IFL i-TECH 170 MIG INVERTER any good as a first welder??

[tom fire lion]

hi all,

i am new to welding but have a couple of projects that will require different approaches. tig seems the way to go for high performance applications but mig more practical for vehicle repairs and general fabrications. i would really like to be able to do both and cant afford to buy two machines so the ifl is quite appealing.

so my question is:

has anybody used this machine, and is it any good? (weldequip seem to rate it)

would it be an appropriate first welder, or will i be out of my depth?

any advice gratefully received!

cheers.

tom

 

[CRB]

I am using one as my first foray into metal welding, and I must say it is easy to use, once you get over not knowing what the hell you are up to.

The front panel is horribly garish now though.

My only issue is that the voltage dial setting spacing on the fascia. 11V-14V-17V-20V-23V-26V each have 5no divisions equalling 0.6V per division. This is certainly down to the range of the equipment used, so nothing really serious, just odd. I think once you are close a tweek here and there is not really dependent upon what the machine is showing you.