Looking at purchasing a fist mig welder in NZ.

[ophb]

My dad and I are looking at getting a welder - I want it for 1mm sheetmetal work on my project car. Dad wants it for more structural work - up to 8mm.

I understand most of the brands here in New Zealand will be different to the U.K. and other parts of the world.

The salesperson I spoke to recommended:

Weldtech xm180pro Mig

I am however weary of following his advice as he is a salesperson. It is the cheapest of all the options I have gathered ($800nzd), however it is also has the lowest minimum output (20amps) and a decent maximum output (180amps). I am struggling to find much information and any reviews on the brand, however their site states that they have been in the business since the 1970's.

The other option I was looking at is:

WIA Weldmatic 200i:
This unit is a multiprocess welder capable of Mig, Tig and Stick. It has an output range of 30-200amps and is from a reputable company (WIA - distributed by WeldWell). It is slightly more costly ($1050nzd)



Let me know,
Cheers, Oli.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome to the forum:

On the face of it and a quick look at the machines websites the weldmatic would be my choice, 2 year warranty, country wide support (if that's true) and it just seems to be a more professional outfit both in the machine and the company.

It is of course possible for any firm to look good with the ease of making a fancy website, do you have any small engineering firms locally you could perhaps go and have a chat with, people who weld for a living usually have some sound advice on what's good and bad in your locality.

 

[Jim Davey]

Thermal arc sell in your neck of the woods as Cigweld, check them out.

 

[CraigMc]

Probably need 2 separate machines in all honesty. Good 8mm structural welds require a bit of current, probably min 200 A welder, and that might just be a little too big to drop down to 1mm sheet metal/car body work. You may just be asking too much from one machine, especially if you're looking at minimal cost. And when you say 8mm structural, is that 8 hours a day doing long runs, or just the odd few inches here and there. Need to put in a few more details here mate to get a better answer. Personally, I'd be buying 2 different machines, but then again, I like good quality, both in my work and in a welder. I've got a 10 year old BOC Smootharc 185, and as much as its a great welder, it would struggle to do 8 mm structural all day. I'd be looking at CIG, UNIMIG, GYS, xcel arc WIA, KEMPPI, ESAB. Go to your local BOC shop too. Just out of interest, whats your budget...?

 

[skotl]

Probably need 2 separate machines in all honesty. Good 8mm structural welds require a bit of current, probably min 200 A welder, and that might just be a little too big to drop down to 1mm sheet metal/car body work. You may just be asking too much from one machine, especially if you're looking at minimal cost. And when you say 8mm structural, is that 8 hours a day doing long runs, or just the odd few inches here and there. Need to put in a few more details here mate to get a better answer. Personally, I'd be buying 2 different machines, but then again, I like good quality, both in my work and in a welder. I've got a 10 year old BOC Smootharc 185, and as much as its a great welder, it would struggle to do 8 mm structural all day. I'd be looking at CIG, UNIMIG, GYS, xcel arc WIA, KEMPPI, ESAB. Go to your local BOC shop too. Just out of interest, whats your budget...?

He's either sorted, given up welding, or dead, given this post was from 2016 and he's not been back since!

Welcome to the forum

 

[CraigMc]

PS, who quoted WIA Weldmatic 200 at a $1050 NZD, they retail at about $2000 NZD(if I'm looking at the right one) The Weldmatic 185 is $1200 NZD

 

[skotl]

PS, who quoted WIA Weldmatic 200 at a $1050 NZD, they retail at about $2000 NZD(if I'm looking at the right one) The Weldmatic 185 is $1200 NZD

...again... 2016...

 

[CraigMc]

LOL, Cheers Skotl, I just noticed the 31 Oct, didn't even look at the year...thanks mate. I'm originally from Newcastle..

 

[skotl]

LOL, Cheers Skotl, I just noticed the 31 Oct, didn't even look at the year...thanks mate. I'm originally from Newcastle..

Weather should be much improved then!