Looking to buy my first mig

[savvas]

Total noob here, only tried to weld once using one of the big old trasformer type stick welders. (pretty sucked at it)

I am looking to buy my first mig - which will be used to:
1. Learn welding - In order to:
2. Do autobody work for restoration purposes and,
3. Chassis work for strengthening/modification etc.

I am leaning towards the Lincoln Speedtec 180c - let me know of any other that will suit my needs.

Now, the Lincoln is rated for 20-200A.

I will probably need to weld up to 5-6mm max which I know the 180 amps are borderline sufficient.

Also it troubles me whether the 20A min will be too much for sheet metal fabrication. Let me know your thoughts.

Any experience with this welder ? How good does it stand against the competition?

Cheers

 

[Mee]

Good machines but you get as good for less money.

I would suggest looking round before Christmas and purchasing in the sales after Christmas.

I found my R Tech good value for less money and I could get the Pro Mig 250 for less money.

 

[savvas]

Thanks for the input.

Do you have any links to the models you mentioned?

 

[savvas]

Found these two:

http://lcdvision-schweisstechnik.de/Power-MIG-250-PRO-MIG-MAG-MMA-Welding-machine-inverter-230V

http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/mig-welder-r-tech-i-mig180/

 

[cumbriasteve]

I think a big factor is what is available in your country and which machines you would get a good aftersales service with, something we can't really answer very easily.

A UK supplier offering a courier collect and return warranty would be very unlikely to offer it to anyone abroad.

The power of the Lincoln is ideal for both the ranges of metal you mention, in fact the majority of welders who work on thin sheet have machines that only go down to 30amps.

 

[EAZEE]

I think the Kempi Minarc is about the best for what you're looking for bud. Portable and easy to set up as you only have to put in the metal thickness and finish profile (convex, mitre or concave) and it does the rest for you. My mate has one and uses it for the same reasons as yourself. I've used it a few times and works great. If you're willing to pay out for the Lincoln, it should work out about the same price.

 

[EAZEE]

Correction this will be MUCH cheaper. If you want something to learn on AND produce decent welds this is the one. £540-£650

 

[savvas]

Thanks for the input guys

@cumbriasteve In Cyprus we have a strong presence of the migmatic brand - I can look at the rallymig 161 PFC any thoughts on that one

Correction this will be MUCH cheaper. If you want something to learn on AND produce decent welds this is the one. £540-£650

the link doesn't work

 

[cumbriasteve]

I have no personal knowledge of the rallymig but there is a bit of a thread here

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/magma-inverter-mig-or-migatronic-rallymig-161.65971/

 

[Kent]

Take a look at the jassic 160 mig / mma set.
It's definitely up for that work, very smooth and a good low end. Been using one this week at a customers
5 yrs warranty is also available on them

 

[Exuptoy]

Don't rule out the Portamig as the bottom end on the 185 is 15A. Well made and have a good following too, although I haven't been on here for a while so not sure if they've been reliable over time. Mine certainly has and it does car bodywork very well but so far I've not gone higher than around 3-4mm.

 

[cumbriasteve]

The OP is in Cyprus, I suspect some of the suggestions may cost more to deliver than purchase

 

[savvas]

I can have it container shipped which is very cheap; not above 60-80 gbp.. what worries me in that case is the warranty, I guess I can always ship it back the same way..

too many choices to go through, now I am more confused than ever! inverter vs transformer, synergic vs non, etc

i guess you go kinda blindly and see what works and what not and then you adjust accordingly..

i will let you guys know what I end up with! thanks for all the info - if you have some more advice keep it coming

 

[Jim Davey]

For the few extra quid I'd go for the Speedtec 200 and get the 3 year warranty. Lincoln are Global so you'll find somewhere for local-ish backup.