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L-Tec Migmaster 250?

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HeyPigFarmer

03-05-2008 15:32:06




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I am going to an auction here on the 15th and they have an L-Tec Migmaster 250 on there. I've been passively looking for something bigger than my little Miller 135 to weld on heavier stuff with and replace the buzz box. I would really like another wire feed and this may fit the bill but I have never heard of an L-Tec before, and know nothing about them. Any help/replies much appreciated.




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HeyPigFarmer

03-23-2008 06:08:47




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to HeyPigFarmer, 03-05-2008 15:32:06  
Well I went to the auction, they couldn't guarantee that the welder worked or not, and wouldn't let anyone try. That raised a red flag for me, so after that I decided I would only go half the price of a new one on something that questionable. Ended up going for 875. One of the guys that used to work there bought it, along with the stick welder I was interested in, he paid within 200 of new for that too. Too much in my opinion, when it gets that close to new, might as well pay the extra few hundred and know how it's been treated.

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donnhobson

03-22-2008 22:09:19




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to TXFarmallFan, 03-05-2008 15:32:06  
Hello

I am here because I have an L-Tec MigMaster 300i and need my SECOND circuit board in 18 months. I was searching for anyone selling when I saw this post. Maybe I am the rare one but all I want to do is let you know buying something like this COULD cost you in the long run. The 300i is a Mig/Tig and stick machine. We paid about 5k for it years ago at work and I bought it from them.
Yes L-Tec was bought by Esab.
The first board I got was repaired by ARC (CA i think) and it cost me $600 just for the board. Then there was the $200 I paid to the local repair shop to tell me what was wrong take the board out/put it in and do other testing to make sure it was right.

Well here I am, board is out again only this time Arc tells me they ran out of parts and don't repair them any more. I can buy a new one from them for $1200.

Now, I mainly used this for tig welding but a 250 amp machine (MIG) new on e-bay (you pick the brand) runs about 1500-1800. I could make the mig work for me. so what do I do? only make sense to buy a new one, BUT I like being able to tig.

I also set up a favorite search on Ebay for L-Tec and Esab when I found out what was wrong ($80 BTW at the local welder repair shop). That was about 90 days ago and have yet to get one single hit on L-Tec. Think about that for a second, 3 months and not one used L-Tec or even a parts machine of ANY size on E-Bay.

Well good luck in your decision.

Donn

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HeyPigFarmer

03-06-2008 07:39:38




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to HeyPigFarmer, 03-05-2008 15:32:06  
I wasn't planning on throwing the buzz box to the wolves, my dad bought it when he was 14 so that thing will be around for a while.
From the auction pictures this one has numbers for a scale on the wire speed and voltage, like most other wire feed welders I've used.
Thank you all for the input on this. Sounds like they are a good machine to take a gamble on. I'll have my fingers crossed.

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Goe Trampler

03-06-2008 06:59:51




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to HeyPigFarmer, 03-05-2008 15:32:06  
I've used one before, and seen others try.

For a guy with a few years of mig experience I could make it work and weave some real nice stringers, but for others in the shop it might as well been ornamental till they made a mess trying.

As I recal it only had a numerical range switch and feed speed knob. Without meters.

So what's that say?

It depends on your experience level on that one.



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L-Tec

03-06-2008 10:21:21




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to Goe Trampler, 03-06-2008 06:59:51  
Look on the Esab site. That is a premium machine. You shouldn't need meters to get a machine to run good. It's every bit as good as a Millermatic machine.



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Puddles

03-06-2008 15:29:58




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to L-Tec, 03-06-2008 10:21:21  
“You shouldn't need meters to get a machine to run good”

L-Tec I can’t tell you how many tests I’ve taken where they cover the gauges with masking tape. Have you set the machine like you want, then go find the inspector. He will camp his own meters on the – lead, and the + lead, if you’re not within spec, you go home right there! Don’t even get a chance to run the test plates. Never taken an x-ray test for the Navy that they didn’t do it this way!

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L-Tec

03-06-2008 16:52:34




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to Puddles, 03-06-2008 15:29:58  
I didn't see any meters on your Linde machine and your welds looked pretty flawless. Meters can make it easier to set but that's about it. Meters are a fairly new concept on smaller MIG machines. I guess if you have a machine without meters, you should get rid of it?



