Can't decide: maneuverable welder

[Mikkel Svejser]

Hello, i just joined the site

I need an easy-to-handle welder with some good power (270+). I am thinking about buying welders like Kemppi FitWeld 300 and Migatronic Omega 270 mini (see pictures and links). There is a a lot of distance between the works i am planning to do. Which one of these, or any other model you know about, would you recommend, and why?

 

[Jim Davey]

How far between welding locations, could you use a long lead on a wire feeder?

 

[Mikkel Svejser]

It varies a lot. Most of the works i am doing is at different houses, which means 1+ kilometer between projects minimum in my case. The models i mentioned have little weight, but i am having trouble understanding whether that means they are any easier to maneuver and use in the welding process, or just easier to load into the truck. If it is the latter, then what makes a welder easily useable?

 

[Jim Davey]

Big diameter wheels and some decent cable management (hooks on the side or back of the machine for hanging torches, umbilical cables etc) helps big time when moving welders around on site, plus some convenient way to secure the machine in transit are helpful (ratchet strap through the front lifting eyes if fitted and strapped back to the bulkhead of the van is my preferred method of securing the machine)
As for ease of use, that depends largely on you and your level of experience/skill. If you're new welding, then a synergic machine that automatically matches wire feed to volts or power can be very handy, however these machines do carry a cost penalty over a basic step switched machine that requires more operator experience to adjust correctly to suit the welding task.
Most dealers are more than happy to demo, I suggest a trip around your town to see a few machines in person, try what you can and make a decision based on what works for you.