MIG welders...what else?

[skysurfer]

I'm looking for a MIG set to suck the most I can out of single phase (probably around 250A+).
I've been using a BOC TradesMIG for a while (160) on CO2, and I've got some heavier stuff to do, so it's on the way out.

Euro torch, ability to not care what gas is used, 1mm/15kg wire, insulated shroud (does anyone make anything other than?), good duty cycle, twin rollers at least & std 'earth' fitting are most of what I'm looking for.

The Clarke sets seem to be popular, but I remember them of old. Having said that, a colleague of mine picked one up for some work, and although the torch overheated (over-rated), he was pleasantly surprised. I'm looking towards a Migatronic, myself, but would welcome anybodies personal experience with this modern stuff.

(Stepped or not, that is the question... ;-)

Thanks in anticipation,

 

[weldequip]

Portamig do a 310 Amp single phase machine... 60% Duty Cycle @300amps, 100% @230 Amps. Good old traditional build quality with no fancy electronics to go wrong... just about as good as you'll get for the money
You will need a heavy duty supply though for any large single phase set, 32amps +.
weldequip

 

[snowcat]

Any Industrial brand of machine should be more than sutable, personaly I like the scandanivian brands.........

 

[weldequip]

personaly I like the scandanivian brands

Yep all good stuff... ESAB/MUREX, Kemppi, Migatronic etc.
weldequip

 

[skysurfer]

Thanx

for your replies, I got drawn in with those jokes . Some superb ones in there.

Unusual to get home and talk about it after being on it all damned day.

Again, thanks.
I'l be back....
Pete

 

[skysurfer]

R-Tech MIG

Spotted these here http://www.r-techwelding.co.uk/Mig_Welder/Mig_Welder_240V

Anyone had any dealings with them? They seem excellent value for money.. yeah, I know, heard that before...
Cheers,
Pete

 

[matt1978]

They are based in Gloucester. The guy who is running it is by trade a service engineer, so you should get decent back up.

They are Chinese machines tho.

 

[Rusty]

You say a Migatronic is on your wish list but i think you will find they have poor duty cycles at the top end,i have a Migatronic 221 which is great for thin material.Weldequip could probably confirm about the duty cycle.

 

[Wozzaaah]

That R-Tech mig is inverter based, not transformer meaning more to go wrong. I'd recommend a transformer one, you can get a decent one for about the same price as that.