Thrashsmith
Member
- Messages
- 658
Hi folks, I'd really appreciate if people could point me towards some specific models of MIG welders, and maybe correct any of misinterpretations to set me on the right path as I'm horribly naive about MIG...
I'm a self taught blacksmith and stick welder, been doing both for 3 years. I have a Thermal Arc 175 amp inverter machine. My budget for a new MIG for professional use is up to about £800. I have 3 phase and a 16amp socket.
I'm primarily looking to switch to MIG so I can weld thin sheet steel (1mm, 2mm) and so I haven't got to worry about inclusions on awkward welds of decorative work.
Having had a stick inverter and liked the portability around the workshop I think I'd probably like to go for a MIG inverter, but I could easily be swayed on that one with some good advice.
I don't think I've ever paid any attention to the duty cycles on my little welder and have happily welded all day long without any fuss. I'd like to go with a MIG that is going to suddenly throw duty cycle tantrums at me all day long.
The majority of my work is light weight architectural commissions - gates, railings, sign brackets etc - so I need a welder that can handle solid chunky bar as well the thin sheet I mentioned before.
There is a guy near me who sells Esab, Lincoln and Parweld macines. I'd prefer to buy from someone like him (a local business) rather than online mainly for the reason that if anything goes wrong I can take it back to someone local.
Hopefully this info is useful and some folks might be able to recommend a model or two? Thanks for any help!
I'm a self taught blacksmith and stick welder, been doing both for 3 years. I have a Thermal Arc 175 amp inverter machine. My budget for a new MIG for professional use is up to about £800. I have 3 phase and a 16amp socket.
I'm primarily looking to switch to MIG so I can weld thin sheet steel (1mm, 2mm) and so I haven't got to worry about inclusions on awkward welds of decorative work.
Having had a stick inverter and liked the portability around the workshop I think I'd probably like to go for a MIG inverter, but I could easily be swayed on that one with some good advice.
I don't think I've ever paid any attention to the duty cycles on my little welder and have happily welded all day long without any fuss. I'd like to go with a MIG that is going to suddenly throw duty cycle tantrums at me all day long.
The majority of my work is light weight architectural commissions - gates, railings, sign brackets etc - so I need a welder that can handle solid chunky bar as well the thin sheet I mentioned before.
There is a guy near me who sells Esab, Lincoln and Parweld macines. I'd prefer to buy from someone like him (a local business) rather than online mainly for the reason that if anything goes wrong I can take it back to someone local.
Hopefully this info is useful and some folks might be able to recommend a model or two? Thanks for any help!