Newbie choosing between Blackline 200 or R-tech 181

[MichaelB585]

Just to update. I decided to raid my money box and got the R tech 181. They had a good deal on so I saved a but. I got mig wire as I intend to do some car bodywork with this and I will get a bottle of hobbyweld at some point.

I would like to get practicing with this on a few rough things. Can someone recommend a good flux core wire that will work will with this machine?
I hear good things about Lincoln innershield but it's very pricey.

Thanks, Michael.

 

[Mark 2]

The Lincoln stuff is OK, the Sip stuff that r tech sell is also fine (smaller reels) or if you're in Lidl £4 will get you started.

 

[addjunkie]

Your learning and results will be far more satisfying with gas!

 

[Cobbler]

The Lincoln stuff is OK, the Sip stuff that r tech sell is also fine (smaller reels) or if you're in Lidl £4 will get you started.

2 for 1 in Lidls last time I looked

 

[Bobupndown]

I am shortly to get the RTech 181.
Recently sold a Clarke 196 transformer MIG that I had for about 3 years and wanted something better. Not seen the Blackline 200, so just had a look.
It is the need for a 32A supply that would make it unsuitable for me.
With regards to Gas/NoGas, I used both and if it was a place that would be visible then Gas was the way to go.
I found that NoGas gave me a lot of splatter and it would take a lot of messing about to get a setting that worked well.
Gas was a revelation for me, it was easier to set up and much better in its consistency for neatness and strength.
Only my view of course and if you have a mentor that can guide you through, then count yourself lucky.

R-Tech give figures for their 180 ..

"16A 240v input required for welding at 180amps , 160 amp MIG output at 13A input"

For the 181 they just say 16A supply, although you can order it with a 13A plug. They would probably tell you if asked.

I've the Blackline 200 which is more than sufficient for my limited hobby use. If I was a professional or daily user I'd buy something of higher quality but it really does all I need at a reasonable price point.
Tried it on fluxcore but wasn't impressed so I use normal mig wire with Hobbyweld gas, their smallest 9L? bottle is fine for me.
I thought it was a 16A power socket it comes with? Had my garage wired with suitable outlet and cable fitted while it was built so has no issues fuse wise.
It's handy having the arc welding facility in the same unit but I normally just use mig and I haven't had to tackle anything The mig couldn't cope with.