suit case feeders

[dandimand]

i see that miller sells two different models . what are advantages of each just curious as one maybe on shopping list in near future for my 302 tb . from looking at the info one looks like it can be used on a cc/cv machine and the other only cv that is really only difference i can apprehend at moment your thoughts appreciated thanks.

[precisionworks]

You can use either the Suitcase VS (Voltage Sensing) or the Suitcase RC (Remote Control) on the 302. Everything I read suggested the RC, as the wire drive motor does not depend on sensing the voltage at the weldment - instead, the voltage is set by adjusting the knob on the feeder.

Some people feel it's a disadvantage to have the "extra" cable ( +, -, and remote control) and that it may get damaged. I haven't found this to be an issue, but neither do I have thousands of hours on the Suitcase.

Miller makes two sizes, the 8RC and the 12RC. The 8RC takes an 8" maximum spool, so you are somewhat limited in wire selection - many specialty wires aren't available on the small spool. It is a little smaller, a little lighter, and a little less money than the 12RC.

The 12RC takes a 12" max spool, which means up to 44#. That's why I choose this model.

Whichever one you buy, you'll need a remote control cable (25, 50 or 75 feet), a MIG gun, and at least one drive roll kit.

Very rugged design, no problem laying it in the mud or hooking a lift eye to the handle and raising it 20' off the ground (which I did last Wednesday :D ) Feeds flawlessly at all voltages, no matter how low.

http://millerwelds.com/pdf/spec_sheets/M6-5.pdf

[dandimand]

Thanks very much you have answered my question so i take it you can adjust voltage and wire speed on the 12 rc then great . Now will look for a good used one if not will buy new .

[HAWK]

dandimand,

I'll start with nice job "precisionworks"!

I have a 12 RC feeder with 3 each 75' and 1 each 25' control cables depending on the application. I have never found them to be and issue except in welding case pipe in deep trenches. However, tying all the cables up for strain relief at the feeder makes dropping it in the trench box an easy job for the track hoe operator.

My 12RC was a constant companion to my ALT 304 and my TB301G. Now it stays with my TB302G. It is a very nice unit in a tough suitcase housing. Wire speed and voltage are easily adjusted at the feeder. The 302G has a feedback circuit so the digital meters work to display voltage, wire speed, and amperage with a flip of the switch. It also has a trigger hold switch for long runs.

The feeder is a true CV feeder and works very well with short arc, glob transfer, spray arc, and even FCAW. It does get a bit heavy with a 44lb spool. Mine has burned many 33lb and 44lb spools without missing a lick over the past 3 years. I highly recommend as a sidekick to to the TB 302G!

Good luck with finding a used unit. I sold a used 8RC for a friend and the buyer has been tickled with it. It is a great unit for smaller tighter fits such as ship work. There are many more specialty wires available in the larger spools which makes the 12RC a winner in most cases.

For what is worth I demoed a 12VX extreme for a few months and really liked it. I prefer the RC feeder hands down especially if you only have one feeder.

[precisionworks]

Good points, Hawk.

I ran NR211 FCAW on an outdoor job this week. Winds at 10 to 20 MPH. The wire was .045, but I couldn't find the .045 drive wheels, so the .035 wheels were used with slightly less tension. Worked like a charm (Thank Goodness :D )

Still searching for the .045 wheels ........

[HAWK]

precisionworks,

I bought a set of .045" knurled "V" grooved wheels I use for FCAW. However, I tried a set of "U" grooved .045" and they seemed to work slightly better on the.045" wire. I do use the "V" grooved for FCAW on larger stiffer wires for sure. Never had the need the run the .035" rollers, but good to have a back up plan just in case.

[DDA52]

Barry, if you just had a MM210, you would be able to use the same drive rolls. :D FWIW, Profax makes good generics of the 50 series drive rolls. I had to get a set since they were out of the Millers. Uh-oh...now I can't remember if they are 50 series or 60 sreies....I'm thinking 50.