I've managed to get myself into classic cars and fixing up hopeless old wrecks over the last few years. Mechanicals I'm fine with but the one skill I need to learn is welding - MIG in particular. However I have never welded in my life and before I start I need to buy some kit.
Looking around has ended up me a bit confused on what to get and where to go. There seems to wide range from budget options (i.e. Clarke), mid range (Portamig) and top end (Kemppi/ESAB). Professionally I'm involved in the electronics and software industry, so I'm a dab hand with a soldering iron. One thing I have learned with soldering is that to have a chance doing a decent job, you need decent kit. I'm very much a buy once, buy for life type of guy.
So looking around I've seen the ESAB Rebel EMP series has very positive reviews and seems well regarded. But then that could be just their well oiled marketing machine.
I know learning how to setup a machine, understanding the parameters, etc is important. However I want to have the greatest success out of the box and as quickly as possible. Which may involve using automated features the more expensive boxes have. To be honest, I'll almost certainly only be doing this as a hobby and never professionally. It's also very unlikely I'll ever use another machine either.
One of the things that attracted me to look at them is their smart MIG mode. To me, that looks a useful feature for a beginner like myself to make decent welds without learning to exactly setup the machine. Thus allowing me to focus purely on the technique first.
The biggest problem I have with the Rebel is that they're really not cheap. Especially as I need to purchase mask/gloves/shields/gas/regulators/welding table/etc. They are nearly 2 times over other premium machines and a good 3 times over budget boxes. However I can kinda offset the cost (man maths) as if I ever need to sell it, these sort of grade machines hold their value pretty well.
So is it really worth me getting a Rebel? Or have I convinced myself into wasting my money on something with features I don't need?!
I.e Is there other machines out there which are just as competent but far cheaper? Like using my VAT free voucher and pick up a red Clarke.
Looking around has ended up me a bit confused on what to get and where to go. There seems to wide range from budget options (i.e. Clarke), mid range (Portamig) and top end (Kemppi/ESAB). Professionally I'm involved in the electronics and software industry, so I'm a dab hand with a soldering iron. One thing I have learned with soldering is that to have a chance doing a decent job, you need decent kit. I'm very much a buy once, buy for life type of guy.
So looking around I've seen the ESAB Rebel EMP series has very positive reviews and seems well regarded. But then that could be just their well oiled marketing machine.
I know learning how to setup a machine, understanding the parameters, etc is important. However I want to have the greatest success out of the box and as quickly as possible. Which may involve using automated features the more expensive boxes have. To be honest, I'll almost certainly only be doing this as a hobby and never professionally. It's also very unlikely I'll ever use another machine either.
One of the things that attracted me to look at them is their smart MIG mode. To me, that looks a useful feature for a beginner like myself to make decent welds without learning to exactly setup the machine. Thus allowing me to focus purely on the technique first.
The biggest problem I have with the Rebel is that they're really not cheap. Especially as I need to purchase mask/gloves/shields/gas/regulators/welding table/etc. They are nearly 2 times over other premium machines and a good 3 times over budget boxes. However I can kinda offset the cost (man maths) as if I ever need to sell it, these sort of grade machines hold their value pretty well.
So is it really worth me getting a Rebel? Or have I convinced myself into wasting my money on something with features I don't need?!
I.e Is there other machines out there which are just as competent but far cheaper? Like using my VAT free voucher and pick up a red Clarke.