New welder... research time...

[DrDeAtH]

Ok here goes....

Time is coming for me to replace my welding kit. I used to have a SIP topmig 150 turbo, and to be fair, in the 20 years I had it. It was reliable and I managed to produce pretty consistent welds from it.

Now I m looking to either get a new mig, and a new or used tig set. Or a new multi process machine.

Multi process machines in the running so far are. R Tech, Thermal Arc Fabricator, Lincoln speedtech.
Ideally outputs would be around the 200a mark.
I have no problems with 230v supply as I can install whatever is needed as the workshop is under construction.
Mostly I would be doing car bodywork and some light fabrication.

Your suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Richard.]

Well what's going to be the primary use mig or Tig? Multi process machines are lift arc dc Tig. This is ok for those odd jobs here and there but if it's going to be subject to a lot of use a dedicated HF unit would be better.

 

[Jim Davey]

The Lincoln Speedtec is the highest quality of the sets you mentioned. It's a nice little set however the operating system is a little fiddly and its easy to forget how to navigate the menus if you don't use it regularly. Really well made though and nice smooth outputs on all 3 main operating modes.

 

[DrDeAtH]

Richard. Primary use will be Mig. Am looking to learn Tig.

I don't really wish to buy a big transformer based mig as they are quite bulky and I want to try and maximise the space available. But I do see the merits of dedicated welding sets.

Jim. In what way are the menus fiddly to use? Any other suggestions?

 

[Richard.]

Inverters are great for all welding machines. Not only because of there compact size but power consumption is more efficient and they generally allow the user to exceed higher currents before tripping the mains. I can pull 200 amps out of my machine for good lengthy periods off a 13amp 3pin plug and it's never tripped or blown a fuse yet. I've used one of those Lincolns briefly at an exhibition when they were new on the scene and I really liked it. I only used the mig side and I didn't get involved with the controls or settings but what I saw was very nice.

 

[Richardjjj]

I have the Speedtec and its great. The menus are fiddly, particularly locating the material thickness setting but once you know where its not too bad. Not a downside but be aware, the synergic settings are for good welders, you may be at a level to handle it but the wire speeds and amperages are way beyond my skill level.
As well as the user guide (not the best) download the spares manual, at the end are some quick set up charts which show all the menu's.
Re the 'lift tig' capability - I discovered I really like tig (clean, next to no fumes and neat so who wouldn't) but quickly became frustrated with the lack of control and having to snap out if things start going wrong.
If you're like me you will probably want a stand alone tig as well so it would make a multi process machine less desirable. That said, I think the Speedtec is great and wouldn't have found out I like tig so much without having it.

 

[Jim Davey]

As a point of note the EWM Picopulse 180 multiprocess machine has downslope and gas postflow when used in TIG mode which makes life a lot easier.

 

[DrDeAtH]

Just looked at the EWM.. Out of my price range.

So, suggestions for separate machines? I do like the idea of multi process, but I don't want to spend money twice as Richardjjj has hinted.

 

[Richard.]

I would suggest going and trying out a good lift Tig if it's possible to see if you can get on with it. I don't mind it and it's ok for those occasional Tig jobs but not any where near as nice as hf. If you don't like it and buy the lincoln then you've just spent a grand on a mig machine only. You could go and get yourself an esab caddy mig200 for £800 and a little cheap DC Tig inverter for 300 quid. Or look into some of the gys products they have inverter migs,tigs

 

[Richardjjj]

I would suggest going and trying out a good lift Tig if it's possible to see if you can get on with it. I don't mind it and it's ok for those occasional Tig jobs but not any where near as nice as hf. If you don't like it and buy the lincoln then you've just spent a grand on a mig machine only. You could go and get yourself an esab caddy mig200 for £800 and a little cheap DC Tig inverter for 300 quid. Or look into some of the gys products they have inverter migs,tigs

It isn't the lack of HF I find an problem although it would be nice. Its the lack of amperage control and being able to cool the weld as needed. The Pico obviously has a solenoid which I assume is controlled from a torch switch, this would allow the use of the downslope to cool slightly before re-establishing the full powered arc. The Speedtec is all or nothing except travel speed and the Pico may have been a better choice with hindsight but I have no real regrets in my choice.

DrDeAtH - Your welcome to try the Speedtec if you are down in Kent at all, it really is a good machine.
PM me if you would.

Regards
Richard

 

[DrDeAtH]

Thanks for the offer Richard. I do work down in Kent sometimes so may take you up on that.

 

[Richardjjj]

More than welcome, I am generally at home Fridays and weekends but if in the week would need a few days notice to make sure I am about.
Let me know if you find yourself coming down this way.

 

[DrDeAtH]

Will do. Thanks

 

[norlander]

there was or is someone selling a nearly new Gys Pearl multi set, and I think that has postflow and downslope in TIG but you need to check, and I think he is asking around 690 ish.