Hi everyone,
I've been reading this forum for a while now and decided it was time to register and ask some questions.
I got interested in welding a long time ago but never got around to actually buying a welder.
Since I haven't got any welding experience yet and I don't know if I will even like doing it (much) I have decided on buying a cheap MIG welder. Searching the web for a couple of weeks I have almost come to a decision on what welder I am going to buy but I would appreciate it if you could give me some tips on why I should or should not buy this welder and maybe on what quality of welds to expect from this device.
The welder of my choice looks a lot like the " ISKRAVAR MIG 150 " but it has slightly different specs. I'm not sure if the specs are really different, someone could have just manipulated the spec-sheet so the specs will look more interesting.
The welder is unbranded and the model is " SGA MIG 150 ". This is a one phase welder. As most of you already know, there's also a 230A version (well..220A) of the ISKRAVAR and it so happens the SGA 150 also has a 230A model. The 230A model works on both 230V and 400V just like the ISKRAVAR.
I've been googling the device and have found this info for the ISKRAVAR and the SGA MIG 150:
Iskravar MIG 150
Mains: 230 V
Fuse: 16 A
Duty Cycle 15%: 115 A
Welding Current: 40 - 145 A
No Load Voltage: 19 - 30 V
Cooling System: AF
Wire size (Max. 5Kg): 0.6 / 0.8 mm
Weight: 28 Kg
Dimensions: 60 x 25 x 45 cm
variable electronic wire speed control
Thermal overload protection
Unbranded SGA MIG 150
Mains: 230 V
Fuse: 16 A
Duty Cycle 15%: 88 A
Welding Current: 30 - 150 A
No Load Voltage: 17,5 - 27 V
Cooling System: AF
Wire size (Max. 5Kg): 0.6 / 0.8 mm
Weight: 28 Kg
Dimensions: 60 x 25 x 45 cm
variable electronic wire speed control
Thermal overload protection
As you can tell both welders are pretty much similar although the SGA MIG 150 has an even lower duty cycle than the ISKRAVAR. The seller claims the transformer is full copper, not aluminum.
All in all I just need the welder to simply learn how to weld and maybe do some projects around the house. Mostly simple projects like mending a broken fence or building a small welding table.
I have fair knowledge of electronics and am able to repair and modify things. That is what this welder will be used for as well; If I really like the machine I'll gradually modify it. Not just to improve the welding capability of the device but also for the fun of it (keeps me out of trouble ghehe).
When I say modify I for instance mean: Euro conversion, Improve duty cycle by improving airflow/cooling, replace wire feed motor with stronger motor and PWM controller, and if I don't like the auto-darkening helmet I bought I'll add a connector to plug in a (by then) modified darkening helmet so it'll darken when I push the torch button.
Forgot to mention the price: About £260 (€300) including 10L gas cilinder
I've been reading this forum for a while now and decided it was time to register and ask some questions.
I got interested in welding a long time ago but never got around to actually buying a welder.
Since I haven't got any welding experience yet and I don't know if I will even like doing it (much) I have decided on buying a cheap MIG welder. Searching the web for a couple of weeks I have almost come to a decision on what welder I am going to buy but I would appreciate it if you could give me some tips on why I should or should not buy this welder and maybe on what quality of welds to expect from this device.
The welder of my choice looks a lot like the " ISKRAVAR MIG 150 " but it has slightly different specs. I'm not sure if the specs are really different, someone could have just manipulated the spec-sheet so the specs will look more interesting.
The welder is unbranded and the model is " SGA MIG 150 ". This is a one phase welder. As most of you already know, there's also a 230A version (well..220A) of the ISKRAVAR and it so happens the SGA 150 also has a 230A model. The 230A model works on both 230V and 400V just like the ISKRAVAR.
I've been googling the device and have found this info for the ISKRAVAR and the SGA MIG 150:
Iskravar MIG 150
Mains: 230 V
Fuse: 16 A
Duty Cycle 15%: 115 A
Welding Current: 40 - 145 A
No Load Voltage: 19 - 30 V
Cooling System: AF
Wire size (Max. 5Kg): 0.6 / 0.8 mm
Weight: 28 Kg
Dimensions: 60 x 25 x 45 cm
variable electronic wire speed control
Thermal overload protection
Unbranded SGA MIG 150
Mains: 230 V
Fuse: 16 A
Duty Cycle 15%: 88 A
Welding Current: 30 - 150 A
No Load Voltage: 17,5 - 27 V
Cooling System: AF
Wire size (Max. 5Kg): 0.6 / 0.8 mm
Weight: 28 Kg
Dimensions: 60 x 25 x 45 cm
variable electronic wire speed control
Thermal overload protection
As you can tell both welders are pretty much similar although the SGA MIG 150 has an even lower duty cycle than the ISKRAVAR. The seller claims the transformer is full copper, not aluminum.
All in all I just need the welder to simply learn how to weld and maybe do some projects around the house. Mostly simple projects like mending a broken fence or building a small welding table.
I have fair knowledge of electronics and am able to repair and modify things. That is what this welder will be used for as well; If I really like the machine I'll gradually modify it. Not just to improve the welding capability of the device but also for the fun of it (keeps me out of trouble ghehe).
When I say modify I for instance mean: Euro conversion, Improve duty cycle by improving airflow/cooling, replace wire feed motor with stronger motor and PWM controller, and if I don't like the auto-darkening helmet I bought I'll add a connector to plug in a (by then) modified darkening helmet so it'll darken when I push the torch button.
Forgot to mention the price: About £260 (€300) including 10L gas cilinder