Mig with euro torch, and dial for amps - what sort of money do they start at?

[julianf]

...i mean for one that does not release the magic smoke within 10 mins?

I have a SIP at the moment, that i keep thinking "ill just fix this one more thing on it". Its probably very close to being done, but its like when your climbing a mountain - it always seems like the peak you can see is the last one!


So, with that in mind, what sort of budget would i need for a used machine with a dial for the amps (rather than rocker switches) and a eurotorch connection?


I do not need an amazing, commercial machine, but id rather get a bit of cash, buy used, and get a decent machine, than spend on a new hobby welder thats going to frustrate me quickly.

Just general ball park figures are fine - its really just a lazy question to stop me looking through all the threads for recommendations, looking up their pricing, and then if they have removable torches. So just some numbers to give me an idea are fine : )


Thank you.

 

[rikrobson]

When you mean Dial do you mean a rotary switch instead of the rocker switches on a transformer MIG or a smooth knob like on the inverter machines. Most will have euro torches of varing quality.

The rotary switches are a direct replcement for the rockers and are still stepped ususally about 6 steps so they give you more settings. The little knobs on the inverter machines are infinitely adjustable. I've been looking for a new MIG inverter welder and for the r-tech 180i its ~£450. You also get MMA as a bonus for being an inverter.

If you want a rotary switch some of the clarks have them and they start about £350-400.

 

[Rig Pig]

That's a bit like asking for a length of string! If you fall lucky you can pick up a bargain, a mate just bought a Migatronic 180A for £100 from an old gent who was shutting up shop ( I'm not jealous !)

There seem to be bargain machines on ebay all the time but they are always hundreds of miles away! I'm half keeping an eye open for a biggish cheap replacement for my ancient Snap on 130.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Chunkolini was demo'ing a MIG recently, might be worth enquiring what they are like.

 

[julianf]

That's a bit like asking for a length of string!

I know there are always bargains etc, but im talking about 'going rate' etc.

Eg. my car has a book price, but some sell for more, and some for less. Used price obviously follows a trend, with an average etc. so that's what im asking for.

 

[Kent]

Well if we take the dearest and the cheapest and work half way? No that don't work either . I recon £700 ish for an all in new plant with euro torch inverter style. There was a used Kempi on here last week at under £500 I think that might be a way better buy though if its not taken

 

[skotl]

Perhaps we can help Julian by talking about manufacturers?

I suspect the "rotary" question is a bit of a misnomer and that Julian is simply after more control of the current.

So pretty much any of the gas-enabled Clarke machines would be considered as the entry range and look at R-Tech for the mid-range?

Does kind of depend on budget, though - but I'd look at Clarke and R-Tech (and favour the latter if you have the readies).

 

[rikrobson]

Might help if we knew what the budget is. Also if it's no newline or a second hand unit.

 

[skotl]

Might help if we knew what the budget is. Also if it's no newline or a second hand unit.

Good point re new or second hand. Defo get more for your money with a second hand purchase.

I think, tho, that our OP was wondering what the potential minimum budget should be. For new, I'd be thinking close to £300 for a Clarke?

 

[julianf]

I dont have a budget. Its more a case of working out what i want, then getting some cash together for it, than having [x] amount, and trying to get the best.

I want a reasonable quality unit, not pro, but not cr@p either, and ill buy used.

I know some people work differently, and cant understand this -

Id rather know whats about, that does what i want, before trying to fix a number in my head, rather than having a number and then working out if its possible.

 

[rikrobson]

The its an R-tech imig 180 £450. Start saving. There was a local maximig 180 for sale on ebay that went for £250, that was a Cemont unit with eurotorch and Dials, Had some faults, but a half empty gas bottle, regulator and gubbins included. I was looking at it, but decided on the R-tech.

 

[oddbob]

I've been looking at what's available in the way of keenly priced inverter migs for a while. I've got a shortlist...
R-tech (obviously gonna be in the running)
IFL mig150
Parweld Xti 160m
CWS best Mig160
Bluemig imig165

...mostly under £500

edit... ooops, missed one out
Telwin Technomig 150

 

[rikrobson]

That CWS 160 looks a bargain. £340 inc delivery
The duty cycle looks good if the data plate can be believed...

 

[oddbob]

That CWS 160 looks a bargain. £340 inc delivery
The duty cycle looks good if the data plate can be believed...

There's a thread somewhere where Chunkolini reviewed this model and rated it quite highly.