Need a new MIG machine

[Aldo]

Hi, new on here and looking for a bit of heads up with buying a new mig welder.

I'm a blacksmith/fabricator with 40+years experience and about to tackle a job that I've never done before.

I need to run a single phase mig that's suitable for welding 1.6mm to 5-10mm steel.

I'm looking at an R-Tech 250 and Tecarc 211 or basically any single phase machine that uses a 15KG spool and carries a price tag of around £600-700.

The machine would primarily be used to complete this job and only act as backup in my workshop so not looking to spend much more than budget.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Aldo.

 

[skotl]

Welcome to the forum

The R-Tech would do that, and the company has an excellent reputation for service. I have an R-Tech multi-process and love it, and I have experienced R-Tech's customer service first-hand.

I can't comment on the Tecarc or other makes but thought I'd throw in a +1 for the R-Tech.

 

[rikrobson]

On the one hand you have the r tech 250 which is an inverter machine and will do stick welding also. Great machine. I've got one and I'm very happy with it. The tech arc is a transformer and is the same family as yet portamigs and Oxfords. Good reliable machines.

The main difference is the inverters use electronics to convert and supply the welding current whereas the transformers use just that. A big transformer and diodes.

The inverters are lighter and have less mass to cool doelwm so have a better specified duty cycle.

The same style of inverter welder are being sold on eBay cheaper than r-tech

 

[Aldo]

Thanks for the welcome and advice lads.

After reading the reviews on the R-Tec I think I'll give it a go,,,,,,,,,,,,no doubt upsetting my welding supplier.

The fact that it's portable has also influenced my decision.

Thanks again.

Aldo.

 

[Kent]

Many welding suppliers might hire you one if its just for the one job that's what I should do.

 

[Aldo]

Aye Kent I've looked at hiring a machine, comes out about £100/week and the duration of the job is going to be 3-4weeks.

When you offset the hire cost against the price of a new machine it tips the balance in favour of purchase, well for me it does.

 

[Kent]

That's dear, is that from a normal hire shop? Rather than your welding supplier

 

[Aldo]

Aye Kent, that's from the hire shop I have an account with.

My welding supplier is just a small concern and as far as I know they don't hire kit out, suppose I could ask.

I do use BOC as my gas supplier though and I know they hire welding gear out but EVERYTHING they sell is over the top price wise so i would imagine their hire rates will be the same, again I could ask.

Cheers for the input.

Aldo.

 

[NickyEng]

Like Scott says the R-Tech 250 is a good all round choice. You just missed HughF near brand new one on here for 700. It'll run stick mig and lift tig. I went for the multi process Oerlikon which Is pretty much the same idea

 

[Aldo]

Hi Nicky, I'm kind of put off the Oerlikon gear.

I've got one of their ac/dc 300amp tig units for doing aluminium, had it for years with no big issues apart from when you need consumables or god forbid a new torch.

The last time I priced a water cooled twin switch 8M torch they quoted me £600.00 + vat & carriage.

Needless to say I've now adapted it to run more conventional torch setup.

Aye and it's just the mig unit I'm interested in.

Cheers for the info.

Aldo.

 

[NickyEng]

Hi Nicky, I'm kind of put off the Oerlikon gear.

I've got one of their ac/dc 300amp tig units for doing aluminium, had it for years with no big issues apart from when you need consumables or god forbid a new torch.

The last time I priced a water cooled twin switch 8M torch they quoted me £600.00 + vat & carriage.

Needless to say I've now adapted it to run more conventional torch setup.

Aye and it's just the mig unit I'm interested in.

Cheers for the info.

Aldo.

Check out Www.warriorwelders.com mate. I have a 250 warrior and a 350 warrior. Made in UK, he does a little 170 too

 

[Aldo]

Thanks for the link Nicky.

The 170 looks ok but you can only uses up to a 5kg spool (the job requires around 400+m of weld) so using the 5Kg spool would be costly.

The 250 unit is a bit heavy for lugging up and down scaffold on a daily basis and the cost pushes it above budget, also don't fancy the plastic spool cover. I know that it'll get bludgeoned to death within a week on site.

Sounds like I'm fussy, I'm not I just need a machine to do what it says on the tin and I've no experience of inverter mig machines.

Cheers again mucker it's appreciated.

Aldo.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Have you had a look at the GYS Multi pearl 200-4 XL. 200A synergic MIG that'll take a 15KG reel & has a beautiful weld quality.
I think it might be a little over your budget (can't think off the top of my head) but after using one the other day I can more than happily say that its worth whatever you pay for it.

 

[Shedendman]

Hi and welcome,when you say your lugging it up and down scaffolding is most of the work your doing going to be outside?

 

[arther dailey]

Business wise would it be possible to rent which ever machine you would prefer, then if it works to your satisfaction have the option to buy ? that way you got the best of both worlds, if it doesnt cut the mustard hand it back, if it does you will be happy to buy. Arther

 

[ukracer]

I'm looking at an R-Tech 250 and Tecarc 211 or basically any single phase machine that uses a 15KG spool and carries a price tag of around £600-700.

For that reason I am out....

 

[NickyEng]

For that reason I am out....

Thought you were an expert on R-Tech lol.....

 

[Aldo]

Hi and welcome,when you say your lugging it up and down scaffolding is most of the work your doing going to be outside?

Yes and no and where yes, we can protect from any breeze or wind that'll disrupt the gas flow.

 

[Aldo]

Business wise would it be possible to rent which ever machine you would prefer, then if it works to your satisfaction have the option to buy ? that way you got the best of both worlds, if it doesnt cut the mustard hand it back, if it does you will be happy to buy. Arther

Sounds ideal and makes sense but I've had no time to phone round the various plant hire companies in my area and I start work on the job on Monday.

 

[arther dailey]

Good luck Monday, hope it goes well. Arther