First impressions of New Kemppi Master-M 358G w/Watercooler (Loads of photos)

[superclarkey]

Okey, Spoken with Kemppi and the supplier and both have been very helpful, I'm now in discussions to buy the X5 Auto Pulse machine and the 358 is going to go in for a service under warranty.. if I notice a manful difference between the old torch and the new torch they will replace it under warranty.

I'm trying to be as fair as I can be, they are offering me a little incentive to upgrade to the X5 Auto Pulse 400amp machine.

Just a few questions, if anyone knows, There is a AP and APC feeder units, is this just connectivity? if so is there any point me having this feature other than future value?

Secondly, there is the 300 vs 200 feeders, I'm going to go for the 300mm version, but again there is a normal version and HD?

HD is side load, and the normal is top feed?

Other than that is there any difference? Which is actually better?

Non HD 300 AP - https://www.rapidwelding.com/dynami...ZzEkdDE3NjI0NTYwMjIkajUwJGwwJGgw#SearchAnchor

HD 300 AP - https://www.rapidwelding.com/dynami...ZzEkdDE3NjI0NTYwMjckajQ1JGwwJGgw#SearchAnchor

So questions -

1. 400 vs 500amp, I will never ever use 500amp, is it worth paying extra just for future value on sale?
2. There is a Multivoltage version of the 400amp, so I can use 230/240volts single phase, and 3ph etc, I don't know how much more this is but this seems logical if it isn't £1k more..
2. 300 AP non-hd vs hd versions, difference, which is best (leaning towards HD).

Any advice on this machine?

 

[Munkul]

1. No, very few people truly need 500 amps and if they do, they buy brand new
2. Yes seems logical, just make sure it actually can do what the headline says and that it doesn't cost a fortune
3. No idea, i prefer side loading as in my head it means less dust settles in the wire spool area. It wouldn't be a deal breaker for workshop use though, i think I'd go for the cheaper one

 

[Munkul]

IMO Just get the 358 going properly, you've already spent more than most people ever would.
If they can't get the 358 running right, what gives you the confidence that a different machine will be better? "sorry our premium machine was crap, if you spend a little bit more you can have the even more premium machine"

You know what the "sunk cost fallacy" is?

 

[superclarkey]

Haha, yeah I get I called with an issue then agreed to give them money. lol (Looks like I'm a proper sucker).

The logical reason I'm giving its I used a X5 Auto Pulse 400 and I loved it when I borrowed it, It does more or less the same but imho a world apart in how it welds (but could be a faulty 358 as mentioned or torch).

I'm not trading in the 358 (I was offered too), but I'm sending it to be checked and services under warranty , so worst case scenario I can sell it to someone with full confidence its working 100%. I have been offered to do that REGARDLESS if I buy a X5, however, I have work coming in that I need to not be messing about with welders and I just need to get the work completed.

358 warranty runs out in 2 weeks, X5 has a 5 year warranty from new, Moving forwards I would still prefer a machine under warranty.

My plan, retarded as it may be, is to go for the X5, put it straight to work, if it doesn't meet its requirements I can push back and say take it back.. if I love it, and it works for me then I have time to A-B test the 358 against the X5.

I can't disclose the agreement on the new X5, but let's just say I'm getting great incentive to purchase one.

I really like the idea of the wire feeder being separate like my old Migatronic machine, I saw you can put the feeder on wheels and have a very long interconnect from the machine, I think I'm going to order it with 10m long interconnect, this way the power source can stay out of the grinding area, and I only have feeder following me around, or on a stand, whatever. At the moment the 358 is in the line of fire with grinders and grinding dust into the power source. (I do have the filter on the 358).

If the 358 comes back working perfectly, and I can't then tell the difference between the two welders then I will decide my next move.

as for the "sunk cost fallacy", I would say I could easily sell the 358, and the deal I'm getting on the x5 I could easily sell that and be in a good position.. so I don't see it as a risk at the moment.

I am an idiot though, no doubt.