New mig welder £600 budget

[m1ecy]

Evening all,

Been a while since I was last on here.

Been saving some cash, I have around £600Max to spend on a Mig.

90% of it's intended use will be car body work (fleet of minis to restore) I may very rarely do some general fabrication work, but generally nothing bigger than 1/8 steel, anything heavier will be back to the trusty stick welder....

I had been looking at the Oxford Migmaker 180, but have just realised that the basic machine price does not include a torch (bit like getting a car without a steering wheel I guess)

Really want to get one for the bank holiday weekend, so whats good?

Would prefer a machine I can dump a half size bottle on the back, would also prefer a machine that is likeley to outlast me....

Cheers
Sean

 

[xmetal]

A Portamig sounds a good option as they come with a euro torch and gas regulator. They come from the same stable as the Oxford.

 

[barracuda816]

I bought a Portamig 185 a couple of years ago. I have been very impressed. Its a very well built bit of kit, and welds great.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I had the Portamig 235, no complaints at all but if I was buying again I think I would be tempted with the Oxford for it's Oxford Cap+ technology, supposed to be a fair bit smoother.

I am surprised it has no torch though.

 

[barracuda816]

As far as im aware the new Portamigs have smoothing Caps in them now also.

 

[Richard.]

What supply do you intend to run the new arrival from. This will ultimately be the governing factor of what you can use. While a 200 amp transformer is a nice thing you'll not get that or even near it from a house hold plug. 120-150 maybe which is good for 3-4 MM. The other thing that your budget allows is the possibility of an inverter Mig. You won't be throwing a bottle on the back of it mind and they ain't as robust as you like. (It might out live you but that depends on your age and life choices) but you'll get a bit more bang for your supply. If you've got a nice 16 or even better 32 amp socket sitting there then go nuts and get a powerful transformer.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Remember to include PPE stuff & helmet in the budget, if you don't have it already.

 

[m1ecy]

Ive got 3ph on site, so power isn't a concern.

If i need a 16 or 32a supply i can easily put one in

Ppe all sorted, but will grab a new lid, mine is getting on a bit now

 

[m1ecy]

Well, given that both my preferred choice, and the ones reccomended here were on a long lead time i've ordered a SWP220 - so that's P for Plenty Power!

Thanks All
Sean

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Most suppliers prices will include a torch, where've you be looking?
Oxford 180 is perfect, or you could look at the GYS SmartMIG 182. Very nice bit of kit.

 

[TechnicAl]

Well, given that both my preferred choice, and the ones reccomended here were on a long lead time i've ordered a SWP220 - so that's P for Plenty Power!

Thanks All
Sean

Why did you come on here and ask the question before going any buying something that no-one recommended and probably one that no-one would recommend.

 

[m1ecy]

Ok sorry if my decision offended anyone, but given that the manufacturers of the welder reccomended couldn't give a firm delivery date, and were somewhat vague about the specification I decided to speak with the forum's sponsor - this confirmed the findings I had speaking to the manufacturers. The unit chosen was based on budget, availability, and delivery time - SWP welders no good then? I've not seen any stinking reviews have I missed something?

 

[TechnicAl]

Im not offended just curious.........why ask and then ignore everyone

I dont think SWP stuff has many fans........Dont know for certain but its probably Chinese and that maybe an issue, maybe not.

 

[m1ecy]

It's not really a case of ignorance, Ive read the reccomendations, and looked into ordering based on the models suggested, but the wooly delivery dates and less than convincing answers given to some basic questions have left me quite worried.

I have a long weekend off and was planning a fair bit of metal bashing, so delivery was the real decider.

If it turns out to be of poor quality then it will go back, ive no qualms in doing so

Cheers
Sean

 

[arther dailey]

Well there is a second hand tecarc(portamig) on ebay at the moment, slightly scruffy case, but full working order,start price £250 buy it now £350 I think...and no its not mine or anyone I know, now that would be a good buy and left monies to use on other bits. Arther