looking for a welder

[tomsutton529]

Hi folks.

We are looking at getting a welder for our workshop. its not going to be used every day and will mainly be used for welding 6mm+ steel tube, box section and plate. The boss may want to weld some body panels onto his rotting Triumph Spitfire too.

I have used Mig before and I like how versatile and useable it is. Is there a mig out there that isn't going to break the bank and cover all our bases. Welding bigish stuff and welding small stuff. We have three phase in the workshop too if that helps.

Anything else you need to know then ask away.

 

[rikrobson]

It really depends on how much you Boss is willing to pay. You will get a decent welder for a 3phase supply. Something like the R-Tech 315 would fit the bill or a Portamig. You will be looking at over a grand though. There are single phase versions of both types of welders too, for less money the r-tech 250 and the portamig

 

[Richiew]

If you have 3 phase you can pick up some very good second hand bargains on ebay. The market is small and the prices are low because hobby welders can't run them at home.

Just search for "3 phase mig" in ebay.

There's stuff like this for example. NTDWM


welder

 

[Kent]

Try calling express cutting and welding at Preston they stock a few brands and you can go and test them, its just off the motorway so no hassle for you

 

[tomsutton529]

It really depends on how much you Boss is willing to pay. You will get a decent welder for a 3phase supply. Something like the R-Tech 315 would fit the bill or a Portamig. You will be looking at over a grand though. There are single phase versions of both types of welders too, for less money the r-tech 250 and the portamig

Would the single phase stuff do the job I need it to do.. I like the sound of single phase as I can take it home and use it.

 

[rikrobson]

I gat a r-tech 250 for just over the 700 pound mark. Give them a ring. It should do what you need, but they are not the sort of company that will sell you the wrong kit. The 250 will do 10mm and has stick function too. There are videos on there site from one of the members

 

[Richard.]

If it's a business asset go reliable. Single phase to use at home would not be suitable to weld 6mm day in day out I'd suggest 250-300 amps which is a big single phase 32 amps plus or 3 phase. Don't bother with RTech IMO they are ok for individual home use but a business I would look for a well built transformer type. RTech lovers can shoot me down but if it's a business asset I'd suggest something better.

 

[daleyd]

What's your budget first off, I know you say you want something that won't break the bank but that's a bit open ended.

If it's going to be an integral part of your business then you will want something high end, if it's to be used occasionally and the budget doesn't stretch to the high end machines then perhaps something like an rtech may be suitable - can't see any reason why not?

Then you have the option of secondhand which may open up a few more avenues but as a business purchase it may not be the best solution (vat issues etc?)

if space and weight isn't an issue then a transformer machine will probably be more robust than the inverter option but you won't be carting it home to use there very easily.