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Puddles

03-06-2008 17:36:23




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to L-Tec, 03-06-2008 16:52:34  
L-Tec my Linde does have meters, but you know what? I’m not a good enough weldor to weld and look at meters the same time! And 99.9 % of the time I’m all by myself, so no one to look for me. I was raised “Old School” meters mean nothing to me! I’m asked all the time, “how many amps, volts, and what wire speed were you running?” All these youngsters are just floored when I say I don’t have a clue. :o)

But my Dynasty 300 has digital meters that stay put even after welding, so now I can post those numbers. :o)

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L-Tec

03-06-2008 19:22:34




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to Puddles, 03-06-2008 17:36:23  
LoL! No 2 machines are exactly the same either. Experience tells you when you have the machine set right. Most good welders will have a piece of scrap to set their machine on unless they've used it a bunch before. It throws people off when you say you set the machine by the sound of the arc. The sound of bacon frying is a common one. Maybe there should be a bacon meter on the machine. It could have under cooked, chewy and extra crisp settings. That would take the guess work out for sure! Some wires like flux-core are easier to set up with meters but can be set without them.

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Puddles

03-07-2008 05:29:20




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to L-Tec, 03-06-2008 19:22:34  
Sound is a huge factor to me! When Mig welding I like the sound of bacon frying only if it’s being nuked with a turbo charged reactor! I run Mig as hot as I can handle it!
Gasless flux core, not so intense, but I still like it hot! Either process will make a fool out of you if you cold lap a bead; now try explaining that to a youngster! I personally think all these 120-volt Mig machine should be outlawed! You wouldn’t believe the amount of inexperienced weldors on the other welding forums building trailers, and trailer hitches with 120-volt Mig machines! Now think of that next time you have your family in the car, and pass a pickup going the other way with a huge trailer behind it! Scary isn’t it?!!!!! !!!!! !!!!!

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L-Tec

03-07-2008 08:45:05




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to Puddles, 03-07-2008 05:29:20  
There's even bigger homemade trailers that are scary. I used a newer 350 amp machine with digital meters on it set at 26 volts and 505 inches a minute with .035 solid wire. It was right at the limit between globular and spray transfer. I'm guessing it was at least 250 to 275 amps and real fast. You could do good downhand welds with it set like that as well.



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Harvesterguy

03-06-2008 04:42:25




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to HeyPigFarmer, 03-05-2008 15:32:06  
I have a ESAB 250 Migmaster and work and a buddy with an L-TEC 250. They are identical machines externally, I don't know about the circuit boards as we've never had a problem. Tips and rolls are a stock item at most welding supply stores and they have the spool gun hookup. I would definitanely recommend this machine. Its not quite as nice as the newer machines with infinite amperage control, but it works well on everything from 18ga. to 3/8". Definately a big trade up from your 135. -Harvesterguy

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36 coupe

03-08-2008 03:16:41




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to Harvesterguy, 03-06-2008 04:42:25  
The Esab circuit board I looked at had switches that were part of the circuit board.It was beyond repair.Bad design, rotary multi pole switches are delicate items.They should be off board.



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36 coupe

03-06-2008 02:16:10




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to HeyPigFarmer, 03-05-2008 15:32:06  
I wouldnt be to quick to abandon the buzz box.Esab wire welders have a circuit board that costs 700.00 to replace.These ciruit boards are showing up in smaller migs.One fellow was quoted 360.00 for a small board.



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L-Tec

03-05-2008 19:27:05




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to HeyPigFarmer, 03-05-2008 15:32:06  
Very good machine. I think you can buy the same machine today under the Esab name. Should have a plug on the front for hooking up a spool gun if you want. Comparable to a Miller or Lincoln etc. Won't be too old and will hold it's value. Under $1000 is a good deal. Even a little over $1000 if it's in new condition isn't bad. Any single phase 250 amp MIG is a desirable machine from a name brand manufacturer. It will do a lot more than your Miller 135.

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Puddles

03-05-2008 16:39:52




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 Re: L-Tec Migmaster 250? in reply to HeyPigFarmer, 03-05-2008 15:32:06  
I’m not sure of the why’s and there for’s, But L-Tec was at one time Linde. I think L-Tec sold to ESAB, because Union Carbide took a big hit in India or Pakistan, a chemical plant blew up, and killed x-amount of people.

I bought a Linde VI-206 W/ Mig 31 wire feeder. I paid $300.00 for it, but would not take $1,000.00 for it! If you truly want an “Old School” Mig welder buy it. I know it is always a gamble to buy at auctions, because you cannot run the machine before bidding. So far I have not had any problems with my machine, and have been able to get any drive roll I wanted with in 48-hours, ESAB still sells lots of the parts for these old machines!

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