Migatronic Rallymig 161 any experience?

[TEO]

Hi all, as per the title, I'm looking at this machine to replace my old transformer machine.
I have separate TIG and MMA so don't need multi process, 160 - 200a suits my purpose, anything thicker and I go stick.
I only use solid wire.
I'm hoping that an inverter will be cheaper to run than the transformer.
Budget is up to £650
others I'm considering:
Bester 190C
R Tech 180

Any thoughts or suggestions, especially on the Rallymig,
Cheers

 

[arther dailey]

Hi , the rallymig I had was transformer based , excellent machine , I am about to sel a gys no gas 110 ,if its of interest I will list on here for you . its like new , its done one vw floor pan.

 

[TEO]

Hi , the rallymig I had was transformer based , excellent machine , I am about to sel a gys no gas 110 ,if its of interest I will list on here for you . its like new , its done one vw floor pan.

Thanks I'll double check the specs on the rallymig.
I'll have a look at the gys and get back to you. cheers

 

[TEO]

Hi , the rallymig I had was transformer based , excellent machine , I am about to sel a gys no gas 110 ,if its of interest I will list on here for you . its like new , its done one vw floor pan.

Don't think it's for me thanks.

 

[lotus_esprit_s1]

The rallymig 161 doesn’t have the best reputation, I looked at buying one for a specific job but my research at the time led me to believe they do tend to die quickly. I then looked at a Kemppi minimig 180 before saving £1k by chucking my Lorch in the back of the truck and using that instead.

 

[Pete.]

I have that welder. It went wrong right after I bought it (barely usd, but out of warranty) and I had to fit a new board. It welds and it's portable but I wouldn't buy it again if I had the choice.

 

[TEO]

I have that welder. It went wrong right after I bought it (barely usd, but out of warranty) and I had to fit a new board. It welds and it's portable but I wouldn't buy it again if I had the choice.

OK, bummer that you had a bad time with it but good to have first hand info.
Is there a way to override the synergistic controls & input your own wire feed speed?
Seems like that's pretty critical but then I'm very analogue. I'm borrowing a generic synergistic machine - masterweld 200 even with only a few basic controls in having trouble setting it up

 

[Jack_K]

I have read on here about new Migatronics failing but I have also read about Kemppi miniarcmigs failing too. Without data we can't know the true failure rate of any manufacturer.

 

[TEO]

I have read on here about new Migatronics failing but I have also read about Kemppi miniarcmigs failing too. Without data we can't know the true failure rate of any manufacturer.

Agreed, might only take one awkward knock & even the best machine becomes suspect.
I am interested in the little gripes that people have. With the Rallymig I've read that the user can't override the wire feed speed..... Is that a common feature of cheaper machines?

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Kemppi power cables fail....especially if you trap them in a steel drawer!

When my evo200 dies I'll go out and buy another one....it's been going 9 years...very consistent welder I find.

 

[TEO]

Kemppi power cables fail....especially if you trap them in a steel drawer!

When my evo200 dies I'll go out and buy another one....it's been going 9 years...very consistent welder I find.

My old transformer mig's been going for donkeys years with v. minimal maintenance, I just wish it weren't so power hungry... & big, it really is a lump.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

The Kemppi is light enough to put in a cupboard after use. What I really like is the quick setup...if I need to butt weld 1mm...I just tell it 1mm and I'm welding. There's zero time wasted faffing about with scrap getting setting right like my old welder.

Started with a mig mate...man that thing was awful!