For years I've struggled along using a SIP Migmate 130 to carry out repairs to car bodywork. It suffers the standard SIP problem of the wire feed circuitry being completely cack.
Although I've treated it to a new metal liner, braced the wire feed roller assembly and generally tried to keep the thing in decent order, it still sputters and farts and generally struggles to maintain a reasonably consistent feed speed.
I've got another project vehicle which needs a few bits of bodywork welding, and I'm wondering what the best option is:
1. Clean up the SIP, stick it on fleabay and buy a better machine (budget about £250 + whatever I can flog the old one for). Not sure what'd be a good bet for say £300ish, if anything?
2. Upgrade the SIP's wire feed circuitry and fit a Euro torch conversion kit...
Any thoughts chaps? The "finding a decent budget MIG" part seems to be tricky, especially as I want some nice low current settings for welding thin sheet metal. Had a go with a TIG set recently and I just haven't got the skill or patience for it!
Although I've treated it to a new metal liner, braced the wire feed roller assembly and generally tried to keep the thing in decent order, it still sputters and farts and generally struggles to maintain a reasonably consistent feed speed.
I've got another project vehicle which needs a few bits of bodywork welding, and I'm wondering what the best option is:
1. Clean up the SIP, stick it on fleabay and buy a better machine (budget about £250 + whatever I can flog the old one for). Not sure what'd be a good bet for say £300ish, if anything?
2. Upgrade the SIP's wire feed circuitry and fit a Euro torch conversion kit...
Torch conversion kit (inc torch) £50
Solenoid valve £7
240Vac/48Vdc 150w switch-mode PSU £12
PWM speed controller £5
Add in a few relays, wiring bits etc and it'll take it to about £100 all in. Not guaranteed to cure it but ought to overcome the SIP's two biggest weaknesses, namely using the welding transformer output to run the wire feed motor, and the crappy captive torch.
Solenoid valve £7
240Vac/48Vdc 150w switch-mode PSU £12
PWM speed controller £5
Add in a few relays, wiring bits etc and it'll take it to about £100 all in. Not guaranteed to cure it but ought to overcome the SIP's two biggest weaknesses, namely using the welding transformer output to run the wire feed motor, and the crappy captive torch.
Any thoughts chaps? The "finding a decent budget MIG" part seems to be tricky, especially as I want some nice low current settings for welding thin sheet metal. Had a go with a TIG set recently and I just haven't got the skill or patience for it!