Portamig 215...as good as they say?

[brookie456]

Yes, and then some

I was more than a little apprehensive when I fired it up, but, what a machine! The control you have over weld process on thin section must be second to none, able to do "tutorial type" welding from the word go, you don't have to compensate for any mechanical shortcomings, and so forgiving of cr*p technique (wrote the book on that one). Welded some 1mm shim stock, able to duplicate too much/ not enough penetration and the rest

Thanks to Steve, Marty2005, Debs and the rest of the forum for showing the way, the old proverb is true.."quality remains long after the price is forgotten"
How much was it Steve

Best to you all
Iain

 

[malcolm]

Good stuff - worth the wait then? What was your previous welder?

Most of the welds in the tutorial were done with a Portamig 185 which explains how you were able to reproduce them.

They are very forgiving, and this allows the wire speed to be used as an amp control. Higher wire = higher amps. It's especially useful on thin bodywork - turn the wire speed down and keep the torch very close to the work and do a continuous seam where you would previously need a spotting technique.

 

[brookie456]

Hi Malcolm,

Had Clarke hobby welders for MIG, more used to gas and stick from years ago (four wheeled oil cooled Miller - like a sideboard only heavier and bigger, and some good gas stuff). The good thing about the Portamig is you don't have to compensate for the machine - that old Miller was a scary size for a young appy, but was really easy to use, especially on thicker stuff. I think the main difference between a hobby MIG and the Portamig is the wire feed, which is a class apart, and the amp settings - quite strange being able to use a few different settings on 1mm section without blowing holes and/or sticking.

PS
Renault 4? Have a 5 that bleeds (literally) me..

 

[malcolm]

What version of 5? Apart from the 8 R4s knocking around the place there's a lovely MK1 R5 TS here that nobody wanted. It's not mine (yet), but it's too good to use as an engine doner. Start a thread with pics of restoration work if you happen to be repairing rusty bits.

 

[mr mac]

I took the plunge and bought my first welder a portamig 255....and i agree what a fantastic machine and fantastic service from steve....i cant recommend enough


thanks ian

 

[brookie456]

What version of 5? Apart from the 8 R4s knocking around the place there's a lovely MK1 R5 TS here that nobody wanted. It's not mine (yet), but it's too good to use as an engine doner. Start a thread with pics of restoration work if you happen to be repairing rusty bits.

Nope, no rusty bits R5GTT, completely standard of course, if you have a spare camshaft for the TS lying around, would be most interested. Will start a thread on the current project (Honda CRX) when I get stuck in, plenty of rusty bits - sills, inner and outer rear arches so far - plenty of holes at present and not enough welding, but the Portamig will sort that out