keithm Posted October 24, 2014 Report Share Posted October 24, 2014 Dear experts. I'm planning to buy a new welder (possibly MIG) and would welcome any advice on spec, make and desirable features. Thanks in anticipation. Keith Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Motorsport Mickey Posted October 24, 2014 Report Share Posted October 24, 2014 What's it say in the search results Keith ? Mick Richards Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rogerguzzi Posted October 24, 2014 Report Share Posted October 24, 2014 Hello Keith Have a look at this site. I bought a portamig 185 not that I have used it much? but when I do it seems to work well http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/ Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Ian Vincent Posted October 24, 2014 Report Share Posted October 24, 2014 I bought one from Clarke's. Up to 135 amp gas or no gas. Does the job. Rgds Ian Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ctc77965o Posted October 24, 2014 Report Share Posted October 24, 2014 http://www.multiplaz.com/about Seems interesting Quote Link to post Share on other sites
littlejim Posted October 24, 2014 Report Share Posted October 24, 2014 (edited) Because I was a novice, and because the weld quality for the chassis is pretty critical, safety wise, I went to a specialy welder shop and took the advice of the expert there. Worth forking out for a good one from a well known company rather than trying to find the cheapest one, if you are not knowlegeable in that area. I was using 14 gauge steel for the chassis, 18 or 20 G for the body. the chart I had said Gauge Metal Thickness Required amps mm ins (1 amp/.001 thickness) 14 4.2 .164 75 18 1.2 .048 48 20 0.9 .036 36 The 135 sounds good. Mine says 175 but think I'd blow the single phase supply if I tried it that high. Edited October 24, 2014 by littlejim Quote Link to post Share on other sites
foster461 Posted October 25, 2014 Report Share Posted October 25, 2014 I have a Lincoln 135A MIG welder and it has been fine for all of my sheet metal and chassis work. The two things I looked for were continuous adjustment, not just presets, and a gas welder (I use C25) not flux core only. This welder has done everything I have asked of it. Stan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 I have a 170 Lincoln and that will weld anything from KitKat wrapper to a girder. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kiwifrog Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 The 135 sounds good. Mine says 175 but think I'd blow the single phase supply if I tried it that high. LJ the 175A rating is on the low output voltage side so if you are running 12V on the output which mine was then using a 230V input rated at 10A (if standard Aussie plugs are like the NZ ones I think they are rated at 10A) you can safely run to about 190A on the output (ie welding side) Cheers Alan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tr4Tony Posted October 26, 2014 Report Share Posted October 26, 2014 Kempii Minarc best mig I've ever had and does steel from kitkat wrapper to 5 mm thick, plus aluminium and stainless. Proper kit. Regards Tony Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mleadbeater Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 Keith, what do you want to weld? I have gas, MIG, TIG, and spot, all have good and bad features, happy to advise if you have a specific need. Had several MIG's, used a Clarke 140 Turbo for years, still going when I sold it and upgraded to a Kennedy 170 Turbo, though to be honest its not much better. Main thing with Mig's is to have plenty of variable power settings, say 6, plus a decent wire feed and speed control as constant wire feed is the secret of good welding. I live near York so if you are over this way you are welcome to call for further discussion. Mike Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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