Are you looking to get started in the welding field? If so, then the Snap-on mm250sl is perfect for you. This unit is designed with inexperienced welders in mind and makes it easy for anyone to use this unit.
Before we look at what this unit can do, let’s go over what MIG welding is:
MIG Welding
MIG welding is also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding. It’s a process that uses a continuously fed solid electrode that shields gas from external sources. The electrical power is then used to melt the electrode and deposit the molten metal in the weld joint. The equipment used automatically regulates the electrical characteristics of the arc. The only manual controls that are required from the welder are travel speed, travel direction, and gun positioning.
MIG welding can be used on a wide variety of metals and a number of different base metal thicknesses.
Why Use MIG Welding?
- It’s a high-productivity, low-cost welding process
- This process can be used to weld all types of commercially available alloys and metals
- Welding can be done in all positions with proper selection of parameters and equipment
- The continuous arc of electrode helps prevent defects on starts and stops with the welding machine
- There is minimum post-weld clean up since there is no slag on the weld bead
- Welding metal disposition rates and higher speeds are larger than those with Stick Welding
- It’s ideal for multi-pass welding
- Less welding skills are needed compared to Stick Welding
With all of this in mind, let’s talk a little bit about what the Snap-on mm250sl is, how it works, and why it’s a great welder for anyone.
The Snap-on mm250sl is a combination welder with a remote feed unit, MIG torch and accessory package, which is designed to meet the requirements of the light to medium metal fabrication industries. The mm250sl produces fusion welds by the Gas Metal Arc Welding process.
The MIG torch is designed to last for years, all of which with dependable service. It’s lightweight, has perfect balance, and positive trigger control that is appealing to the operator.
There are only a few controls on this machine to help inexperienced welders learn how to MIG weld.
Pros:
- Easy to operate
- Smooth arc design
- Compact design
- Remote feed unit
- Industrial MIG torch
- Durable product
- Short arc, globular transfer, and spray transfer modes
- Spool gun ready
- Comes with a two-year warranty
Cons:
- Replacement parts are hard to find
- Hard to find a unit to purchase
The mm250sl and the MIG Welding Process
How to Set-up Your Snap-on Welder - MM140SL, MM250SL, MM350SL | Snap-on Tools
In this video, we go through the steps of setting up one of our Snap-on Welders including the MM140SL, MM250SL, and MM350SL. Featuring a basic guide as ...
The MIG process uses a bare consumable wire, which is fed by a controllable speed feed unit through the cable and torch to the weld. The emerging wire and the weld are shielded by a stream of CO2, Argon, or a mixture of the two gases, which prevents oxidation of the molten weld puddle. The gas shield enables high-quality welds to be made without the use of flux, eliminating the need for slag or flux removal after the weld is finished.
The electrode wire is melted and transferred to the weld puddle by any of the three arc modes: short arc transfer, globular transfer, or spray arc transfer. The mm250sl can perform all three modes.
Short Arc Transfer
Short arc transfer happens at 12 to 22 arch volts, depending on the wire size. Welding commences as the arc is struck and a weld pool is formed. The tip of the electrode wire dips into the pool causing a short circuit. This short circuit current flow causes a rapid temperature to rise in the wire, and the end of the wire is melted off.
An arch is immediately formed between the tip of the wire and the end where the melted wire was and the melting pool. All of this works to maintain the electrical circuit and produces enough heat to keep the weld pool fluid. The electrode then continues to feed and again dips into the pool.
This is repeated up to 200 times per second. Short arc transfers are suitable for positional welding.
Globular Transfer
Globular transfer happens when the voltage ranges from 22 to 24 amps, depending on the wire size. As the name implies, the transfer takes place in the form of irregularly shaped globules.
Globular transfer is useful in cases when lower heat input is required for your project.
Spray Transfer
Spray transfer happens at 22 to 32 arc volts, depending on wire size. The length of the arc is held constant by the voltage available. The higher current and voltage causes the electrode wire to melt off before touching the workpiece.
The melted metal crosses the gap to the workpiece in a spray form. Spray transfer is used in the down-hand position and provides higher deposition rates than short arch transfer or globular transfer.
Other welders similar to Snap-on MM250SL to consider:
Conclusion
The Snap-on mm250sl welder is a marvelous product that is perfect for anyone who is just starting in the welding field or need something to use for home projects. It can perform three different modes of welding, which is incredible for a welder this size. This unit is designed to last; there are many reports that say that they’ve had a working unit for years – showing how long-lasting this product truly is.
This machine is designed to be easy to operate, all you need to do is turn on the shield gas, the main power switch, set the heat and wire speed dials, and pull the trigger and you’re good to go. It’s also designed to be compact which is perfect for those who might not have a lot of space to store a welder or just need something easy to carry around.
Overall, if you want a welder that can be used even if you don’t have a ton of experience in welding, then this is the welder for you. Just look at all the great things that it can do, and you’ll realize that this product is worth purchasing.
