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View Full Version : Which MIG gun is best ?

Bowtieman31
10-25-2005, 08:38 PM
I've been using my MM251 for about a month now and I'm really pleased with the performance of the machine. However, I'm not really fond of the "M" series MIG gun.

I've been looking at new guns for my machine, Roughneck, Radnor, Tweco, etc. One gun in particular has peaked my interest but I don't know anybody thats using one. I've been looking at the Bernard Centerfire MIG gun.
Has anybody out there, used, or currently using one? If so, how good is it?

Anybody have any favorites, if so, how do they compare?

Your input is appreciated, Thank you.
Paul Seaman
10-25-2005, 08:53 PM
I don't mind the M series but it is a bit light duty for all day long use. I used a Roughneck on an Invision with a 22A feeder tonight, very nice and I used the same machine a while back with a 300 amp tweco and hated it. The Roughneck is nice and seems sturdy enough to handle the work world without being a howitzer. I think it would be the natural step up from the M on your machine.

My .02 worth,
precisionworks
10-25-2005, 09:15 PM
The Tweco #2 is possibly the most widely used medium-duty MIG gun. With the Tweco name it costs $200, with the Radnor by Tweco it costs $100. Widely available consumables.

About as ergonomic as a fire hose with 200 pounds of water pressure, but what MIG gun isn't?
DDA52
10-25-2005, 09:41 PM
I have the Radnor by Tweco and it is a very good gun. A mirror image of the Tweco #2...almost. It is actually a little beefier than the #2. I have it on my 8VS feeder. It will run max amps for a good long time before it even gets warm. :D
aametalmaster
10-25-2005, 10:17 PM
I like my M-15 gun but its kinda light duty for a lot of welding but it suits my needs well. I have been looking at the Radnor guns just to look and what i saw is the tips and parts are half as much as the Miller ones...Bob
precisionworks
10-25-2005, 10:47 PM
I bought two spare nozzles for the Spoolmatic 30A - Holy Moley !!! I'll be happy when Radnor brings out the generic (which is what I use on all my other MIG & TIG equipment)
HAWK
10-26-2005, 04:24 AM
Bowtieman31,

I use the Bernard MIG guns exclusively. I had all their old style twist and lock tip set ups, but converted most of my units to the new Centerfire set up. A quick change of diffuser, tip, and nozzle is all that is needed. If you do not want to purchase a new gun, contact Bernard about converting your M25 to the Centerfire set up. If you are interested I think I still have some information on a contact name from the last Miller EXPO in Lawrenceville early this spring. Also check out BERNARD ( http://www.bernardwelds.com/)
ShieldArc
10-26-2005, 05:39 AM
For a heavy duty gun tweco 300 or 400 gets my vote.
Coalsmoke
10-26-2005, 05:42 AM
I have not tried all of the above listed guns, but, in my own experience, I have found that anything Tweco is definitely worth the money, including their mig guns.
Stick rod
10-26-2005, 11:55 AM
My opinion is..........BERNARD.It`s what I use every day all day.They just can`t be beat.Are there other ones out there that are better? Probably.Cheaper?No doubt.Simplistic design?You bet.This is what I`m used to,sure others will agree or disagree,it`s what I`m comfortable with.There are many to choose from buy what works best for you.
Scott V
10-26-2005, 12:15 PM
For a heavy duty gun tweco 300 or 400 gets my vote.


If you want to find parts everywhere,Tweco will not be beat by anyone. :cool:
If you want the very best Tweco this one is a great unit. That is one reason I like Binzel guns, They take Tweco tips for the most part. Also no gun out has a more flexable cable.
halbritt
10-26-2005, 01:02 PM
Aren't the Miller Roughneck guns made by Bernard with Miller consumables?
bigdogjoe62
10-27-2005, 05:21 AM
One of the most popular guns I sell at my store is the tweeco fabgun 250 $99.99 ;) tweeco is the most common gun out there everyone carries there consumables.We also sell abicor binzel guns they make a nice gun with a flexable goose neck :cool:
Sundown
10-27-2005, 05:57 AM
The sales guys at my local Tri-gas told me that when (?) the new upgrades to the MM135/175's come out they will have benard guns. :)
DDA52
10-27-2005, 10:05 AM
One of the most popular guns I sell at my store is the tweeco fabgun 250 $99.99 ;) tweeco is the most common gun out there everyone carries there consumables.We also sell abicor binzel guns they make a nice gun with a flexable goose neck :cool:


I have a Fabgun 250. I got it as a replacement for my M-10 since it got dedicated to alu. It is an ok gun. Used it on the 8VS feeder for a little while. That gun will get red hot very fast...way faster than the duty cycle. The Tweco #2 beats it hands down.
Paul Seaman
10-27-2005, 08:35 PM
I admit the tweco is built heavy duty, but manuvering in close spaces with one it like turning around in a phone booth with a bazooka on your shoulder. I am glad you guys like yours, I wouldn't have one if it was given to me.

Just my .02,
Bowtieman31
10-28-2005, 12:36 PM
I'd like to thank all of you that participated in this forum
I got a lot of good info from you guys, thanks for sharing.
HAWK, if you have that contact info for Bernard, I'd be interested in getting that.
Now, I get to digest all this info, and make a decision. Thanks again ! :D
HAWK
10-29-2005, 07:13 AM
Bowtieman31,

Send me an email via the forum and I'll get you the info.