New to mig welding, looking for a lower end machine.

[00walker]

Hi everyone,

My names Jake and looking at getting into MIG (I've done arc welding for a while now and looking to transition over). Anyway ive just had a quick flick through and seen this;

https://www.cromwell.co.uk/shop/cromwell/prod/dual-emw120-panther-wirefeed-welder-230v/p/KEN8801920K

Its a Kennedy, I'm unsure about the quality as I've never been over thrilled with the hand tools I've ever been supplied from them. Anyway I know someone from Kennedy so will hopefully get a lower price but can also absorb the VAT on the welder. So really I/m asking my fellow enthusiasts. Is this welder worth the plunge?

Regards,

Jake

 

[Robotstar5]

It depends what you want to use it for

Low current performance - Able to deliver a 50A minimum output for welding thin material easily

50A is not really low current and could be a problem trying to weld car bodywork, something like a Clarke 135 would be a better buy for a similar price, works down to 30A, has better support and spares.

and welcome to the forum.

 

[gaz1]

id go for the 150 than the one above

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/mig151en-turbo-no-gas-mig-welder/

also cheaper and you can also use gasless wire if needed does come in handy somtimes

also with the 150 model you can weld up to 4-5mm 5mm with preparation on the material

sip is the other model however theres enough posts on here for mods to it as it can be trouble sometimes, i have both machines to play with but done one adaption to it

also welcome to the forum

 

[00walker]

Hi Robotstar5,

Thanks for responding. Funny you should link that as I was just looking at it. My work is going to range car panels only a few though, making frames and brackets with mild steel, general repair work, and hopefully being making some bespoke items like lights etc. You could be spot on with suggestion as there's a machine mart a few miles away from me swell.

Regards,

Jake

 

[00walker]

id go for the 150 than the one above

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/mig151en-turbo-no-gas-mig-welder/

also cheaper and you can also use gasless wire if needed does come in handy somtimes

also with the 150 model you can weld up to 4-5mm 5mm with preparation on the material

sip is the other model however theres enough posts on here for mods to it as it can be trouble sometimes, i have both machines to play with but done one adaption to it

also welcome to the forum

Hi gaz1,

Thanks for the input, ye I quite like the idea of gasless to lower the expense, for me personally haven't really tried MIG to gauge what would be more suited or what I may prefer. But if you can do both with that welder that's defo another option. Is there anywhere to try welders as such?

Regards,

Jake

 

[gaz1]

some places do and some of the members on here offer you some quick lessons on the mig use

gasless is handy for outside work sometimes but you will more like prefer gas with the one ive quoted check what else is needed to make it gas

however both systems will need this

http://www.weldequip.com/argonmix-conversion-kit.htm

or the co2 one

http://www.weldequip.com/co2-conversion-kit.htm

depending on which bottle you use

forget throwaways there expensive you need a big bottle either a volkzone boc account or a hobby use bottle

 

[Lufbramatt]

From reading on here I gather that although the startup costs of gas mig are higher, once you get into it the gasless wire is so much more expensive than plain mild steel wire that it quickly becomes more expensive overall.

 

[00walker]

Gasless wire won't lower the expense...

It works out more expensive per ounce/pound/kilo/shoe/table* of deposited weld metal than solid wire and gas (unless using disposable bottles, which is p**sing money into the wind).

It might be handy if you're outside (but windbreaks do work).

It's also harder to use imo.



*(pick whatever measure of weight you like, just keep it consistent )

Ahh, thanks for the info, from what I've read on other posts with the gas people have found it more comfortable as well. Well apparently after someone peering over my shoulder at work has told me he has a mig welder he doesn't use anymore as he has a new one. He has also informed me I can have it, which is brilliant to give it a go. will have to sort him out a few drinks.

Its this one;

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/151te-turbo-mig-welder/

Thanks for all the info guys i'll try to get you all updated with my birdpoo on bits of metal.

Regards

Jake

 

[00walker]

some places do and some of the members on here offer you some quick lessons on the mig use

gasless is handy for outside work sometimes but you will more like prefer gas with the one ive quoted check what else is needed to make it gas

however both systems will need this

http://www.weldequip.com/argonmix-conversion-kit.htm

or the co2 one

http://www.weldequip.com/co2-conversion-kit.htm

depending on which bottle you use

forget throwaways there expensive you need a big bottle either a volkzone boc account or a hobby use bottle

Hi gaz,

What's the preferred gas to use?

regards,

Jake

 

[Jim Davey]

Argon/CO2 mix or plain CO2.

 

[00walker]

Argon/CO2 mix or plain CO2.

Thanks for the reply Jim appreciate the help.

 

[Jim Davey]

No worries.

 

[Robotstar5]

Well apparently after someone peering over my shoulder at work has told me he has a mig welder he doesn't use anymore as he has a new one. He has also informed me I can have it, which is brilliant to give it a go. will have to sort him out a few drinks.

Its this one;

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/151te-turbo-mig-welder/

That's a good hobby welder, I have to say that as I've got that model myself

 

[T0rnado69]

there's a machine mart a few miles away from me swell.

if your going for a brand new one, try get a vat free voucher for a cheaper deal...

ive used a 155t for the last wow 15 or so years and its been great

now im looking for something with more ommpphhhh
so i can weld thicker stuff..