I have been OK for several years with my first MIG - an old Sealey 130XT Turbo. However, a few times disassembling the flimsy torch and general tinkering with it has made me think I might benefit from a machine with better build quality; finer adjustment; a separate torch for ease of repair; a more robust wire feed and more control on thin material. Of course I'm hankering after a new transformer Oxford, but I can't justify the cost.
I have a BOC Transarc Tradesman DC130 which in my limited experience I think welds lovely and I enjoy using, so I have been browsing old BOC and Murex welders online. I expect to be doing car work mainly, both bodywork and chassis. I realise the larger new Oxfords can do the whole range of 20A up to 200A+, which does encourage me to save up!
However, in the near term I can't see myself welding large sections so have been considering Tradesmig/Transmig 130/140 (I think the 160 has a higher minimum current), or the Autolynx. Despite being a similar rating to the one I have, I believe these will make thinner sections easier, and will have a higher duty cycle for 2-3mm which I have had cause to weld in the past.
I can imagine there are other brands of a similar period that used identical or similar designs, but I don't know the pecking order, who rebadged what, and wish to avoid Chinesium. My old Lindsay Porter restoration manual recommends SIP as I guess he had an arrangement with them, but I get the impression that they and Sealey are examples of brands who chased cost reduction over quality in recent years. Migatronic? Miller? Lincoln? Butters? What do the experienced old-timers think are the welders worth having? How much ought I be considering spending?
I have a BOC Transarc Tradesman DC130 which in my limited experience I think welds lovely and I enjoy using, so I have been browsing old BOC and Murex welders online. I expect to be doing car work mainly, both bodywork and chassis. I realise the larger new Oxfords can do the whole range of 20A up to 200A+, which does encourage me to save up!
However, in the near term I can't see myself welding large sections so have been considering Tradesmig/Transmig 130/140 (I think the 160 has a higher minimum current), or the Autolynx. Despite being a similar rating to the one I have, I believe these will make thinner sections easier, and will have a higher duty cycle for 2-3mm which I have had cause to weld in the past.
I can imagine there are other brands of a similar period that used identical or similar designs, but I don't know the pecking order, who rebadged what, and wish to avoid Chinesium. My old Lindsay Porter restoration manual recommends SIP as I guess he had an arrangement with them, but I get the impression that they and Sealey are examples of brands who chased cost reduction over quality in recent years. Migatronic? Miller? Lincoln? Butters? What do the experienced old-timers think are the welders worth having? How much ought I be considering spending?