MIG WELDERS ???

[vmx-mxr]

After years of fiddling with the idea I am finally going to buy a MIG - welder, not the jet !!!

What I would like to hear is what everyone reckons on brands etc.

I am thinking more towards a full size single phase on gas but would like to hear more and also what luck or otherwise you've had with Chinese machines as they are made from old Holdens.

I'm not a total stranger to MIG and want to use it for plenty of varied projects including an enclosed bike trailer as well as the usual rust work and some production stuff.

The floor is open to discussion which may help others too

Dave Mac

[FB MAD]

You'll get as many responses to this question as those that put up " what carby should I use "

I'll start it off,

I've got a Lincoln mig ( same as blacky's I think ) and it is a bloody brilliant welder, does everything I need it to do and never had a problem with it after more than 10 years owning it.

[yogie]

I have the Migomag 200C, wouldnt change it for any thing...

[FATBOY]

lincon for me
regards fat

[Blacky]

What Terry said - Lincoln 170 , bloody near bulletproof.
If you buy Chinese made shite - welders or otherwise - expect trouble.
.. and you will be doing your kids out of a job in the future

[wot179]

I bought an ESAB machine about 5years ago and have been very happy with it.

I would buy a Kemppi if I had bucketfuls of money.

I have also used the Lincoln 170,they are a very good machine.

Do yourself a favour and leave China out of the equation.

[rosco]

My turn,
I'm not a welder - in any sense of the word or skill....
I did a "handyman" course at TAFE and it was suggested in my application (spare parts etc...) to go with a local brand...

I was directed to one with at least 8 settings .... the more the better.

I ended up with a TransMig (CIG now BOC ) 215 amp unit.
It has four course and four fine settings - giving 16 positions.

It is a very heavy and large machine - compared to todays lighter units... but is fully copper wound (this is where the weight is).

You might like to do a bit of research between these older units and what is on the market today.... I believe what is posted above is applicable.

I have found this machine to be extremely obliging to my inept ability to weld......

frats,
Rosco

ps - as Terry says.... the more people who respond to your post..... probably the more confused you will get......

[bootlegger]

Whatever you do dont buy one of those little hobby migs. Even though the sales guy will say they do what you want they wont tell you they overheat after a short while and trip their fuse.
Buy a good quality decent size one.
Ive got an old CIG 150 amp unit. Its almost 30 years old and Ive never spent a cent on it apart from liners and tips.

[parisian62]

Ive got a cigweld 135...try here for some more discussion http://www.fbekholden.com/forum/viewtop ... ght=welder

[FB MAD]

And a bit more again

http://www.fbekholden.com/forum/viewtop ... ght=welder

[ozbumpkin]

Im not supporting the made in China brands but have you thought of how many PARTS inside your name brand welders are MADE IN CHINA .

[Blacky]

Im not supporting the made in China brands but have you thought of how many PARTS inside your name brand welders are MADE IN CHINA .

I've had mine 15 years and its never played up so I am thinking NONE

[rosco]

or....... how many parts now from GM-H "genuine" spares are likewise......

frats,
Rosco

[V8EK4us]

Dave, I am in the trade and one of the main points of a welding machine (MIG, TIG or ARC) that are overlooked or not "told" to the purchaser is the "Duty Cycle". This is what causes cheap shite machines to stop all the time....basically the duty cycle is the amount of time the machine can run in a 10 minute period, ie; a Duty Cycle of 60% @ 110 amps = 6 minutes running and 4 minutes down time running the machine at 110 amps, as the amps get lower the duty cycle gets higher and vice-versa.

Buy a cheap 175 amp Chinese MIG and you get what you pay for.....a staggering 10-20% Duty Cycle at 110 amps on some of them.

The Lincoln 180 on the other hand is 30% at 130 amps, which would equate to around 40% @ 110 amps.

Other things to check is the quality of the rollers and drive setup, if you buy the known brands ie; Lincoln, ESAB, Miller, WIA, Kempi etc you can't go wrong. Hope it helps.

[Sputzwagon]

Buy anything other than the "Woofto" brand I use ..good thing though is I don't own it!

Scotty.