Mig welder advice

[julianf]

I have a portamig unit. It's nice in every respect, apart from it's not very portable at all. Actual iron cores inside, rather than an inverter. Amps go down low enough for thin material and high enough for thick (mine is the 415 or somthing or other?)

The unit takes the larger wire spools, has a removable torch, and is, by all accounts, reliable.

...just not that portable. In spite of the name.

 

[Sideways]

Two posts up:
Thanks for that link to Lincoln. Excellent explanation and I recommend it to others.
Makes it very clear that (nominally) constant Voltage output is better for processes like Mig, and constant current (setting the Amps) is better for others - like stick. Best of all, they explain why this is.
They didn't say which to use for gas welding though - duh

 

[Graham Orm]

Could anyone advise me on what’s would be a good starter mig welder pleas in the £100-£200 price range either brand new or second hand in good condition/little used.

Have been meaning to start to learn for a long time as I have come up against numerous situations that need welding and to have my own would be ideal.

If anyone has one they would consider selling also please get in touch. Although I live in West Cornwall, I will be coming up to South Wales quite soon in terms of possible pay & collect.

Thank you

I am having a workshop clear out and this is for sale. Yours for £140 used half a dozen times. Works well. Collection only from Manchester I'm afraid.

 

[Arnold9801]

Thank you Graham but my budget has gone up and have decided on a Lincoln. Furthermore I’m right down the “pointy end” of West Cornwall!

Regards

arnold9801

 

[Graham Orm]

This is your man. What Rob Cosman is to dovetails this man is to welding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KrwmK7df-s

 

[Skingdom]

In case you are a beginner, don't you think that a Tig welder would be a better choice actually? However, if you actually think that you actually need a MIG welder, I can recommend you the Eastwood MIG . It costs around 300 bucks actually. It is really good, my dad is using such a welder. In my opinion it is one of the best choices from the price-per quality ratio.

 

[Skingdom]

In case you are a beginner, don't you think that a Tig welder would be a better choice actually? However, if you actually think that you actually need a MIG welder, I can recommend you the Eastwood MIG . It costs around 300 bucks actually. It is really good, my dad is using such a welder. In my opinion it is one of the best choices from the price-per quality ratio. Besides the welder, don't you forget to get a proper helmet. Your own security is really important in this case. You could read some of the best welding helmets reviews and decide which one actually fits you.

You must your safety ahead of anything else while welding!

 

[Woody2Shoes]

....If you need to weld galvanised you can remove the zinc with hydrochloric acid - I use Everbuild Brick Cleaner.

Good idea, but be mindful that some hydrogen is liberated - so decent ventilation is needed (if for no other reason).