MIG welders - which one to get?

[sphell]

I wanna buy a MIG welder in the near future and I don't know what to get. What does everyone else use if you have one? I don't know whether to get a cheapy ebay one or spend the dollars and get something decent.

So far I'm leaning towards spending around $800-$1200 on a decent one. The Cigweld Transmig 200 seems like a good bit of gear and is around $1150 but I may be able to get away with the Transmig 165 which is around $900. There are a few other brands around which make similar spec welders (WIA, BOC, UNIMIG, Lincoln etc) however I can't seem to find any prices on the net and I don't have the time at the moment to actually get down to the shops to check them out. Is there any other models I should be looking at in that price range?

Most of the stuff I'll be welding will be thin metal mainly automotive stuff, things like aluminium cooler pipes, fabricating steel brackets etc etc.

[AaronEF8]

What are the duty cycles like on them?

personally I'm biased towards the Cigweld, I've got 2 Cig arc welders, they're strong as. Spare parts are everywhere too. If you can, try to get one that takes a 15kg wire spool, that way people can flog them from their work for you plus there's a bigger choice of wire types/brands available.

I went to the tradesman expo last weekend because I'm looking for a MIG as well. Apart from the usual sales pitches I got, all the single phase MIG's were within $100 of each other for the power and had similar features.

If you're mainly doing thin stuff, 160amp will be plenty. They can still do 5mm steel.

[Kaddis]

I've got a fairly cheap MIG it does the job most of the time but my brothers BOC 190C is a HEAP better just more features.

Havn't had anything break on mine or anything like that its a few years old but im guessing the BOC will stand the test of time.

[Schmee]

Id personally go with the Cigweld one as I already have one transmig 200 same as the one your looking at been a good welder hasnt given me any trouble and Ive built 3 tow trucks in my driveway with it
I bought mine 3 years ago for around the $1000 mark and been very happy with it

steer clear of the uni-mig as they arent real good

Lincoln and ESAB are both great units bit pricey compared to the cigweld but well worth it for the heavier stuff

you will find once you have a mig you will start doing heavier and heavier stuff so its a good idea to get something around the 200 amp range just in case
you will also find the most reputable brands are more realistic on their amperage rating my cigweld will work cranked up to flat out for around 30-35 mins continuous welding then it needs a while to cool, about 10-15 mins then back into for another 20 mins

200 amp is prolly the most you can realistically get out of a single phase (240v) welder some of the cheaper brands reckon they are running 250 I doubt it after using a few of them over the years and yes I am a welder by trade

Hope this helps.......Kev

[4LEDboy]

WIA welders are great, and there made in australia

Local FTW!

[edfamily]

WIA are the way to go, they are in dandy aswell if thats near you, most hire companies have them aswell.

[sphell]

cool thanks for the replys guys.....

Schmee - where abouts did u get your Transmig 200?

[Schmee]

I got it from Warburtons Industrial supplies there is one over in Kilsyth on Canterbury Rd

[nothin suss]

All the lads down here in Geelong have Migomag welders, available from

Sunshine Melbourne:
Phone: (03) 9312 4999
North Geelong:
Phone: (03) 5277 0033
http://www.migomag.com.au

I have the MonoMig 205 which is the entry level industrial unit with a trolley and bottle holder. I think i paid $1100ish a few years ago with wire, better Binzel handpiece, 'E' Type bottle filled with rental. Goes alright for an entry level unit.

Otherwise i can reccomend the unit we use here at work, has copped abuse for 5+ years and will do panel steel and up to 5-6mm no dramas. It is a UNImig 172, its as good as my Migomag and a stand-alone unit with no trolley so would be cheaper again.
http://www.aussieweld.com.au/product_pa ... ryspec.htm

[AaronEF8]

Anyone have any experience with MIGStar welders? There's a fair few decently specced ones on eBay for around the $700 mark with a gas regulator. I know the usual 'cheap eBay crap' spiels, so I don't really need to hear it again. Just after actual experience with these welders.

Or maybe I could not be a tightarse and try to score some upgrades if I buy from a welding shop. Maybe.

[nothin suss]

Anyone have any experience with MIGStar welders? There's a fair few decently specced ones on eBay for around the $700 mark with a gas regulator. I know the usual 'cheap eBay crap' spiels, so I don't really need to hear it again. Just after actual experience with these welders.

Or maybe I could not be a tightarse and try to score some upgrades if I buy from a welding shop. Maybe.

For the sake of spending $700 on an unknown brand spend $900 on a branded one from a shop.. UNImigs are a good entry level machine, you should get one for $900 easy.

[Schmee]

dont be a tightass buy a real one

[EBTO4Z]

I have 220 unimig does the job fine.. Also ac/dc tig but thery are $6k....