Mig Welders

[Stormintrooper]

Hey all,

after some opinions,

Working for Euro Car Parts has found me an opportunity to buy a welder at a discount, I have two options that I have managed to get in stock for myself.

First is
https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/...-cutting/mig-welders/?SEAMIGHTYMIG90&0&t5_179

Second is
https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/...cutting/mig-welders/?SEAMIGHTYMIG150&0&t5_179

I dont see the point of buying a gas one as i can just buy flux core from here too.

mainly down to the fact this will get very occasional use, barely ever even. some repair to the bulkhead and possibly some chassis repair later on too.

With that in mind, what do you guys think?
spend the extra on the 2nd? or will the 1st have enough current to do the job?

Also can anybody tell me the thickness of metal sheet i should be buying?

Cheers to all who help!

 

[neilly]

IMHO, get one with gas.

Cheers

 

[Stormintrooper]

Is it worth it for very occasional use?

 

[marjon]

+1 On gas.

You have the choice to change to “no gas” setup.

You say not much use but once you start I think you will use for many jobs once you have the hang of it.

I always try to “buy more than I think I need” because once used there’s always more to do and you have the ability (machine wise).

J

 

[Colthebrummie]

Get the gas one, if you decide to sell it later being gas will help it sell, also the lower power one might not do all you want in the future.

Col

 

[dieseldog69]

Get the gas one, bottles can be had for deposit only and fill up with no rental which is cheaper long term for hobbyists.

Fluxcore is an art and neither mig nor stick. Good on heavy stuff where you're laying down a lot of metal and hot!

 

[Stormintrooper]

ok you have all convinced me,

any recomendations for wire i should be using?

and any idea sheet thickness for bulkhead repairs?

 

[My Old Landy]

I have been using 0.8 wire and 1.2mm steel. Works for me. Some say 0.6 for thin sheet but buy small reels and see how you get on. Practice on different thicknesses

 

[Colthebrummie]

The thing that lets down cheap mig welders is the wire spool feeder. My last one used to bunch up 0.6 wire but was betterer on 0.8. The new one has a euro torch and is much betterer, unfortunately, I'm not.

Col

 

[Stormintrooper]

Awesome,

iv seen theres a few options for gas, any recomendations on that one?

 

[Colthebrummie]

Do you mean what type of gas or best welder?

Col

 

[Stormintrooper]

type of gas to use sorry

 

[Colthebrummie]

type of gas to use sorry

I get mine from the local welding supplies place. Deposit on the cylinder upfront then just pay for replacement cylinders when I need it. It's a shielding gas part argon and part summat else but I can't remember what. You can get small cans of gas at Halfords but they work out expensive cos they don't last long, especially when you're a beginner and don't know what your doing.

Col

 

[marjon]

As Col says, Argon+CO2 mix or straight CO2 will get you going.

It will all seem like crap till you get the hang of it, and it is also a matter of finding somewhere who will just take a deposit (no rental charge)
There are many mixes available but just steel, stick with above for now (cost effective).
Also many reasons why certain gas.

Talking gas can get complicated but you need basic, don’t get dragged in by a salesman who says “well this helium +xxx is great “ you are not doing coded welding here or aluminum

Practice, practice, and more, <<<

Don’t expect professional looking beads first time round, that’s why they invented grinders

J

 

[Stormintrooper]

I can get these for just under £20

https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/...-cutting/mig-welders/?SEAMIG/ARG/100&0&t5_179

Also is £275 a good price for the following?
https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/...-cutting/mig-welders/?SEASUPERMIG150&0&t5_179

 

[urena]

ive an esab 160 good old kit

 

[marjon]

I can get these for just under £20

https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/...-cutting/mig-welders/?SEAMIG/ARG/100&0&t5_179

Also is £275 a good price for the following?
https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/...-cutting/mig-welders/?SEASUPERMIG150&0&t5_179

IMHO no and no.

1. Disposable bottle small volume very expensive.
2. Contract? On a huge bottle.

Don’t get sucked in on “a good deal”

Find a local welding gas supplier and go have a chat. Not a phone call, turn up in your Landy with torn jeans/ overalls on.

J

 

[Stormintrooper]

Ah ok, can you recommend a better mig? im struggling to find a retailer that sells a gas setup at 150amps for less than the £275

 

[marjon]

Also is £275 a good price for the following?
https://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/...-cutting/mig-welders/?SEASUPERMIG150&0&t5_179

Doesn’t show £275 to me guess this includes your discount

What’s the rental on that bottle?

J

 

[Stormintrooper]

disposable bottle

and yes....staff discount

Had to replace my moms clutch on her mk4 mondeo, retail price for the 3pc kit and flywheel was about £700, i paid just over £300

so is it still not a good price for that MIG?