Which would you choose.

[Semtex]

I may have the chance of a dirt cheap Mig welder (and I mean dirt cheap)

1 is (I believe) a ferme 130 gas mig

2 is a cosmo 100 no gas

Which one would be the best option. Please please don't come back with "they're both crap get a sealey or a clarke"

In an ideal world I probably would, but in the real world of here and now.......these are the 2 choices (might not even have a choice but if I do these are the ones)

Can the cosmo be converted to gas or not
What issues am I likely to face.

It would be nice to get a bit of practice in before I start college in September where I will probably be using pukka 3 phase proffessional welders.
I just want to "have a go" and try and get the basics

 

[Wozzaaah]

If that's the only two machines you can possibly buy then toss a coin.
I genuinely wouldn't use either of them as a boat anchor so the best reply I can offer is that no, you can't convert the cosmo to use gas and the Ferm may have a stupidly high bottom setting so will be unusable on thin bodywork.

 

[Engineer]

Go for the gas Ferme 130............try to make sure it works before paying though as you dont want to be getting hold of something that needs to be repaired.

On the cheap DIY sets lots of parts will be often be common to several different manufacturers, so you may be getting a bargain simply due to the set having an alternative sticker!

 

[Wozzaaah]

After a bit of digging around it looks like the Ferm is probably a Sealey/Telwin clone so it is the better of the two.

 

[Semtex]

A bit of a thread revival, but as an update I finally got the Ferm. Untested at the moment because the torch is in bits and needs replacing, however I didn't pay anything for it.

(see, I said it was a very good price)

Any idea's where I might be able to get a new torch without spending a fortune.
The cable, liner and connections are all there......its just the torch.

Will post some pics of the end when I get it home here

 

[mike os]

contact weldequip.... button at top of page for shop

 

[Semtex]

Got it home tonight. Bonus there is still wire in it although I have chucked a load of wire away (surface corrosion)

It switches on and off, and the wire feed works. As I say the only problem is the missing torch. All the wiring is there its just the torch/nozzle. (although there is a chance the torch may appear and then it will just be a case of a new swan neck.

Photo's will follow

 

[Wozzaaah]

If it 's a rebadged sealey then you should be able to get a torch easily enough.
Does it look like this one?

 

[Semtex]

Yep, exactly the same, just badged ferm instead of sealy

 

[Semtex]

Ok, this is what I have got



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Here's the missing torch


Uploaded with ImageShack.us

All the wires/liner/fittings appear to be there, I'm just missing the handle and swan neck.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Any idea's where I can get just those parts or do I need a complete torch assembly.
Also need to keep the costs right down.........as I'm skint

 

[gavuk]

I don't think they sell the torch by itself....weldquip should be able to help.....or maybe another member has a dead welder?...

 

[Semtex]

Its even better than I thought........I know have the original torch.

So all I need for my "free" Mig is the Swan-neck, tip and shroud. (& gas of course)

Should get all that sorted in the next week or so.