Buying a MIG

**bogan** · 26th May 2012, 18:39

Anybody know of a decent deal? Theres heaps of different brands, and I'm wondering if it is the type of tool which manufacturers can build cheaply and properly, or whether a reputable brand is worth a bit extra?

for example, difference between these two?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/business-fa...-479073880.htm
https://machineryhouse.co.nz/W1099

Also, how much is bottle rental?

**Jantar** · 26th May 2012, 18:51

Ther are quite a few available here http://www.globalplanesearch.com/aerobatic/jets/mig/

I quite like the look of the 21u.

**Bikemad** · 26th May 2012, 18:52

what ya planning to weld and how often?

**bogan** · 26th May 2012, 18:55

Fairly often, mostly light stuff 6mm thick or less. Would like to make up a trailer at some point, but may be able to upgrade the welder by then if required. Really just need one for a bit of machine building over the next 6 months.

**Bikemad** · 26th May 2012, 19:09

both the welders you linked to are more home handyman types in my opinion........if you are gonna be doing a lot of 6mm its at the pointy end of its capabilities and duty cycle...........trouble is when you start upping the amps tp say a 225/250 single phase the average 10 amp home circuit has trouble supplying without tripping the breakers...........i'd suggest gettin a sparky to wire in a 16 amp plug in ya shed if you decide on a more tradesman type machine

**Zedder** · 26th May 2012, 19:14

BOC charge $30.00 per month for bottle rental but there's the option of using flux core MIG wire instead of gas. A 4.5 kg roll is about $130 retail but there's always good deals around.

**Nova.** · 26th May 2012, 19:22

buy own bottle and get it refilled?
you probably already know but your welds have to be up to scratch in-order to get a cert for your trailer, and how its built i guess?

**bogan** · 26th May 2012, 19:22

Yeh good point about being at the limit. Something more like these should do it?

https://machineryhouse.co.nz/W1101

http://www.trademe.co.nz/business-fa...-478465686.htm

**bogan** · 26th May 2012, 19:23

Originally Posted by Zedder

BOC charge $30.00 per month for bottle rental but there's the option of using flux core MIG wire instead of gas. A 4.5 kg roll is about $130 retail but there's always good deals around.

Originally Posted by Nova.

buy own bottle and get it refilled?
you probably already know but your welds have to be up to scratch in-order to get a cert for your trailer, and how its built i guess?

Reckon rental gas sounds cheap enough, will just have to charge out a few jobs with it!

**Maha** · 26th May 2012, 19:25

Ohhhhh a welder?...thank fuck for that, for a moment there I thought you would need parking space at Ohakea..

**bogan** · 26th May 2012, 19:31

Originally Posted by Maha

Ohhhhh a welder?...thank fuck for that, for a moment there I thought you would need parking space at Ohakea..

I'll take runways 2-7, though they might need a resurfacing afterwards, I'm not a fan of heights...

**Ocean1** · 26th May 2012, 19:33

I've had a good run from this brand.

And at least Roger's got an actual address. Not far from yours as it happens...

http://www.coastalmachinery.co.nz/de...?cat=6&id=9992

**Bikemad** · 26th May 2012, 19:40

yeah the machinery house one looks more the go............it's got a way better duty cycle compared to the others and has a stepless amp control and wire speed.......better for fine tuning...........grab some .8 wire and tips when you buy it,good for panelsteel repairs/welds...........but you probably be wanting a .9 wire for most other stuff.........i haven't had a lot of experience with fluxcore wire but have used it more in heavy fabrication.....10/12mm amd bigger....also ask about the gas options...........i'm not sure but i think you can run co2 as a cheaper option to argoshield

**Bikemad** · 26th May 2012, 19:44

Originally Posted by Ocean1

I've had a good run from this brand.

And at least Roger's got an actual address. Not far from yours as it happens...

http://www.coastalmachinery.co.nz/de...?cat=6&id=9992

yeah thats a nice machine......same maker.....gruntier and does stick as well

**bogan** · 26th May 2012, 19:59

Originally Posted by Bikemad

yeah the machinery house one looks more the go............it's got a way better duty cycle compared to the others and has a stepless amp control and wire speed.......better for fine tuning...........grab some .8 wire and tips when you buy it,good for panelsteel repairs/welds...........but you probably be wanting a .9 wire for most other stuff.........i haven't had a lot of experience with fluxcore wire but have used it more in heavy fabrication.....10/12mm amd bigger....also ask about the gas options...........i'm not sure but i think you can run co2 as a cheaper option to argoshield

Thanks for the advice, will see what coastal machinery want for theirs, but looks like a weldtech should be the way to go.