New Portamig Multi 185

[snowcat]

I'm amazed at the negs (pardon the pun) on the battery charger, My old oxford is one with a booster charger, etc, and is about all I now use the set for, I can jump 24V D8s with it on a cold day nahhh bother, (try that with a sealy job) often the cable is the week link, as for changing set to trickle and leave overnight.....

As for marketing the oxfords with that feature were sold straight into the Ag/construction trade and did very well, most of the off the shelf charges were mega bucks or not up to the job... of starting the larger kit..

 

[matt1978]

How much would it add to the cost mate?

 

[weldequip]

That's interesting, cheers Snowy. A 180 MIGs a bit limited in the Agri trade though eh...unlike a 180 oil cooled Oxford.
Incidently, Portamig recently bought the rights to the Oxford name, so that could well be where the idea was hatched from
Sure they've done their sums, just interested to find out the users thoughts...which at the end of the day determine if it works or not.
weldequip

 

[weldequip]

How much would it add to the cost mate?

Well I ain't gonna tell you am I...you'll be straight on the phone to the Crowts, who'll nick the idea & build it...but better!
weldequip

 

[matt1978]

Yeah but they would over engineer it and make it too expensive to sell anyway ...........I dont know the price of the Original 181, I just ment how mush more would it mean you have to sell it than the one you have been doing very well with.........

 

[snowcat]

That's interesting, cheers Snowy. A 180 MIGs a bit limited in the Agri trade though eh...unlike a 180 oil cooled Oxford.
Incidently

yeah mines a 250 I think, 180 is gonna be a bit weedy in that sector so Im guessing its the home/hobby garage market there going for....

 

[weldequip]

Around £150 Matt. Some of the forum members are already baulking at this but it's still excellent value compared to some of the "Professional" (you know the likes) automotive sets. Did you get chance to send me a Lorch information pack? keen to get me mitts on some 'over-engineered' kit
weldequip

 

[matt1978]

Did you get chance to send me a Lorch information pack? keen to get me mitts on some 'over-engineered' kit
weldequip

No, I had forgot but the account is now open in Germany

Will defo get you some info away tomorrow in the post.

 

[weldequip]

The super efficient Germans will be wondering just who they have representing them in the UK
weldequip

 

[matt1978]

Yeah I know................but you know how it is in Britain..............even if/when I remember, the stuff will most probably get lost in the post anyway!

 

[snowcat]

. Did you get chance to send me a Lorch information pack? keen to get me mitts on some 'over-engineered' kit
weldequip

Be nice to try out some decent kit hey

 

[weldequip]

Hmmm...we'll see eh
weldequip

 

[irondarren]

well i thought it looked good and the spec was ok weldequip if no one else did. going as low as 15amp is real low. kemppi inverter mig goes around that low i believe but it will cost you more than that new portamig i bet, and the kemppi wont take kindly to being abused like a good solid transformer mig will.








wrought iron gates and railings

 

[GeorgeB]

Portamig recently bought the rights to the Oxford name, so that could well be where the idea was hatched from
Sure they've done their sums

I can't find anything on or about Portamig. Can anyone reveal who actually makes these machines, please? From what I read I'm sure they are very good units but what exactly are they and what are they made of?

 

[Omniata]

"Technical Arc" has something to do with them but no website

 

[Wozzaaah]

It's no big secret George, Richard Rycroft is the owner of Technical Arc who make the machines to order in York. They badge them as Portamig and at least two other names (As Telwin also do with Sealey, sureweld, etc.) Weldequip sells the Portamig branded ones. Technical Arc don't have a website but the dealers will happily supply you with all the details on the machines if you ask.
Regarding the British Made bit, the parts are sourced from several countries but as they're assembled in York they're 'British Made'.
Weldequip has posted details on here about exactly where the components come from, If I can find it I'll link to it, it was on a Butters thread so it should be pretty easy to find.

Found it, this refers to the 181 but it gives you an idea of what they use;

Portamig Case & Chassis:- Made in UK
Transformers & Chokes:- Made in UK (in house by Portamig)
PCBs:- Made in UK (in house by Portamig)
Rectifier: Made in Italy (same factory that ESAB & Miller use)
Wire Feed Motor: Made in Sweden
Switches: Designed by Portamig & made in Europe
Gas Solenoid Valve: Italian
Gas Hose & Regulator: Made in UK
Cable: Made in France
Relays & Contactors are now sourced from the Far East (just as the "European Made" wire feed assembly on the Butters 181 is ).
weldequip

 

[rtbcomp]

I'm not sure about the jump starting facility. Sounds like a good idea for the small garage, but if you blow it up starting a car then you can't do any welding either!

I understand the next model will have a reversible feed motor so you can use it as winch.

 

[madkayaker]

What about an led on the torch so you can weld in the dark...

 

[Bullyterrier]

And a tea'smade ...... now there's an idea!

 

[irondarren]

I'm not sure about the jump starting facility. Sounds like a good idea for the small garage, but if you blow it up starting a car then you can't do any welding either!

I understand the next model will have a reversible feed motor so you can use it as winch.

probaly not far wrong there rtb about using the wire feeder as a winch. if my 300amp swfu is anything to go by i guess it would be rated to about 2 ton lol