new mig

[flash of light]

with 500 pounds to spend which mig would you buy, for useing with 0.6 wire
and can be carryed with one hand.

 

[flash of light]

oops sorry guys ive posted in the wrong section, must be a little tired

 

[Paul.]

Moved to buying a welder section
Have a look at the Kemppi miniarc mig range, very portable and from a reputable company. or the Esab caddy although you will struggle to find either one new for £500.

 

[flash of light]

the weldequip one looks good but not close to 500 pounds. how about the lincoln 170, butters 170 (under parweld) or the b.o.c 170 which i think is a ceborg underneath. i know to stayaway from sip wolf etc

 

[wellyweld]

Would strongly recommend an Esab Caddymig 160 but save a little more money first, you will not regret it in the long term as weight & welding characteristics a joy to behold. I know it is more money but will be worth it in the long run. Good 2 year warranty from one of the most reliable manufacturers.

 

[Engineer]

How does the inverter type MIG compare to old style transformer sets in terms of performance?

 

[wellyweld]

I think a good old transformer style machine would compare OK with the new inverters from the likes of Esab & Kemppi but my they are brutes to lug around & are going to getting on a bit now & probably 3 phase. I think most home users would prefer portability, small footprint, 240v input & excellent weld characteristics. I know these new fangled inverters are everyone's cup of tea but reliability now 100% & I think they have moved the game on.
Still a place for big transformer type machine in workshop say 300Amps plus. Rock solid reliability & will go on for ever almost, assuming a decent make.

 

[flash of light]

i would not be using it every day so to it would need to last at lest 6 years, transformer base looks a better option. a jerry can weights in at over 20 kg an they ar ok to handle. how much would the motherboard cost on this mig to replace