Portamig

[Jim_gsxr1000]

Hi, looking to buy a new mig plant, Started off looking at an ESAB caddy 200i but i have been looking at the portamig machines (the 235) can anyone give any advice on the machines and also options, quite like the idea of getting 4 wheel wire drive fitted?

 

[Wozzaaah]

What do you need to know Jim, have you read any of the many posts in the Portamig section?

 

[Spark24]

I'm an amateur welder mate. I bought a portamig 255 from Weldequip and haven't looked back since. Fantastic bit of kit.

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

i was looking at the 235, i was looking for the options available i heard that 4 wheel wire drive was an option ?

 

[madkayaker]

I've never used a portamig but have never heard of wire feed issues from the stock wire feed. What do you plan to weld with it?

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

Just some plate etc, it was for driving a larger torch so i could leave the machine inside and use a 5 or 8M torch

 

[brewdexta]

As far as as know the portamig wire feed unit is v.good quality, it was the angle of the dangle when using smaller reels of wire that caused a feed issue. I've just got a 185 and it came with an adapter for 5kg reels and its good to go so I wouldn't be put off buying one on those grounds. So far I really like the portamig, its far better than I am. In retrospect seeing as I'm a hobby user I would also look at the SWP combo machine from weldequip too so I can try TIG and MMA from one box.

 

[Landy Lad]

The 4 wheel wire feed is on the HD range, I bought the 185 version for car body work and it is fantastic. I then bought the HD 285 version for doing some heavier fabrication. They are both brilliant welders and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending them.