Portamig or Tecarc or Cebora?

[zzr1200]

A couple of weeks ago I called into the local welding supplier near work as I was enquiring about Adams Gas.

I noticed he was selling TecArc machines without saying anything about the machines I stated I hadn't seen this make before, it appears he had talked to a couple of the local mobile welder repair guys "Which make of machine was the least likely to break down and cost to reliability issues" they both said TecArc...

 

[wrinx]

Decision made; was going for the Portamig 185 but decide to push the boat out.....and go for a Portamig 215 instead.

I've got a couple of jobs with 8mm steel so it'll be a harsh first test!

wrinx

 

[rocketron]

Good decision, you'll not be sorry. Oh, think it will mince 8mm no probs.

 

[wrinx]

Specs say 8mm so I'm hoping they are accurate and not a work of fiction like most

wrinx

 

[stuvy]

Specs say 8mm so I'm hoping they are accurate and not a work of fiction like most

wrinx

Im saving for the 215 at the moment, can you do a buyers review once youv got it? Im only looking for the 215 as i want the option of thicker stuff too!

 

[Simon-]

Im saving for the 215 at the moment, can you do a buyers review once youv got it? Im only looking for the 215 as i want the option of thicker stuff too!

T.B.H I doubt you would be disappointed with the 215. I have one and have no problems. It compensates for my lack of skill...haha

In all seriousness, if your looking at repeated heavier usage would you not consider the 235 model as it's only an extra fifty pounds in the grand scheme of things?
On the other side of the scale they really are great when working on thin car panels!

I've never had any issues with my machine that were not my own fault. (215 owner)

 

[cumbriasteve]

Have owned the 235 for 18 months now and it's the most boring machine in my workshop, just switch it on and it works, no wire problems, never had a snag of any sort, never had to fiddle with it or even curse it and worse of all the ease with which it welds.. my old SIP made life exciting, the joy if it actually worked and the bigger joy if it welded for more than 50mm without a birds nest of wire....great times but I think I may just keep the Portamig

 

[stuvy]

it all depends how much i can save with out the missus knowing! if i can get the 235 i will as it will save me kicking myself in 6months time when i potentially need it!

Iv still got my monomig 105 that i payed £30 for and its never missed a beat in 4years of ownership. Iv got another machine thats going to be sold to get me closer to buying the portamig though

 

[cumbriasteve]

it all depends how much i can save with out the missus knowing! if i can get the 235 i will as it will save me kicking myself in 6months time when i potentially need it!

Iv still got my monomig 105 that i payed £30 for and its never missed a beat in 4years of ownership. Iv got another machine thats going to be sold to get me closer to buying the portamig though

I was a bit the same, the 185 would have probably done me for 90% of my work, but I thought.. this is a machine thats hopefully going to be with me for many years, so bit the bullet and went for it...no regrets and know 100% it was the right decision.

 

[wrinx]

Done the deed! Ended up going the whole hog and ordering a 235 but also

It's going to be a long 4-6 weeks, but should be arriving around my birthday, which will be nice

wrinx

 

[Premiershipman]

They are great machines, used mine again last night to repair a metal bed bracket for my boss at work - quick job but it still produced a better weld that the original welds when it was manufactured !!

 

[wrinx]

235 hopefully arriving Friday...can't wait!

wrinx

 

[jonnyBMX]

a friend of mine has the portamig 185 cracking bit of kit if you ask me!

 

[wrinx]

Arrived today as planned, it's assembled, wired and powers up so I'm hopefullly off to get gas and wire tomorrow.

It'll be great to have a decent welder again, it looks like a real beast

wrinx