MIG/MAG or MMA/TIG?

[Jim Davey]

That SP 170 is a really good little set. Agreed though, it is a bit out of reach on this guys budget.
I would be seriously considering a used machine of higher spec than has been mentioned so far.
Something that will take a 15 kilo roll, and has a high quality drive motor with euro torch would be a vote winner for me.

 

[normspanners]

I would try using co2 before going to expensive gas, I use it on car stuff ok and it costs next to nothing ie very cheap .

 

[antonio costa]

I agree with you Jim but I just took a look at the classifieds near him and all the used ones that show up are 3 phase and outside his price range.

That SP 170 is a really good little set. Agreed though, it is a bit out of reach on this guys budget.
I would be seriously considering a used machine of higher spec than has been mentioned so far.
Something that will take a 15 kilo roll, and has a high quality drive motor with euro torch would be a vote winner for me.

 

[antonio costa]

I even have a friend selling a used Rehm synergic pro 230 quattro (the 4 roller drive system version) for about 900€ but the problem remains, 3 phase and out of his price range

 

[normspanners]

Can you get Rtech machines out there ??
i have a 180A and is brilliant as a portable mig was under £400 new with 2yr guarantee
can get interest free credit but got to be in uk i think

 

[Richard.]

A smart mig 162 will only creep over budget slightly. It will be worth the extra saving for the extra umpth over the 142.

 

[Guilherme Sá Marques]

Thank you Antonio (Im Guilherme, not gonçalo but both are cool names hehe no problem), i have here an electrex mig 201 http://www.custojusto.pt/santarem/e...dar-semi-automatica-mig-201-electrex-15961585
But it seems very used and i really don´t know...
For now the best choice is GYS 142 or 162, all of this machines are from ebay (prices here in Portugal tend to be higher) but it´s ok, world wide warranty with 1/2 year.

 

[Brancoblogger]

Really you can buy a used co2 bottle quite cheap and get it refilled for about 25€ . From what part of Portugal are you? If you want argon/co2 mix and you are near Porto I can tell you the cheapest place to rent a bottle and since I go there lot's of times try to get you a extra discount if you come with me there. What I will really advise you against for the kind of work that you want to do is fluxed wire or MMA.

Hi António
I have just been browsing the forum and come across your message. I wonder if you are able to help me?

I have the Kempi MiniArc 180 but no gas:-((. I live between Castelo Branco and Covilhã. Are you able to recommend some reasonably priced CO2/Argon for a 'hobby' welder like myself. I would be prepared to travel for a good priced bottle. Anything would be cheaper than returning to the UK for a bottle:-))
Thanks in advance
Geoff

 

[antonio costa]

Hi Geoff. I live near Porto so quite a big distance, even the greatest deal on a gas bottle wouldn't cover such a travel cost. I will call my gas supplier on saturday morning since tomorrow they're closed because of the holiday (they're open saturday mornings) to see if they have a partner near you and see if they can contact them to get you a good deal on a gas bottle rental. I've no problem telling you how much I'm paying, I'm paying 60€ a year per bottle but my contract doesn't specify size, only number of bottles, so I can pick up the size that I need at any given moment. For instance for the mig I've a b20 size and for the tig I've a b50 size but if I'm gonna do a lot of mig work I just turn the empty b20 and get a b50 without paying any extra rental cost. The price of gas is much cheaper per m³ in the big size bottles.

Regards,
Antonio Costa

Hi António
I have just been browsing the forum and come across your message. I wonder if you are able to help me?

I have the Kempi MiniArc 180 but no gas:-((. I live between Castelo Branco and Covilhã. Are you able to recommend some reasonably priced CO2/Argon for a 'hobby' welder like myself. I would be prepared to travel for a good priced bottle. Anything would be cheaper than returning to the UK for a bottle:-))
Thanks in advance
Geoff

 

[Brancoblogger]

Hi Geoff. I live near Porto so quite a big distance, even the greatest deal on a gas bottle wouldn't cover such a travel cost. I will call my gas supplier on saturday morning since tomorrow they're closed because of the holiday (they're open saturday mornings) to see if they have a partner near you and see if they can contact them to get you a good deal on a gas bottle rental. I've no problem telling you how much I'm paying, I'm paying 60€ a year per bottle but my contract doesn't specify size, only number of bottles, so I can pick up the size that I need at any given moment. For instance for the mig I've a b20 size and for the tig I've a b50 size but if I'm gonna do a lot of mig work I just turn the empty b20 and get a b50 without paying any extra rental cost. The price of gas is much cheaper per m³ in the big size bottles.

Regards,
Antonio Costa

Very kind of you António. Appreciated. Geoff.

 

[antonio costa]

Hi Geoff. Talked to them this morning, they know a rep of air liquide (the same brand they sell) near you, they told me it was near Fundão. They will call them on monday and let me know. I will pm you the info that they give me. You're welcome, it's what this forum is all about, help between fellow welders.
Regards,
Antonio Costa

 

[Brancoblogger]

Hi Geoff. Talked to them this morning, they know a rep of air liquide (the same brand they sell) near you, they told me it was near Fundão. They will call them on monday and let me know. I will pm you the info that they give me. You're welcome, it's what this forum is all about, help between fellow welders.
Regards,
Antonio Costa

Wow, that's great Antonio. Fundão is my nearest town.
Geoff

 

[Brancoblogger]

Hi António
I don't appear to have received any information from you. Is everything OK? Maybe have have missed something?
Regards
Geoff

 

[antonio costa]

Hi Geoff. Sorry mate I've the contact in a post it in my car. I will be back with in a moment, sorry once again.

 

[antonio costa]

The company my supplier recommended me is also an air liquide dealer like they are. Here it goes:
Inforgas fundão
phone number: 275 752 034

I will pm you my phone number in case you need anything

 

[Brancoblogger]

Thanks Antonio, much appreciated. I know of this company and will visit them shortly. Thanks for the PM.
Geoff