sealey supermig180 - or portamig

[gixerspiderman]

Hi all!
I've used arc welders only until now, mainly for moderate steel fabrications (hobby stuff, upto 5mm max thickness mild steel), & i'm looking at upgrading to a mig welder for an easier life. I also want to be able to weld car bodywork (got a banger!), and aluminium ideally (motorbike subframe repairs-sick o paying someone else to weld it when i fall off!). Needs to be on 13amp 230v mains for home use.
My question is - do i buy a sealey 180 supermig (seen my neighbours in use - very impressed) for £415, or splash the extra & buy a portamig 185 for £580?? The portamig has a better regulator too.
One thing i will say - i dont want to have to ever buy another welder once i've bought this one, i will keep it for life.

I'm not bothered by fashion (everyone seems to worship portamig), so if the sealey is just as good for bodywork & heavier steelwork i'll buy that one.

All knowledgeable opinions VERY much appreciated!

 

[Ducky]

Portamig - no question, also goes down to 15amps so excellent for thin metal work!

P.S people worship Portamig because they are very good machines.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I own a Portamig and it's only my personal opinion but I consider it a more professional machine than the Sealey.

I don't think the Portamig can be classed as 'fashion', it's built like a tank, heavy, simple, robust with good quality guts, with I should think as long a lifespan as anything else in it's price bracket and hopefully longer than most.

 

[Simon-]

Portamig because it works. and I have one!


As for Sealey. They build some good, and some bad tools on the market. At the end of the day its your choice. Budget etc

 

[gixerspiderman]

thanks for replies, keep em coming. Perhaps i could have phrased it better, i wasn't suggesting that Portamigs are cosmetic or inferior in any way, just that there's so much positive stuff on here that in some walks of life that feeds off itself, & those less knowledgable (such as myself) end up quoting the name. Its good to hear from the owners, thanks.

 

[zzr1200]

I purchased a new ESAB Compact 160 20+ years ago and I've never had any trouble with it, just service it, clean it and use it.

I am considering buying a larger more powerful unit, a Portamig/Tecarc will be my first choice...

hth