What should I get?

[TX200]

Hi Guys (and Gals?),

Bit of advice if you would.........

I've always used an Arc welder (30 years now) and have been comfortable with it and not seen the need to try anything else - that is until I borrowed a friends Mig welder!

I found it so easy to use that I've decided to get my own, so the question is which one would suit my needs?

I tend to work on light-weight material (usually mild steel) and in various thicknesses from rice-paper thin to about 6mm thick but no thicker. The welder doesn't have to be portable as I can park it in a corner of the workshop, I'm just not sure what makes to avoid and what amp would be best - your suggestions appreciated.

Paul.

 

[W4yne]

Hi Paul,

It would all depend on your budget really, if you have the funds I can personally and thoroughly recommend the Portamig, I have the 215 model, having a low 15Amps, I have welded bean cans "for experimental purposes" not quite rice paper, but thin, the thickest I have welded with it is 7mm, I think 8mm is given as it's maximum welding thickness. With regards to Portamig just read the reviews on here to see what people think of them. I hope this has been of some use, good luck.

Hi Guys (and Gals?),

Bit of advice if you would.........

I've always used an Arc welder (30 years now) and have been comfortable with it and not seen the need to try anything else - that is until I borrowed a friends Mig welder!

I found it so easy to use that I've decided to get my own, so the question is which one would suit my needs?

I tend to work on light-weight material (usually mild steel) and in various thicknesses from rice-paper thin to about 6mm thick but no thicker. The welder doesn't have to be portable as I can park it in a corner of the workshop, I'm just not sure what makes to avoid and what amp would be best - your suggestions appreciated.

Paul.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I agree with W4yne, I have the 235 and an excellent machine, also came in from the cold after 30 years of stick welding and after a couple of cheapie's..Wolf and SIP, I decided you get what you pay for and to bite the bullet.

It depends on your usage and budget.

There are of course many other good machines out there, especially some used industrial stuff.

The Clarkes are ok but are a sort of hobby machine, although well capable of car work etc.

I use mine on 2mm to 10mm usually, with the occasional blast on prepped thicker

Still using it on a 13 amp plug and never blown a fuse yet, although most of my welding is up to about 200amps for short distances, if I was using the top of it's range a lot I would get a dedicated fused supply in the workshop

 

[TX200]

Thanks Wayne & Steve, I'm also a firm believer in the 'you get what you pay for' ethic so a Portamig it shall be - it looks like it'll cover everything I'm likely to encounter!

Cheers both, ATB, Paul.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Thanks Wayne & Steve, I'm also a firm believer in the 'you get what you pay for' ethic so a Portamig it shall be - it looks like it'll cover everything I'm likely to encounter!

Cheers both, ATB, Paul.

I think you will be well pleased, can be up to a 4 week wait..they tend to be made to order but when it arrives it's like opening a Xmas pressie that you know is not more damn socks and actually something you want

 

[W4yne]

An excellent choice Paul, you will be well pleased when it arrives, built like a tank, and almost as heavy, two year warranty and five I believe on the copper wound tranformers, not alluminium ones as found in cheaper models. British built to order up here in York.

I chose the longer four metre gun with my order so that I wouldn't have to keep dragging the machine if working down the side of a vehicle, the motor is quite capable with the extra length.

Thanks Wayne & Steve, I'm also a firm believer in the 'you get what you pay for' ethic so a Portamig it shall be - it looks like it'll cover everything I'm likely to encounter!

Cheers both, ATB, Paul.

 

[TX200]

I chose the longer four metre gun with my order so that I wouldn't have to keep dragging the machine if working down the side of a vehicle, the motor is quite capable with the extra length.

Now that's a good idea!

Thanks once again guys - welder on order shortly - and a mate has given me a dirty great bottle of Argoshield for nothing too!

Paul.