Does any one make weld thinner metal better than others

[Dapr]

Hopefully this is not a stupid question. I've been reading vast amounts of info about mig welders on this website and others, so much so my brains refusing to co-operate. I have used a mig welder many years ago, this will be the first I've bought.

I'd like be able to weld thinner metal sheet, say around 0.5mm and up. I've read tips and techniques about welding thinner metals on here. But do any of the mig welders in the sub £300 range (absolutely the maximum I can run to) do a better job than others. Most of the machines I've seen have a 30A min output, is that too high for thin metal or is technique or something else more important?

Having said the above I'd also like to be welding steel, max 4mm dia, it doesn't need much just tacking at joins/ crossovers to hold it together- it's for making up an armature for a small ferrocement construction which will then have wire mesh tied to it.

Is it possible to get something to do both jobs with the budget I'm setting or do I have to go away and rethink? If so break it to me gently, the more I read the more confused I'm getting.
Thanks for any help
Dave

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome:

Some makes as you would expect don't weld as easily or as reliable as other's but considering the machine is working well then basically there should be little difference in thin metal ability at the same amps.

I have read some of the older pro and semi pro machines are very smooth and do perform better at their lowest settings but can't vouch for that.

Clarke or Cebora are probably the two I would look for, in the 130 to 150 amp range with a minimum of 30 amp lower setting, lower if possible, 0.5mm will be a challenge no matter what you get.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

What about a basic TIG set? 0.5mm will be a struggle with MIG, even for someone who is current.

 

[chevy2]

When you go down to sheet steel of that thickness the fit is far more important than the 5 or so amps different from one machine to another.

 

[Dapr]

Thanks for the replies, they are all helpful.
I've been looking at the Clarke options, from a brief look at Cebora they're too pricey and used ones seem rare.
Tig? Well why not, I'll not be doing vast amounts or long runs of welding. I'll have a look.
Accuracy of fit shouldn't be too much of a problem. I'll find out once I get going!

 

[Richard.]

Half a mil to 4mm. I agree tig is gonna be your best option. for 300 notes you could get a reasonable used 5-160amp unit.