What Portable INV-MIG would be your choice

[itstony]

Reading all the threads on what Mig to buy, it seems all answers are based on what people bought. I guess that´s the best way to get opinions, who will own up to buying a dud or making a ricket!

Most machines bought are governed by cost, maybe not all.

I have wondered what those opinions would be if the budget was higher where you could get what you really wanted at the time , even if not needed.
So, my question is regarding a portable inverter Mig machine 180-200A.
Forget what you bought, what would you buy if you could have afforded the extra or if the cost was reduced for you?
I would give a price range between 6-1,200 pounds.

 

[Jim Davey]

Gys Pearl, Lincoln Speedtec or Kemppi Minarc at your budget, personally I'd have none of those though and buy the EWM Picopuls 180 (exactly what I did do) and run with that as they are superb (but pricey)

 

[Diywelder85]

Bought a JASIC 200A, if i had the cash i might have bought a kemppi minarc mig evo 200.

 

[itstony]

Looks like the replies are what I hoped for. Bit like buying a Ford but would have had a BMW and so on.
Lincoln are good build if from the US about 38Kg, not the Euro ones half that.
Kemppi was in the hat, but Jasic does look good.
EWN is going too far, great build. Pole position is the Merkle MigMAG 180 at the moment.
Be interesting to see others views and why.

 

[itstony]

Gys Pearl, Lincoln Speedtec or Kemppi Minarc at your budget, personally I'd have none of those though and buy the EWM Picopuls 180 (exactly what I did do) and run with that as they are superb (but pricey)

Seems like we are similar in taste.
The EMW Picopuls 180 was removed from my list due to cost UK2,000, just too much spondulics.
Had quotes for Kemppi Minarc200 UK925, Merkle 180 UK1,150. Was trying to decide between these, but reckon the Merkle would be the choice.

Then by chance get a quote from Germany for the EMW PicoPuls 180 or UK1,600. (€2,000). Wish I hadn´t found it as all I can see is UK400 saving (same saving if you could claim the VAT back) when I should be sensible and look at what I need. But, it sure appears to be top-notch gear.
No good telling myself what I need, it´s all about what I want. I am such a sucker for good quality and German gear. Haven´t regretted it once yet, just had to pull out more.

So, Davey or anyone else that can give me their experience and comments on the PicoPuls, give them please. At least I have the Merkle to fall back on .......

 

[matt1978]

You wil still have 20% sales tax to add on from the German company unless your VAT registered (or you could get a company to buy it for you using there VAT number) and German VAT wouldn't need to be added due to the EU reverse charge agreement

 

[itstony]

You wil still have 20% sales tax to add on from the German company unless your VAT registered (or you could get a company to buy it for you using there VAT number) and German VAT wouldn't need to be added due to the EU reverse charge agreement

Maybe I wasn´t clear, sorry?
Its UK2,000 gross in the UK with VAT (€2,500). I would have bought it from the UK if I could have claimed the VAT back.
It´s only €2,000 gross with 19% VAT in Germany, delivery. That´s a saving of €500 (UK400) and tax paid. Free helmet thrown in.
That´s why it´s got my attention.

 

[Jim Davey]

I sell these for £1695 exc VAT. I don't fit the EWM torch, reg or accessories, earth lead, gas hose etc. as they have criminal prices, I fit a Binzel torch, GasArc reg, good quality earth and leads and show the customer a decent saving. Bear in mind the EWM dealer stands the labour for the full three years on an EWM sale (I'd get parts FOC but I have to diagnose and fix any faults that occurred and if I can't for whatever reason I have to pay for it to go back to Newcastle, and their engineers time) this is why you wont find EWM dealers slashing the prices to the bone like some will.

 

[chris661]

Have you considered an ESAB Caddy MIG?

 

[Jrstainless]

I've used lots of mig welders over the years some of the older ones are marvelous to weld with!
I did recently buy a kemppi Evo mig 200 and it's a smashing little welder I'd reccomended them.I also have a kemppi miniarc 180 tig also fab. I always try to buy the best I can afford as in pay a little extra for something a little better. Stick with branded goods.
Jr

 

[lshigham]

Have you considered an ESAB Caddy MIG?

We have one at work, I spent 2 hours straight a few weeks back welding ridiculously thin metal upside down overhead in a small space so I think that qualifies me to say it's a properly nice bit of kit to use.

 

[itstony]

Decision was made to buy the EWN Picopulse 180. High dollar, but excelent build. Oozes class in all areas, but time will tell if it lives up to expectations and recommendations.