New welder - inverters and transformers...

[Sleeps_dad]

Hi all. Been lurking about for a bit, trying to get a feel for things and it just ain't working

Ok, as the forum welcome page suggests it's time to dive right in... Currently I'm using a SIP 130 turboey thingumajig and it's fine for the first 10 minutes. Replaced the liner with a steel one, custom made a new wire feed mech, gas bottle regulator attached etc, rebuilt my old landy disco with it so it's better than stock but now I'm getting a little naffed with it.

Long story short, went to the classic car show at the NEC last sunday and bumped into Telford group ltd. Told him the tale of woe and he effectively told me I'd "outgrown it" and it was time to move on. He's quite probably right. On his stand he proudly had a range of welders, one which was an "arcmax 1800". Now this little beastie is 500 plus the gov'mnt's cut, and it is an inverter rather than transformer model.

Now, I'm assuming you get good and bad transformer welders and good and bad inverters. However do the inverters outnumber the trannies (maybe should rephrase ) and what's everyone's general feeling about this subject? Also is the Arcmax at nigh on 600 quid good value? http://weldingsuperstore.co.uk/arcmax-maxmig-1800.html

If most inverter welders are pretty good, should or could I look at cheaper ones? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121018695187?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

BTW, mostly using it for car body and chassis work so needs to go down to .8mm but may want to do other thicker stuff too, up to maybe 7 or 8mm for suspension parts etc. Didn't used to do much welding but I've heard this phrase sooo many times on this forum - "amazing how many friends you didn't realise you had"...

Any thoughts?

 

[Wallace]

Welcome to the forum. I like the expression "outgrown the SIP"! My thoughts would be to look at the Portamig range, I have a 215 on order and also own a TecArc 206i AC/DC Tig plus a TecArc 46i Plasma cutter both of which have been excellent over the past 3 years. Plenty of info on here about the Portamig range, Steve (Weldequip) is also very helpful and will give you good advice.

Mike

 

[Sleeps_dad]

Thanks Mike. Have looked through the range and I'll give them a call. The SWP mig/mma/tig looks interesting too, giving future flexibility.

A little later...

Any more thoughts out there? Also anybody heard of these Dedra units? Did have a chat with Steve who does seem to prefer transformer models, however he does rate the SWP 170 inverter that MIG's/TIG's and MMA's.

 

[Landy Lad]

I bought a Portamig 185 for doing car work, old vw's and Landys, and it is fantastic. It is perfect for cars as it comes down to 15 or 20 amps, can't remember exactly off hand, where as most other only come down to 30.

I was so impressed with it I bought a 285 industrial version for some fab work, and I am considering one of the tigs. I know the inverters use less power and are probably better for ally welding but I just like the repairable nature of the tranny.

The Portamig is also made in Britain, and comes with a 2 year warranty, and 5 years on the tranny.

 

[PTvor]

Inverter MIG machines haven't had the acceptance which inverter MMA and TIG machines have had.

I'd guess it's because people accept MIG machines are workshop based, so portability isn't that much of an advantage, as with MMA. With TIG machines, inverter technology makes it easier to add all sorts of features.

I haven't heard of Dedra welders. Maybe relabeled Chinese. Nothing much about them on the WWW. From the ad, I get the impression they are a Polish SIP/Sealey/Draper type company rather than a designer and maker or dedicated welding resellers.

As with a lot of machines sold on ebay there have to be questions about how the seller deals with warranty claims and getting them fixed when the warranty is up.

 

[Wallace]

I have my Portamig (215) now and from the limited use I have given it I am very impressed and they are worth considering if within your budget. I posted my first impression here.

Mike