Good value multi process

[Foxx]

Afternoon all,

Been lurking for a while now and some great advice picked up along the way. Thanks for all the posts.

I'm a total newbie after a value multi process (starting point being lincoln bester 190c). Happy to flex the budget 500-800 if there's a non Chinese made alternative which seems to be a factor . Main tasks would be car restoration and random hobby projects so nothing too thick. Would be learning mig with tig in the future hopefully from a 13a socket.

I was considering a decent mig and in future standalone tig as I am usually a subscriber to 'buy cheap buy twice' but not sure at this price point if that is possible. Also like the look for tech mig 180.

Appreciate you sharing you experiences with me.

Thanks again.

 

[Radar 3]

Hello Luke. You are quite right"buy cheap pay twice".Also I like your thoughts about buying Chinese machines,all you have to do is just look at the PCB`s and you will see why. There are loads being sold in this Country so people can make a nice profit. Good luck in your search.

 

[skotl]

Welcome

I suspect most (all?) multi process machines in that price range are going to be Chinese sourced, so the main thing you should be looking for is support & supplier recommendations.

Out of interest, why do you think you need a multi process machine? I have one (rtech MTS250 MIG, Arc and DC TIG) and, in hindsight, I would have been better off buying a decent MIG, a budget Chinese arc, and saving for an AC TIG if and when I needed one (I never have).
What kind of work are you looking to do?

 

[Barking Mat]

Welcome mate, top advice above.

 

[Foxx]

Thanks all,

My heart says get the multi process but really head says a good quality mig is probably right (backed up by several others and threads elsewhere). Tig may never happen.

I am just looking to learn to weld to an acceptable level initially and move onto car restoration and other projects. Initially it will be practice a load and try make a trolley for the unit and go from there.

Quality/UK support are the main things if I'm Going this route. Any non Chinese made brands/units at this price point people can suggest are much appreciated. Budget 5-800 for the unit with torch and reg ideally low amps a must, 13a supply.

Cheers

 

[Munkul]

They're nearly all chinese made at that price, especially the inverters. Best going with one that you can get local support for.
The Bester is well regarded on this forum, mind.

Alternatively, go with an Oxford/Tecarc... british made, apparently good to use (no personal experience of them)

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I'd rather have a really good MIG, and a seperate stick/TIG set, than a cheaper multiprocess.

 

[8ob]

Things have moved along in China, yes they can knock out substandard christmas cracker quality tools but on the flip side there are companies set up out there in high tech units producing top end gear. They just can’t all be tarred with the same brush.
I think you will be hard pushed to find a welder that’s not got Chinese components in its build up.

Bob

 

[skotl]

Things have moved along in China, yes they can knock out substandard christmas cracker quality tools but on the flip side there are companies set up out there in high tech units producing top end gear. They just can’t all be tarred with the same brush.
I think you will be hard pushed to find a welder that’s not got Chinese components in its build up.

Bob

100% that.

RTech are worth a look, for their fantastic service.

 

[Foxx]

Thanks again all.

I'm leaning toward the migmaker 200 from Oxford. Ticks a lot of boxes, including heavy. Boris said heavy is reliable.

Anyone bought recently and can advise on the best place for service/price on the Oxford stuff? Prices seem higher on their own website.

 

[Radar 3]

Arc/rite in Cumbria. Ask for Andy.