

I can see how torch preferences and other critiques are significant factors for the pros and experienced welders, and it makes sense. Mine is a TTG2200P F / UD (8m). It has 2 toggle levers on it. Fortunately for me (I guess), I have no basis for comparison or familiarity with anything else, which will play in my favor . I imagine I will acclimate without much ado. I also believe the consumables are standard but i am not certain. The Fronius kit has these items (and some other stuff).

 

[Richard.]

Thank you Wyn and thank you Richard! I think you summed it all up quite accurately, based on what I am seeing in the manual and on the machine. No pulse, no background current adjustment, no wave selection/adjustment (+/- half) and I don't think I have AC Freq adjustment either - I wish I had that (not that I know better). The other stuff I don't have that is in the 'Job' version is not related to the arc itself or welding per se, so no loss there as far as I am concerned. I do have control over all the up slope and down slope parameters, cap shaping, gas, HF start, balance, tungs dia, tacking, and other typical stuff. It does pulsing but it is automated within the tacking process, so that's no bonus. I was looking forward to 2K Hz pulsing. The waveform not so much as the factory seems to get it right, but the AC Freq may have been a decision point for the Miller Dynasty. Now that I have the Fronius, I am very pleased though.

Had I the opportunity to get the 'Job' I would have in a heartbeat (price depending of course). This one was left-over stock from the previous generation and it was the only one available. My confusion stemmed from having focused on the instructions for the Job version. I basically brainwashed myself into expecting that to arrive, I think. Anyway, this one came in at a price similar to a decent Asian machine (if there is such a thing), so zero complaints. It's pretty much plug and play - probably better for me as I tend to get distracted and obsessed with cr@p that is not important. I could probably break even if I sold it to someone familiar with the brand (in the USA), but having familiarized myself with it, I am all about Fronius so its a keeper. I don't know that I will ever weld enough to merit an upgrade and I am sure I will be very happy with this. Something to revisit in the future.

I can see how torch preferences and other critiques are significant factors for the pros and experienced welders, and it makes sense. Mine is a TTG2200P F / UD (8m). It has 2 toggle levers on it. Fortunately for me (I guess), I have no basis for comparison or familiarity with anything else, which will play in my favor . I imagine I will acclimate without much ado. I also believe the consumables are standard but i am not certain. The Fronius kit has these items (and some other stuff).

Ah yes thats not so bad then at least the consumables are interchangeable.
No AC frequency ?? That’s crap... it must be adjustable surely. If that is the case I’d like to know where they fixed it. Maybe it’s automatic adjustment with current. Still pretty poor though as that feature is very handy.
I work for lorch in the uk. Like the fronius we are a European company that manufacturers welding equipment
We do 2 panel options on our tig line.
Control pro which is like the equivalent to the fronius job and we have panel called basic plus. But the difference is our basic plus offers very close to what the control pro offers. The panel is just laid out differently and some features are kept off but We certainly don’t take away fundamental settings like AC frequency and pulse. That’s just madness.
When you get going I’d be interested to know what that frequency is fixed at and whether it adjusts with current. AC Wave changing I wouldn’t get too hung up on
Yes the fronius wave adjusts on the half which is very nice for setting up to perfect preference but tbh a good quality square wave is all you’ll ever need and I’m sure it’s got that. Stability is the most important aspect of tig and I’m sure it is spot on for that. Keep us posted.

 

[Mr-Mike]

Richard! Correct again Sir. I do have AC Freq (40 - 250) - phewf! Helps when you select the correct button combo - MOD + LEFT vs MOD + RIGHT. The other stuff is nice but it's just the pulse that takes away from the elation a little.

Thanks again brother!

 

[Mr-Mike]

So I went for it. Did 4 beads total. The 1st three attempts (and fails) on the left, the 4th and last on the right - it clicked, at least a little bit. Recalling a video about things new welders do wrong, I corrected my steep torch angle and made sure I dabbed in the puddle, not the arc or in front of the puddle sticking my filler, and voila! You can see the heat penetration on the table with that last bead (just above it). The first three barely made the table warm.

After the failed attempts, I needed to regrind the thoroughly ******** tungsten though I never dipped or touched it. It looked like a bee's stinger with the venom sack attached. After the last go, the tungsten looked like it wasn't even used. I decided it was a good time to close shop for the night (quit while ahead...). This being the first time I ever used a welder, I am glad I didn't have all the extra settings. After seeing my first 3, I would have started adjusting the machine to improve the results. Not as easy as it looks. Will be a while before I make that table and cart LOL. The Viking helmet by the way is pure magic.

 

[wyn]

It's just a case of practicing and getting hand co-ordination /rod feeding right.
When it starts looking good then start using the adjustments if needed.

I use a Lorch t220 and just use it on the standard settings.

 

[addjunkie]

Another few hundred practice runs, youll be fine. Now you are welding concerntrate on technique rather than button fiddling. Once your beads look consistent, then tweak settings to learn what happens.

 

[Mr-Mike]

It's just a case of practicing and getting hand co-ordination /rod feeding right.
When it starts looking good then start using the adjustments if needed.

I use a Lorch t220 and just use it on the standard settings.

Another few hundred practice runs, youll be fine. Now you are welding concerntrate on technique rather than button fiddling. Once your beads look consistent, then tweak settings to learn what happens.

I will gents. I can pretty much sum up my welding experience by counting the total number of 'dabs'. I'm not even into the realm of 'runs' yet. I hope to get in a few hours a week over the next month or so. Maybe I will be able to start making things in the summer.



Thank you everyone for your thoughts and allowing me to share my little prelude into welding.

Cheers!

 

[Brad93]

Yep as far as I’ve seen the Job model (if anything like their mig series of the same era) basically gives you the option to store and recall memories, plus puts more options at your fingertips for repetitive jobs that require changing settings between welds.

As far as I remember, the other settings were still in the background menu.

Edit:

Looks like you might not have pulse. That’s pretty crappy but tbh I don’t use it much at all. They didn’t have pulse on miller transformers until the 80/90s (I think) and the guys at Lockheed and Boeing built some brilliant aircraft!

 

[Mr-Mike]

I'm with you Brad, as well your sentiment that no pulse sucks. For me, mainly because I just wanted it, but also it seems useful. I am over it though. This machine has everything else I need/want. I love this thing and welding is so freaking fun! I have only run a half dozen or so beads total (in life). My best would probably pass for poor. However, I got side tracked and I can't stop tacking together little stick people out of my pile of loose allen wrenches that have accrued over the years. Too fun! Every time I misplace one I buy a new set.. LOL. I am sure I am not alone.

Thanks Brad. Take care!