GYS vs Clarke vs Murex?

[will2715]

Hi All,

After hours of reasearching on here I still cant decide what to buy!

I have seen a Murex Autolynx 3 175amp MIG for sale second hand fairly close to me. It looks to be in excelent condition for its age and comes with a reel of wire and a gas bottle for £420. The spec plate also says it will weld at 20amps wich must be better than the others for welding bodywork? However it is nearing 14 years old!

The next option is to buy a new welder from weldequip. I really like the idea of a GYS smartmig. Does anyone know much about them? are they good? If I were to buy one, by the time ive bought wire, mask and gas and reg it works out about £480.

The last option is the Clarke 160 from weldequip. I know people rate them highly for a budget welder and it comes with a regulator for £330. Is the GYS better or worse than the clarke?

Does anyone have any info on the guruntee offerd from GYS and Clarke?

Opinions please.... I'll be buying one next week and I really dont want to end up with the wrong one!

Regards,
Will

 

[keith19]

Hi Will, welcome to the forum

You haven't given the most important information - what will you be using it for?

If it's for bodywork and occasional chassis stuff, etc, then I'd pick the Murex every time. But that's only because I've used them years back, and they are generally a very nice machine. But make sure all spares are still available first before looking closely. Also test the machine on a variety of settings if it's s/h, or take someone who can, if you're new to all this. Although they are supposed to be 175A I think the duty cycle at 150A is less than 10%, so okay up to about 5mm thick steel in short runs. So no good for heavier gauge steel fabbing. Also check you have room in your garage or workshop to store it when not in use.

The GYS would probably be my second choice, but I've never used one, so can't speak from experience on those, but one or two on here get on well with them. They have the advantage, like the Clarke, of being easily portable.

Lots have the Clarke too, and again a decent machine for hobby use.

But the GYS and the Clarke are really hobby machines that give reasonable value for money. The Murex, so long as it's in good condition, is a pro machine that is relatively effortless to use, and is made for the bodywork shop and similar light work.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Can't give an opinion on the Murex having never used one, I own a Clarke 135 and can't fault it.

I don't think you will see any significant difference in weld quality between the Clarke and GYS, I can produce welds to match my previous Portamig which is a highly rated machine.

The GYS is a bit more modern in styling and settings but this is just visual...it does look nice though.

If my Clarke packed in tomorrow what would I replace it with? a Clarke 160 from Weldequip, the 160 is a bit misleading though, it's actually a 150 amp.

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

You cant compare them Murex are miles ahead of the other 2... al be it it may be an older machine

 

[will2715]

Thanks for your replies, sorry I forgot to mention it will mainly be used for car bodywork and other little projects up to 5mm.

I have gone off the Murex one I listed as the spec sheet shows that its not got a very powerfull duty cycle if that makes sense. Although I did learn on Murex welders and always found them brilliant so I think I will keep my eye out for one.

Does anyone have any experience with Migatronic machines? I have seen a nice one for sale, think its an Automig 180? Its in an ebay auction and also looks to be in good nick.

Regards,
Will

 

[super noob]

I know the three phase Migatronics are awesome no idea on single though, but if its anything to go off you may be in luck