Steveweld87
New Member
- Messages
- 4
- Location
- Bristol, UK
Hi, I'm new to welding and thought I'd better get some more info before I part with a reasonable amount of cash on a welder - I want something which will last for many, many yrs. I have borrowed a Clarke 130EN for welding repairs to my van but now have the bug and fancy getting my own. Intended use - I have extensive rust removal and panel repairs (1mm thick and less) planned for the van exterior over the coming months. I also have a few things lined up such as welding gate hangers to a 150mm steel box section (maybe 5/6mm thick) gate post and similar general farm work. In the future I'd also like to make a weight lifting rack.
So those are the planned uses but I would also like to learn to TIG weld at some point. I am unsure of whether I should go for an all in one type machine or go for a single purpose MIG (with low min amperage) for automotive work. The other consideration is size as I'd like to be able to use it at the farm and equally don't have a garage at home so would be keeping it in a small (but secure shed). I also only have a Stephill 2.7kVA gene so that is likely to be unsuitable particularly for the farm usage as that is the point I'd need to be using higher power settings.
After reviewing the forum and suppliers I think these may be best suited to my needs. What do you think??? I've also got to bear in mind the additional welding paraphernalia which I'm sure will rack up another £200....
Transformer:
Portamig 165 £540 - https://www.weldequip.com/portamig-165-mig.htm
Oxford 180 £585 - https://www.weldingsuppliesdirect.c...-welders/oxford-migmaker-180-singlephase.html
Inverter:
Rtech mig 180 £480 - https://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/mig-welder-r-tech-i-mig180/
IFL 170 mig £579 - https://www.weldequip.com/ifl-170-mig.htm
Very many thanks in advance.
Steve
So those are the planned uses but I would also like to learn to TIG weld at some point. I am unsure of whether I should go for an all in one type machine or go for a single purpose MIG (with low min amperage) for automotive work. The other consideration is size as I'd like to be able to use it at the farm and equally don't have a garage at home so would be keeping it in a small (but secure shed). I also only have a Stephill 2.7kVA gene so that is likely to be unsuitable particularly for the farm usage as that is the point I'd need to be using higher power settings.
After reviewing the forum and suppliers I think these may be best suited to my needs. What do you think??? I've also got to bear in mind the additional welding paraphernalia which I'm sure will rack up another £200....
Transformer:
Portamig 165 £540 - https://www.weldequip.com/portamig-165-mig.htm
Oxford 180 £585 - https://www.weldingsuppliesdirect.c...-welders/oxford-migmaker-180-singlephase.html
Inverter:
Rtech mig 180 £480 - https://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/mig-welder-r-tech-i-mig180/
IFL 170 mig £579 - https://www.weldequip.com/ifl-170-mig.htm
Very many thanks in advance.
Steve