Oxford 200-1

[mrc79]

Hi
I am ready to get myself a mig for a railing project in my garden. I have been looking at the various machines and decided that I want the oxford migmaker 200-1 (20 amp to 200 amp). I like the fact it has smoothing caps. Is this machine big enough for up to 6mm steel?. I will put a dedicated supply in the garage to run it. I already have a stick welder but fancy a mig to allow me to do other projects.

 

[Bill Edwards]

200 amps will have no difficulty welding 6mm steel, it will be well within the capabilities of the machine.

 

[Wedg1e]

Hmmm, based on the usual rule-of-thumb that you need an Amp per thou" of thickness, strictly you 'need' 240A to properly penetrate 6mm of steel... so whilst it probably won't be an issue for fabricating e.g. railings, I would suggest you don't try shipbuilding with it
I know that my 200A Romarc won't give me 100% penetration on 6mm M/S but it's not an issue where you can access the back of the weld.

 

[Jim Davey]

You could do a lot worse than save up the extra wonga for an EWM Saturn 256, German build quality and performance, with a 3 year warranty. Open up a tech-arc (Oxford) and an EWM and compare how the two are actually made. Then let that knowledge actually help guide your decision.

 

[Bill Edwards]

It's often accepted that 150a is OK for 5 or even 6mm steel without needing much preparation on the joint, 200a should be quite nice on that thickness.

 

[mrc79]

Thanks for the replies, I've been worried that it maybe too small, but you have put my mind at rest. I will see if I can get a deal on the next size up, but am pushing it budget wise on the 200-1.
The ewm welders look very nice however I am only a hobby welder and cannot justify a professional set. Most comments about tech arc machines are positive which allows me to buy with confidence.

 

[Jim Davey]

I'm not saying the Tech Arc isn't suitable, it's just that there is some superior quality kit out there, often for not hugely different money.