Hello all,
Although I'm from the Netherlands, there seems to be a lot of knowledge about all the machines that are on the market.
About 15 years ago, when I was still a student, I bought my first welder. It's a Conti single phase machine, but its very heavy, bulky, and in amperage setting 5/6 and 6/6 the fuse (16A, 230V) is frequently being tripped. Last year I became self-employed, and amongst other projects, one of them consists of a frame made from 50x50x2mm aluminium square tubing. I am currently welding these with a GYS207 AC/DC TIG-welder, but I think I have a good excuse to replace my old MIG-machine.
I have never had projects with thick steel on my workbench. Due to the size/weight of the machine, and the relative small workspace, I think a single phase machine would be the best way to go. The majority of the jobs are automotive (Landrover S3, S1 and the daily drivers), and sometimes the typical household projects in steel/stainless steel (<5mm).
Because aluminium will be part of the future, I was looking in to pulse mig machines, synergic. The budget will be around €2000,- max, excluding taxes. It should be a future-proof machine, but if you all agree that a "simple" mig like a GYS 200-4XL should be enough...please let me know. I have 16A three-phase present in my garage, but since the size of the machine ánd the option to weld somewhere else on a single phase socket are some factors for me to consider...I would think that single phase machines should fit my search best.
This is my shortlist:
- Cebora Pocket pulse 1820M
Can be found for around €1397,- machine only, and €1514,- with accessoires.
Pro's is the relative small size(34L), lightweight (13,5kg), and price. Con's are a 2-roll feeder. Maximum Ø200mm/5kg spool. Adjustable range from 20-185A.
- EWM Picomig 180 Pulse TKG D2
Can be found in the Netherlands for around €1656 machine only, no torch, earth clamp etc.
Adjustable range from 5-180A. Size 52L, weight 16kg. Ø200mm spool size maximum. 4-roll feeder.
- Miller MPI 220P.
Can be found for around € 1900,-.
Adjustable range 20-200A, Size 47L, weight 16kg, Ø200mm spool size maximum. 4-roll feeder.
Other brands that regularly pop up on this site are Parwelds, Paton's etc.
5Kg spools are more expensive, but I don't do many hours a month...so I doubt that i'll melt down two spools a day, one day. The 2-roll wire feeder is not ideal, but I've read some comments on this forum that welding 1,0mm aluminium with the Cebora is possible without much problems.
The Cebora and EWM are quite common brands in the Netherlands. The Miller's however don't seem to be very popular. Buying abroad however is not a problem; the world is not thát big ;-).
I'm looking forward to read your comments, advice, alternatives and thoughts.
Best regards,
Although I'm from the Netherlands, there seems to be a lot of knowledge about all the machines that are on the market.
About 15 years ago, when I was still a student, I bought my first welder. It's a Conti single phase machine, but its very heavy, bulky, and in amperage setting 5/6 and 6/6 the fuse (16A, 230V) is frequently being tripped. Last year I became self-employed, and amongst other projects, one of them consists of a frame made from 50x50x2mm aluminium square tubing. I am currently welding these with a GYS207 AC/DC TIG-welder, but I think I have a good excuse to replace my old MIG-machine.
I have never had projects with thick steel on my workbench. Due to the size/weight of the machine, and the relative small workspace, I think a single phase machine would be the best way to go. The majority of the jobs are automotive (Landrover S3, S1 and the daily drivers), and sometimes the typical household projects in steel/stainless steel (<5mm).
Because aluminium will be part of the future, I was looking in to pulse mig machines, synergic. The budget will be around €2000,- max, excluding taxes. It should be a future-proof machine, but if you all agree that a "simple" mig like a GYS 200-4XL should be enough...please let me know. I have 16A three-phase present in my garage, but since the size of the machine ánd the option to weld somewhere else on a single phase socket are some factors for me to consider...I would think that single phase machines should fit my search best.
This is my shortlist:
- Cebora Pocket pulse 1820M
Can be found for around €1397,- machine only, and €1514,- with accessoires.
Pro's is the relative small size(34L), lightweight (13,5kg), and price. Con's are a 2-roll feeder. Maximum Ø200mm/5kg spool. Adjustable range from 20-185A.
- EWM Picomig 180 Pulse TKG D2
Can be found in the Netherlands for around €1656 machine only, no torch, earth clamp etc.
Adjustable range from 5-180A. Size 52L, weight 16kg. Ø200mm spool size maximum. 4-roll feeder.
- Miller MPI 220P.
Can be found for around € 1900,-.
Adjustable range 20-200A, Size 47L, weight 16kg, Ø200mm spool size maximum. 4-roll feeder.
Other brands that regularly pop up on this site are Parwelds, Paton's etc.
5Kg spools are more expensive, but I don't do many hours a month...so I doubt that i'll melt down two spools a day, one day. The 2-roll wire feeder is not ideal, but I've read some comments on this forum that welding 1,0mm aluminium with the Cebora is possible without much problems.
The Cebora and EWM are quite common brands in the Netherlands. The Miller's however don't seem to be very popular. Buying abroad however is not a problem; the world is not thát big ;-).
I'm looking forward to read your comments, advice, alternatives and thoughts.
Best regards,