MM251 Vs PM255

[Oakesmobile]

So here are two questions...
1. Is there much discernable difference between a MM251 and a PM255? I ask this because I might be able to get a PM cheap relatively speaking from a vo-tech auction. I have used a MM251 a lot and it is a mig I have had great success with, but I haven't used the Lincoln.
2. I assume that you can run either a 251 or a 255 on a 30A dryer outlet, as long as you don't push it past the limitations of the circuit. I know to weld 1/2 inch plate with either it is going to take more power than a 30A circuit can provide,but does anyone have any experience with this (also does 208 v 220/240 matter)? I understand the equations and the way that electricity works, just not in practice. Please help dissuade my second guessing!
Thanks, Oakes

[MAC702]

I've run both machines, but not extensively. I liked them both. I don't remember using them enough to be able to offer much opinion between them.

208V is a typical phase-to-phase voltage in a wye-connected 3-phase electrical system. 240V is a typical phase-to-phase voltage in a delta-connected 3-phase or a typical single-phase electrical system.

You will have higher amperage draw for equal outputs at 208V input v. 240V inputs. There is probably a changeover required under the hood to swap between the two inputs.

ROUGH GUESS: You should be able to expect about 210A output on a 30A input circuit.

[Mike W]

My Hobart 200 amp Beta-Mig at max output requires 38 amps with a 230 volt input. I normally don't run that hard and could probably get by with a 30 amp breaker.

[Sberry]

Personally I think if a guy has a larger feeder he needs a circuit to use them from. Any machine really. I wouldn't consider using a dryer circuit unless it was a crisis, certainly not on a regular basis.

[Dan]

Stuck in a rental, were my only option is to use the stove or dryer receptacle to power my units, I ve ran my MM 210 , ESAB Migmaster 250, and the 251 that I use to own, from the 40 amp stove circuit. I ve ran the 210 wide open on this circuit and the other two pretty high up into their output range without tripping the breaker. I know you stated 30 amp breaker. I took an amp draw on my 210 in the past, at the top end I was drawing right around 31 amps, from a 240V input. At this power level, the 210 is outputting close to 25 load volts at around 210+ amps, which is plenty of power to multi-pass 1/2" steel.

If I were going to go the 251 route, I think I'd wait for the 252, that will be available shortly to the entire country. Or, keep an eye out for a possible clearance on the 251.

A unit that has been in a school environment, could have quite a few hours on it. Any warranty time left on this PM 255?

[Oakesmobile]

Thanks for the replies, guys. Like Dan, I'm stuck in a rental too. I've always been more of a Miller man myself, but the deal on the Lincoln is too good, and it does come with a warranty of sorts, and depending if they have any left, a spool gun. I need to verify with the WS guy what exactly it is, and some of the other details. My understanding is that this vo-tech school "leases" the welders for two years from the WS and every two years they get new new ones and sell the old ones. It seems like too good a deal to pass up!
Oakes

[Dan]

Are you at least able to visually inspect this PM 255? 2 years in a school environment could put a lot of wear and tear time on the unit. I 'm not trying to steer you away from the Lincoln, and I am definitely not a lincoln hater. I better hadn't be at least, considering I own a PM 180C.

[Oakesmobile]

I got a little more info today... When I get there I can visually inspect the units, and pick the one I think I want. It would be sold as a demo with a new gun and all of the accessories it would come with new. They will warranty it just like I had bought a brand new one off of the showroom floor. They want around 1600 for one. What do ya think?
Oakes

Oh yeah, no spool gun .