Max amps on the Power Mig line

Just curious as your MIG landing page (http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Mig.php) states that the Powermig 160 puts out 130 amps @ 35% duty cycle and the power mig 200 does 160 amps @35% but the powermig 205's put out 200 amps. This doesn't line up with the matrix on the detailed product page (http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Po...00-375-pd.html), unless you look at the stick output values which is kind of odd to do on a mig machine.

It also states the roll size on the 205's are 30-45 lbs on the landing page, while the product pages says 2-45 for the 205 with an astrix that isn't explained, but 30-45 lbs for the 205p.

Maybe I missed all the details in ongoing threads, but its a little confusing when looking at the site. Thanks.

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Originally Posted by agent4573

Just curious as your MIG landing page (http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Mig.php) states that the Powermig 160 puts out 130 amps @ 35% duty cycle and the power mig 200 does 160 amps @35% but the powermig 205's put out 200 amps. This doesn't line up with the matrix on the detailed product page (http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Po...00-375-pd.html), unless you look at the stick output values which is kind of odd to do on a mig machine.

It also states the roll size on the 205's are 30-45 lbs on the landing page, while the product pages says 2-45 for the 205 with an astrix that isn't explained, but 30-45 lbs for the 205p.

Maybe I missed all the details in ongoing threads, but its a little confusing when looking at the site. Thanks.

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Not sure what you are talking about. The MIG specs are the same on both pages you linked to. 135, 160, 200, 200, 250 all @ 35% It has been mentioned that the 205 is more of a commercial duty machine so it's rated output is much closer to it's max output.

I suspect that the notation on roll size indicates that some type of adapter might be required. It would be nice if that notation was explained.

Yeah, just went back and looked at it and saw how I was reading it wrong. It brings up another question though, if the 200 is only rated for 160@35%, then whats the duty cycle at 200? Is it even worth while to get a 200 if you actually want to attempt to use 200 amps at any time?

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Originally Posted by agent4573

Yeah, just went back and looked at it and saw how I was reading it wrong. It brings up another question though, if the 200 is only rated for 160@35%, then whats the duty cycle at 200? Is it even worth while to get a 200 if you actually want to attempt to use 200 amps at any time?

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MIG requires that you have some headroom in current. This is because MIG welding is a constant voltage process. The actual current used fluctuates during the weld. Some time ago MIG welders became rated at 35% instead of 60% like most others. I think this was something cooked up by marketing departments, and everyone went along with it so their machines didn't look different from the competitions. If anything I think more MIGs run near 100% duty than any other process. After all no rods to change or other filler metal issues, just pull the trigger and go. So it's up to you to figure out what kind of use you plan to do and what machine will give that to you. For commercial use I still like to have 60% duty minimum, and 100% if the budget will allow. As a hobby machine I'm willing to trade dollars for time, and take some breaks to make life easier on the machine. So no I would not expect to use a job requiring 200 amps with a 200 amp MIG no matter what. You will get clipped power spikes and that is no good for the weld. And if you need that high a power you are talking about welds that matter, too. Maybe a little 120V MIG doing auto body work can max out at times with no big deal, but I don't think you want that at 200 amps.