Help...

[Stuartg1]

So, I have a gys162, great welder but its too bulky and heavy... I keep looking at the paton 160 and the infamous rtec 181...
So, as I can't decide between the two can anyone help with the decision...
I'm primarily restoring old cars so more interested in low amps rather then welding heavy stuff..
I already have gas/ppe but could also do with a new welding helmet as im struggling to see through mine ,( I have to wear glasses now)
Thanks

 

[Jack Pattenden]

Are you dead set on MIG? Because it sounds like TIG would serve you well.

Between those two machines, the Paton can go down to 8A Vs 30A on the R-Tech. That would seal the deal for me if you're all about the low-amp, thin-material side of things, IMHO.

Jack

 

[Stuartg1]

Are you dead set on MIG? Because it sounds like TIG would serve you well.

Between those two machines, the Paton can go down to 8A Vs 30A on the R-Tech. That would seal the deal for me if you're all about the low-amp, thin-material side of things, IMHO.

Jack

Tbh I'm not dead set on anything, I've never used tig so there's going to be a learning curve with that... not a bad suggestion though.
Thanks

 

[Domdom]

I've had 2 R-Tech machines and a Bohler Uranos 2000.

If you're doing thin bodywork you want something which goes low on the amps side, and having synergic can help too. Comparing the 2 you suggest, I would buy the Paton as it has lower settings.

 

[Stuartg1]

I've had 2 R-Tech machines and a Bohler Uranos 2000.

If you're doing thin bodywork you want something which goes low on the amps side, and having synergic can help too. Comparing the 2 you suggest, I would buy the Paton as it has lower settings.

Thanks, tbh that's my thought, but the rtech is much loved on here...

 

[Jack Pattenden]

Tbh I'm not dead set on anything, I've never used tig so there's going to be a learning curve with that... not a bad suggestion though.
Thanks

I'm pretty sure either of those machines support TIG, but what you get with an actual TIG machine is much much finer, granular control over the arc. Way more knobs to twist on the front of it (oi oi)

So I reckon the Paton, at some point down the line you can try TIG bits with it, see how it treats you, if it turns out you're a whiz at it and you like what it offers and want to go further down that path, a TIG machine could then be a future future purchase?

 

[Domdom]

Thanks, tbh that's my thought, but the rtech is much loved on here...

Yes they are, and for good reasons. I really like them. Their customer support is legendary.
But, for your use case I would buy the Paton. I have been there with one of my R-tech machines, the 250 MIG Pro and it was a real challenge to do thin bodywork. Great machine for 5mm steel, but on minimum it pushes 50 amps.

 

[Stuartg1]

I'm pretty sure either of those machines support TIG, but what you get with an actual TIG machine is much much finer, granular control over the arc. Way more knobs to twist on the front of it (oi oi)

So I reckon the Paton, at some point down the line you can try TIG bits with it, see how it treats you, if it turns out you're a whiz at it and you like what it offers and want to go further down that path, a TIG machine could then be a future future purchase?

That's not a bad idea.... more knobs
The paton is looking like its the one.I should maybe look at the tig option though first... am I right thinking that tig is similar to gas welding(or in my case lead welding)

 

[Stuartg1]

Yes they are, and for good reasons. I really like them. Their customer support is legendary.
But, for your use case I would buy the Paton. I have been there with one of my R-tech machines, the 250 MIG Pro and it was a real challenge to do thin bodywork. Great machine for 5mm steel, but on minimum it pushes 50 amps.

Thanks, I've read your Sierra rebuild... great work... you're right, its been a while since I did anything and thinking back I stopped because I have the roof to sort and I know how big a pain its going to be

 

[Jack Pattenden]

That's not a bad idea.... more knobs
The paton is looking like its the one.I should maybe look at the tig option though first... am I right thinking that tig is similar to gas welding(or in my case lead welding)

Pretty much! They're pretty transferable in terms of technique but major differences, TIG uses pure argon, and rather than the filler coming out of the torch automatically as with MIG, you have a stick of it that you add to the weld manually with your other hand, as much or as little as you need. TIG torches have a cup around the electrode that you're going to 'walk' along the weld rather than MIG torches being held above it.

 

[Misterg]

TIG torches have a cup around the electrode that you're going to 'walk' along the weld...

Really?

 

[Jack Pattenden]

Really?

Is that a genuine 'Really? I didn't know that' or an incredulous 'Really? You think THAT'S how it works? You imbecile' - because tone doesn't travel well over text. But yes, that's how it works?

 

[Mark 2]

Stick with mig for bodywork. TIG is all well and good but I wouldn't want to be lying on my back under a Triumph dolomite trying to feed filler wire, for too long.

 

[Stuartg1]

Stick with mig for bodywork. TIG is all well and good but I wouldn't want to be lying on my back under a Triumph dolomite trying to feed filler wire, for too long.

Thanks, its a beetle so a little better behaved
Its on a rotisserie too so I can work at a reasonable height and position...
Tig does sound good, but for the moment its not something im going to invest in... but you never know

 

[Misterg]

Is that a genuine 'Really? I didn't know that' or an incredulous 'Really? You think THAT'S how it works? You imbecile' - because tone doesn't travel well over text. But yes, that's how it works?

More towards the latter, in all honesty, but not intended to be as derogatory.

It seemed odd to me to pick up on one, very niche TIG technique and imply that it is the norm for what will essentially be sheet metal repair (car bodywork) - like you say, though, tone is sometimes difficult to judge through text.

 

[Jack Pattenden]

More towards the latter, in all honesty, but not intended to be as derogatory.

It seemed odd to me to pick up on one, very niche TIG technique and imply that it is the norm for what will essentially be sheet metal repair (car bodywork) - like you say, though, tone is sometimes difficult to judge through text.

I hesitate to call walking a TIG weld 'niche' - but I see where you're coming from!

It's certainly not the only way to do it and I shouldn't have inferred as much.