Brit Arc 161 - Just bought one

[robertall]

Hi,

Ive taken the plunge and just brought a Brit Arc 161 for £510 from wellington welding.

I haven't used it yet.

Any good? lol bit late now to ask that question but just wondered what peoples opinion on it are.

 

[tlovatt]

It is a Portamig / Tec Arc machine with a different branding - Welly Wled also hold them in stock (others you have anything from a few days to a few weeks waiting time). You should find it a very good machine, I purchased an MTA 181 (made by the same company) but they actually send a Tec Arc 185 i.e. there are a lot of machines that are made by the same people to the same standards but different brands. Supposedly the Portamig has a lower power setting (20A) but I suspect the machines are all actually the same!

 

[Hitch]

I have heard they are a popular low budget machine....but that was from our Wellington salesman.

Indeed, a TechnicalArc machine.
Not that he was saying that to sell them to us mind you.

 

[wombar]

I bought a Britarc 241 a couple years ago. I've been very happy with it, and haven't run into any issues.

I chose it over the Portamig because a) it was available immediately b) they have a depot about 20 minutes from me.

Would happily buy another

 

[tlovatt]

I have heard they are a popular low budget machine....but that was from our Wellington salesman.

It is all relative, for a professional fabrication business then a Tec Arc machine would be in the budget range, for a home user on the other hand its probably complete overkill!

 

[Hitch]

It is all relative, for a professional fabrication Most peobusiness then a Tec Arc machine would be in the budget range, for a home user on the other hand its probably complete overkill!

In budget, but not a professional machine by any means. Many professional users will be looking for things lime ammeters, volt meters...especially now.

The impression I got from the salesman, was that a fair few were sold to people like myself, that are use to professional level gear, but want a capable machine for doing the odd bit at home without any dramas. The Redline machines being down a step, aimed more to the budget conscious upgrade from a Clarke90 or whatever.

 

[selectcase]

I have one and its been excellent so far