Recommend me a torch. MB15

[Paul G]

Hi All.

I have a Lincoln 210 welder fitted with a Abicor Binzel MB25 which is good for most jobs,
but would like a smaller lightweight torch for low amp work.
I have an MX5 rear sills repair coming up so now seems a good time to buy what I've been
meaning to get for some time.

I can't fault the Binzel, apart from the outer rubber layer of the lead has perished and looks
like it's been left in the sun for years, which it hasn't.
Loads of similar looking "Binzel Type" stuff on eBay.
Or there's the Parweld one from Weldequip that looks OK. (I feel I should support the site and buy this)

I don't want to spend a fortune, but then again I don't like rubbish.
Must be a 4 Metre version BTW.

So opinions please.

Cheers,
Paul G

 

[ben8vgte]

I too keep looking at the parweld progrip ones as I want a longer 4m lead, seem a good price but I've not used the mig progrip. If they are as good as my progrip tig torch then they should be good though.

 

[Wallace]

I asked Steve about supplying a 4m MB15 torch with my Portamig 215 and he did not recommend longer than 3m if using 0.6mm wire so I took his advice. Enter stage left a rush of "I've never had any problems" comments!

 

[Paul G]

The wire drive on my Lincoln is a professional bit of kit and seems to cope with .6 through my 4m MB25,
although I tend to use .8 for everything.
I also have 8 voltage settings so once again there's a bum to fit every seat.

I'm mostly interested in the robustness of the various torches.
Will it survive being dropped on the floor for instance?

Cheers,
Paul G

 

[dannyp]

0.6 can be a twerp in 4mtr torches

 

[Jim Davey]

Just make sure you fit the correct liner (0.6-0.9mm) its usually blue but varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. The red 1.0-1.2 liners have too much clearance allowing the 0.6 wire to wrinkle which causes all sorts of feed problems. But the safest bet as Steve says is to stick with a 3 metre where possible.

 

[Paul G]

Hi All, and thanks for the replies.

In the absence of advice for a particular make I've bought one of these.


I seem to manage OK with 0.8mm Murex Bostrand on everything from car bodies to 10mm plate
so if it runs OK in this torch then I'm happy.
The 14.99kg roll of 0.6mm that I have left can stay in the airing cupboard for now.

As the Lincoln is a big machine for use in a small workshop it's better to be able to get to everything
without dragging the set from under the bench, hence a longer lead.

Awaiting delivery,
Paul G

 

[Jim Davey]

You won't go far wrong with that. Is it a genuine Binzel or a copy?

 

[Paul G]

You won't go far wrong with that. Is it a genuine Binzel or a copy?

For under £40 I suspect it's a copy.
Still, if it does the job….

 

[Jim Davey]

Thought so, there's normally a silver sticker on the torch handle and the euro is usually black.

 

[Paul G]

Thought so, there's normally a silver sticker on the torch handle and the euro is usually black.

I think your spot on Jim.



To be honest the reason for this thread was that I'm not over impressed with Binzel.
Here's a pic of my genuine MB25 Binzel that's 3 years old and had less than 3 spools (45kg) of wire though it.
As you can see the outer sheath is falling to bits.
Like my wife it has been well looked after and kept in the dark. No laying in the full sun to wrinkle any exposed surfaces.

If the half price MB15 copy lasts as long then I'm quids in.

Cheers,
Paul G

 

[Jim Davey]

I like them better once the outer sheath comes off, they become lots lighter and more flexible. The inner power cord doesn't seem to perish and the outer falling off doesn't seem to have any detrimental effect.