Portamig or SIP Pro 170

[Gus.Carrie]

Hello. Yes, unfortunately its another newbie asking which welder.

Anyway, I've read the buyer's guide on here and also some of the topics in 'buying a welder', and it seems that generally it is thought of as better to buy a more expensive and higher quality welder than a cheap one.
So I'm thinking either a Portamig 185 or a SIP Pro 170. (http://www.welduk.com/Details.asp?ProductID=193)
But obviously, I'm here for advice and recommendations!

However, I've only used a small clarke at my high school so have next to no knowledge on them. But from what I've read I think I want:-
Both Gas/Gasless, so need to be able to reverse the polarity
Euro torch
20/30 - 150 or up AMP
Would prefer it to work from a standard UK socket, the only issue with it needing a separate power supply is I don't know what they are and so far haven't even found one for sale?

I plan to use it for a small amount automotive repair and need it to also be able to cope with roughly 4mm thick mild steel. I am willing to spend around £500 but hopefully not much more as i would still need to buy all the other equipment.

Cheers guys.
PS this forum has the most amazing smilies/emotions. a fish! and a welder!

 

[Jammy James]

welcome, From what i have read the portamig won't run gasless wire.
James
BTW i would go for the portamig if gasless isnt that big a deal.

 

[Gus.Carrie]

Well the only reason I thought about it is because I imagine i shall be doing most of the work outside, and the descriptions make it seem like its a nightmare to weld with gas outside. So, is it really that bad to weld outside with gas? Plus, if i go with the portamig i get to order from here, which from what I've read is definitely the right thing to do!

 

[Jammy James]

I don't know about welding with gas outside but i do agree with you about buying from weldequip as he is a forum sponser, i think?

 

[weldequip]

There's a lot of misconceptions with this gas-less business being "ideal for welding outdoors"...it is if you're doing angle iron! On thin sheet such as car bodywork you will likely blow holes through it. Gas-less is fine for, say, 2mm & above; gas shielded MIG gives the best performance by far, particularly on thin sheet, and for welding outdoors with gas you just need some simple kind of 'wind-break' to prevent the shielding gas from being affected. Gas-less wire is also around 3x the price so there's no cost savings involved.

 

[gavuk]

Have to agree with Weldquip ,i'd rather use gas outside with windbreaks ,and the portamig is a forum favourite,SIP are not ....similar questions have been asked before normally comparing SWP with portamig.....try the search button at the top of the page......search Portamig

 

[pedrobedro]

I mig weld outside whenever possible, meaning if it isn't raining. Our back garden has walls round it and strong wind is not usually a problem but if it is I just lean a piece of board up round where I am working.

 

[Gus.Carrie]

Thanks everyone for the speedy replies. And I think i shall go for the portamig 185. Just need to find a few more penies so i can afford it. ha.

Also, for a helmet is auto darkening really necessary and if not, would shade number 10 be suitable?

 

[Rubber Duck]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, what about the Parweld 171?

I've got one (ordered through Weldequip) and can't fault it. Runs gas and gasless wire, they're also a bit cheaper than the Portamig. Though if I ever upgrade to something bigger I will look at a Portamig.

 

[Gus.Carrie]

The parweld has a min amps of 30 and I understand that this is okay for sheet metal/ car bodies but the lower the better, and since the portamig goes right down to 15 its perfect for the job. Right?

Another thing, if treated correctly and cared for how long do you think one could last?

 

[gavuk]

Hi Gus ,I'ved just posted a question for" 15amp welding" ,as I would normally say 30amp min is fine for car welding, Ive never even used the lowest settings but i do use co2 and 0.8mm wire ,if anyone responds it may give you some more information to help decide......

 

[wellyweld]

The Portamig has a deserved reputation for quality but we have commissioned the same company to make the BritArc range. You mentioned running off a 13A plug & it's worth noting the BA161 comes with a 13A plug fitted & won't blow fuses. Same quality although only down to 20Amps & I agree with previous comments about gasless wires, not great to use, particularly on thin panels as smallest diameter is 0.8mm & you will normally be wanting to run 0.6mm solid. Solid wire produces far neater & controllable welds & normally because of a car design there is some shielding normally provided by the vehicle or it wouldn't be too difficult to rig up something provided it's not blowing a gale, in which case I would put it off for another day!

 

[jonnyBMX]

hey m8, if ur gunna be welding outside.. i have found gas is fine if its not too windy + if u are in a car.. itll be fine.. if not u can always turn the gas up to give a better sheilding. ive tried using gasless before.. didnt go too well!