Newbie

[Tigger]

I have been looking at the forum for a little short time as I am now learning to MIG weld at nigh school and I am now on to level 2. I will be putting these new found skills to car restoration and other things.

Been looking at the forum at what welder I might get. Currently looking at the AMT Butters 181 or 211 welder. Most of the steel I will be welding is 1 to 3 mm, but will sometimes this will be up to 6 mm.



Tigger

 

[Wozzaaah]

Hi Tigger, I know which one I'd choose and it would begin with P . I have a butters 211 and a portamig 361. Either of your choices would be absolutely fine for 1-3mm, the portamig probably more so as it has a low setting of 20A, the Butters is 30A. Have you thought about the Portamig 181? A bit cheaper than the 211 but in my opinion still a better choice than the Butters.

 

[Tigger]

Wozzaaah

Many thanks for the reply, I have been searching the web for the Portamig spec, but so far I can not find it. I have seen these mentioned before on the forum. Any Idea where I can find the spec please.

Tigger

Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Portamig 181 and 211 specs

You can see the same machines here but I believe the price is cosiderably more than the portamig branded ones, they're built by the same people but use a different brand name (similar to telwin, sealey, sureweld etc.) Portamigs/ ro-tecs are made to order in the UK in 7-14 days using, I believe, 'quality british components where possible'.

For future reference;
Portamig 181
The specs for the 181 are;

9 Voltage Steps
Welds from as low as 20 AMPS
Built in electronic burn back for all settings
Can be used with 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0mm wire on 15kg or 5kg spools
Quality wire drive system and motor
Duty cycle, at 60% - 90 Amps
Approx Weight - 48kg
Size - 530mm H plus handle x 360mm W plus rear wheels x 740mm L

and the 211;

12 Voltage Steps
Welds from as low as 20 AMPS
Built in electronic burn back for all settings
Can be used with 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0mm wire on 15kg or 5kg spools
Quality wire drive system and motor
Duty cycle, at 60% - 120 Amps
Approx Weight - 55kg
Size - 530mm H plus handle x 360mm W plus rear wheels x 740mm L

 

[zardoz]

You can see the same machines here but I believe the price is cosiderably more than the portamig branded ones, they're built by the same people but use a different brand name (similar to telwin, sealey, sureweld etc.) Portamigs/ ro-tecs are made to order in the UK in 7-14 days using, I believe, 'quality british components where possible'.

For future reference;
Portamig 181
The specs for the 181 are;

9 Voltage Steps
Welds from as low as 20 AMPS
Built in electronic burn back for all settings
Can be used with 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0mm wire on 15kg or 5kg spools
Quality wire drive system and motor
Duty cycle, at 60% - 90 Amps
Approx Weight - 48kg
Size - 530mm H plus handle x 360mm W plus rear wheels x 740mm L

and the 211;

12 Voltage Steps
Welds from as low as 20 AMPS
Built in electronic burn back for all settings
Can be used with 0.6, 0.8, or 1.0mm wire on 15kg or 5kg spools
Quality wire drive system and motor
Duty cycle, at 60% - 120 Amps
Approx Weight - 55kg
Size - 530mm H plus handle x 360mm W plus rear wheels x 740mm L

I dont understand why there 181 is more expensive that the 211 ??
http://www.rotecweldingequipment.co.uk/acatalog/Ro-Tec_Compact_Mig_Welding_Machines.html

 

[Wozzaaah]

Ha! Didn't notice that . Reckon they've got them round the wrong way or they've got the 211 on offer.

 

[Tigger]

Many Thanks for the information Wozzaaah and I have noted the price difference that has been pointed out. I shall be look at getting my welder after Xmas.