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herbs
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« Thread Started on Jul 5, 2009, 7:12pm » | ![[Quote]](http://s1.images.proboards.com/buttons/quote.gif) |
G'day there, I'm after a mig to mainly do panel work (rusty shorty landcruisers)   but occasionally do some bigger stuff, maybe plate up to 6mm or so around the property. I've got a stick welder for major jobs and access to a bigger mig and tig at work (can't take them home though.)  So I want something fairly portable but with guts. I like the look of the WIA weldmatic 150 and 175 but I'm open to suggestions.
Cheers,
Herbs.
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dobre
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« Reply #1 on Jul 6, 2009, 8:27pm » | |
Hi herbs,
this is always a good question and sometimes difficult to answer. I am assuming that portability is high on the list and quality is important too. There is not too much around in this size category and what you have already mentioned is probally a good unit. What i like about them is their size and more omportantly that they use the euro type gun which is easily replaceable is damaged beyond repair and also cheap to replace.They are also fitted with a 15amp plug which is perfect for home use.
They can operate gas or gasless which is another bonus providing you use good quality gasless wire. The only real downside to these machines is that they are under powered and you will be limited to what size material that you can weld. They are also powerful enough to do most welding jobs at home. The only other quality brand would be this-http://www.opwelding.com.au/product.php?id=137
They are also a good unit but what i dont like about them is the permanent welding gun. I dont know how these welders go on price but they offer good warranty on both of them which is really good for the end user. I would keep away from the cig welding machines in the same size class as their quality is below par and you wont be happy with them.
If you do decide to go for the wia definantly get the 175 even though it may cost a bit more but it will give you the extra weld power. This will mean that you wont be over working the welder and will get a better duty cycle. Buying the lower powered mig will only make you regret your decision, so pay the extra and you will be happy.
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herbs
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« Reply #2 on Jul 7, 2009, 11:53am » | |
Yeah, I want something that isn't too difficult to lug around, so big units with remote wire feed and such are not in the running. I've also noticed that the cig range is cheaper than wia, but I guess you get what you pay for. I'll see what sort of deal I can drum up.
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dobre
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« Reply #3 on Jul 9, 2009, 12:27pm » | |
Hi herbs , are you any closer to making a decision about a mig?
The other option is to have a look at the unimig inverter portable migs Jasic brand (chinese). They are rebadged to unimig colours and they come in a few sizes ( power/amps). From all accounts they are a pretty good welder and have heaps of grunt. The largest of these welders will take a 300mm spool of wire and this is a 250 amp machine. The larger spool will be a lot cheaper to replace than the 200mm spools and they have smaller welders that only take the smaller spool and put out about 175 amps. I will try to find a link for you.
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herbs
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« Reply #4 on Jul 9, 2009, 4:09pm » | |
I'm taking my time with this, there's no real rush here. If there's a cheaper option out there that's got good quality, I'm certainly going to consider it. I've heard good things about that Lincoln 180, but I like the idea of the easily removable Euro gun. Until then I'll persevere with my Weldmate 160 stick unit. 
Edit: you mean one of these? http://www.weldmart.com.au/store/welding....60-compact.html
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dobre
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herbs
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« Reply #6 on Jul 10, 2009, 4:43pm » | |
Had a bit of a scout around today in town and Norstate Gas in Rocky seem to have good prices - plus there's a lovely blonde lass behind the counter there - phwoar.  But anyway, I digress, they can sell me the Lincoln 180 for $1200 or the WIA Weldmatic 175 for $1400, which sounds pretty good to me - plus they'll give me a good run through with whatever machine I choose so that's a plus too. The bloke at BOC can get me their 190 amp machine for $1100, but I have no idea what they're like. I didn't get around to pricing the Unimig range.
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dobre
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herbs
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« Reply #8 on Jul 12, 2009, 12:00pm » | |
Hmmm that one would be over a grand after I get it to my door, might as well get a newie, especially since WIA are offering a Miller auto darkening helmet as a bonus via redemption currently. 
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herbs
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« Reply #9 on Jul 24, 2009, 4:02pm » | |
I'm still tossing up what to get, might even go a bit bigger and get the weldmatic 8mm or similar so I can use 15kg rolls. The quest continues. 
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dobre
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« Reply #10 on Aug 17, 2009, 4:16pm » | |
Herbs, how is the search for a mig going? Are you any closer to making a decision or has it been put on hold for a while?
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herbs
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« Reply #11 on Aug 27, 2009, 1:38am » | |
Aug 17, 2009, 4:16pm, dobre wrote:| Herbs, how is the search for a mig going? Are you any closer to making a decision or has it been put on hold for a while? |
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Getting very close mate, shed's finally up so it'll have a home. I've narrowed it down to either the WIA 8mm weldmatic or Lincoln 210c, just gotta talk a deal with Norstate next week. I think I'd be happy with either, both Aussie made, take 15 kg rolls and parts should be a good thing. The Lincoln has a slightly wider current range but one less voltage setting, but that's neither here nor there I think, both will do the job I want.
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herbs
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« Reply #12 on Sept 5, 2009, 2:46am » | |
Time for an update, I've ordered a new Lincoln 210C, should be in my hands sometime on Monday. I've discovered that the WIA 8 and 10mm weldmatics aren't made anymore - bloke at the local welding supplies was pretty critical in regards to these machines so the Lincoln is what I'm getting. I'll post up how it goes when the time comes.
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herbs
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« Reply #13 on Oct 5, 2009, 2:21am » | |
Haven't been able to use the new Lincoln as much as I'd like, but I can say that I'm very happy with it. Going to give the 0.6mm wire a go soonish.
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