Handy mig welder?

[David.]

Big old 300kg sized Union Carbide mig seems to have expired.
Anyone care to recommend something that would be smaller and compact, but not a gasless toy one; want something pro rated, 3 phase, that will weld thin sections and probably up to 6mm with decent duty cycle and full sized torch etc.

 

[davidroberts30]

most 200amp inverter migs will do that

 

[TechWise]

I would go to a local supplier and ask what they recommend. Most professional makes are pretty good nowadays so I don't think you'll go wrong unless you really go for something bargain-basement. The advantage of talking to someone local is you always have somewhere to go when you've run out of that one consumable you really need to get something sorted. I have a Fronius Variostar which has been very reliable for over 10 years, although I gather it is a very expensive machine nowadays. Of our two machinery dealers we work with, one also uses Fronius and one uses Oerlikon. Both seem pretty happy with them.

Some people say you'd be mad not to have a separate wire feed unit, but with a resonably sized machine on wheels and a 5m torch I see no need. Some will also insist on a 4-roll wire feed, but again, I've never had any feed issues with 2 rolls in all these years.

I ran 1mm wire for years and years but I thought I would get some 0.8mm to make life a bit easier for the young lad whose going to be knocking up some sheep hurdles during quiet spells. I've found it a real game changer actually. I miss the faster deposition rate on thick stuff but on thin stuff it makes life much easier. Whatever machine you buy, I would consider getting the 1 and 0.8mm feed rolls to give you options.

Finally, insist on a machine that takes a standard torch or you'll be stuck buying very expensive consumables.

Edit: should also add it's a 250A machine I use. It spends 99% of its time set around the 160 - 180 amp mark. If you're working on thick stuff, veeing the joint out and/or running multiple passes will be fine. If you get something with decent duty cycle at 160A I don't think you'll ever find yourself wanting more.

 

[davidroberts30]

get the eurotorch connection

 

[David.]

Thanks so far.
@Welding Supplies Direct
Anything helpful to contribute please, special offers etc?

 

[ACEngineering]

Big old 300kg sized Union Carbide mig seems to have expired.
Anyone care to recommend something that would be smaller and compact, but not a gasless toy one; want something pro rated, 3 phase, that will weld thin sections and probably up to 6mm with decent duty cycle and full sized torch etc.

Dads got an R-tech inverter mig. Will do 6mm easy dont now the model but it wouldnt be the biggest.

 

[tomlad]

john milles loves his r,tech gear
He is sponsored but id still believe him .
My kempi , touch wood , doesn't give any bother. I really shouldn't say that.
Loads love the uk one warrior ? Is it .

No help sorry

 

[quavers]

got a r tech here also , 250 amp and i black smith neighbour is quite impressed with it , used with a hobbyweld gas bottle you can fit them in the boot of a car for moving about , good warranty with them also

 

[TheTallGuy]

I've got an R-Tech MIG 180 & have welded 8 & 10mm angle together strong enough that the metal deforms before the weld fails.

 

[TripleSix]

Warrior

 

[Tommy]

Warrior, there should be an appreciation thread for these welders