Adding a pick point to a Lincoln Powermig

[chadjans]

Anyone added a pick point to a Powermig chassis like found on the welder generator units?

[Travis Waldher]

If this is any indicator...

I looked at adding one to my MM210, I think I even asked here. That's when someone told me it's basically an entirely different case since the pick point actually mounts to the base plate.

It looked to be a big enough PITA I deemed it not worth it.

[Ed ke6bnl]

what is a pick point never herd of it.

[BumpyDodge]

I was scoping out the plastic cupholder/consumables tray on the top of a newer Lincoln TIG yesterday at the welding supply yesterday. I noticed there was a good sized (1/2"?) forged threaded eyebolt in the tray that looked like it came with the machine. I didn't see a threaded hole anywhere on the top of the machine where it would go, so maybe there's some sort of frame under the sheetmetal and you have to drill a hole through the cover to install the eyebolt? I meant to ask the sales guy wtf it was for, but we wound up discussing what a clever sales gimmick the cupholders were. They're exactly beer can sized! Lincoln must have taken some pretty good customer surveys before they designed that welder.

I'd just copy the basic frame of any other welder lift point. Find the C.G. of the machine and bolt/weld to something that goes all the way to chassis base and can support the machine's weight. Cut a hole in the top sheetmetal then install eyebolt, loop, ring, or whatever and you're golden. Most welders over a few hundred pounds have the center of gravity listed somewhere in the specs. Even if you don't have a lift point C.G. it's easy to figure out where it should go with a floor jack and a 2x4. Just balance the machine on a 2X4 and that should be pretty close to C.G.

I know it's not a Lincoln, but if you're just looking for ideas, here's what the one on a MM200 looks like (dirt simple) The rust spot on the bottom picture is from where the P.O. tacked a cable holder (visible in top pic) to the machine. Just connect the dots to put the two pics in perspective.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/TJshare/PBB/DSC01028.jpg
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d82/TJshare/PBB/DSC01029.jpg

[chadjans]

The MM above looks just like my PM. Sheet metal between the two sides of the welder. I was going to do the same but I didn't think it would be strong enough. Need to go scope out the welders at the supply house for ideas...