Gary at MIGTIGARC in Southsea 02392295612 is very helpfull and is quite happy to go through all the welders they stock to find the one that suits you just tell him your requirements no pressure to buy. If he's busy he rings you back pronto. They try to stock non-chinese equipment if possible but explained to me that suppliers often change their sources without warning. Welders known to be of British manufacture have a union jack next to them.
If you decide to buy he cuts you a good deal (even advices if your over spec'ing to save you money) and the price shown on their web site kits you out ready to go with a high spec' German torch if as in my case your after a mig welder and no p&p charges. The good deal could include w/wire autoshield helmet, gloves, apron, a flow valve for better control of gas this item should save you gas as well. I recommend the autoshield helmet etc, from bitter experience a molten blob of weld through a gap of clothing or on the hand is a never to be forgotten experience!
They are also agents for Garage gas which you unfortunately have to collect personally. Its the case with all Garage gas agents that you have to collect personally, but if you ring Andy the area agent on 01452731136 he will advise you on your nearest agent. It works out at about £104 for three years bottle rental, bottle deposit and a 10 Ltr full bottle of ArgonShield.
For the unknowing Argoshield is mostly Argon with a small amount of oxygen & CO2 to maintain a smooth arc, its very good for thin sheet ie car body work and upto 10mm sheet etc. They some times have aluminium bottles, ask they are a "lot" lighter. Garage gas plan to expand into other gases soon.
I pass on this info' having spent January researching it. It was particularly difficult finding a gas supplier Boc, & Air Products were out of the question, but it was difficult obtaining info' on other gas suppliers. A lot of blind alleys some of it miss information on the forum which is why Ive gone into detail to help others save time.
It was difficult choosing between an Oxford, Portamig or a MTA all are British manufacture with a good spec' similar prices different colours, it comes down to personal choice. I chose an Oxford I liked the features, trigger latching spot welding, overhanging cabinet to prevent accidental damage and a
20 year parts availability guarantee.(also I liked the colour) It was a difficult choice however its also best to get the most powerfull you can afford because of the extended duty cycle even if you dont need it with of course a low ampage for thin sheet welding.
Best of luck in your choice, I hope my info' helps a few of you out there.
SteveTVR
If you decide to buy he cuts you a good deal (even advices if your over spec'ing to save you money) and the price shown on their web site kits you out ready to go with a high spec' German torch if as in my case your after a mig welder and no p&p charges. The good deal could include w/wire autoshield helmet, gloves, apron, a flow valve for better control of gas this item should save you gas as well. I recommend the autoshield helmet etc, from bitter experience a molten blob of weld through a gap of clothing or on the hand is a never to be forgotten experience!
They are also agents for Garage gas which you unfortunately have to collect personally. Its the case with all Garage gas agents that you have to collect personally, but if you ring Andy the area agent on 01452731136 he will advise you on your nearest agent. It works out at about £104 for three years bottle rental, bottle deposit and a 10 Ltr full bottle of ArgonShield.
For the unknowing Argoshield is mostly Argon with a small amount of oxygen & CO2 to maintain a smooth arc, its very good for thin sheet ie car body work and upto 10mm sheet etc. They some times have aluminium bottles, ask they are a "lot" lighter. Garage gas plan to expand into other gases soon.
I pass on this info' having spent January researching it. It was particularly difficult finding a gas supplier Boc, & Air Products were out of the question, but it was difficult obtaining info' on other gas suppliers. A lot of blind alleys some of it miss information on the forum which is why Ive gone into detail to help others save time.
It was difficult choosing between an Oxford, Portamig or a MTA all are British manufacture with a good spec' similar prices different colours, it comes down to personal choice. I chose an Oxford I liked the features, trigger latching spot welding, overhanging cabinet to prevent accidental damage and a
20 year parts availability guarantee.(also I liked the colour) It was a difficult choice however its also best to get the most powerfull you can afford because of the extended duty cycle even if you dont need it with of course a low ampage for thin sheet welding.
Best of luck in your choice, I hope my info' helps a few of you out there.
SteveTVR
