I can give you some basic feedback on MIG welders in general. Even
after downloading the manual for this one, I cannot determine answers
that would allow me to give you an opinion on this particular unit.
1. I'd recommend going with a unit that will run on 115VAC. Small
welders like this are so portable that it makes no sense to being
restricted to a unit that has to be plugged into 230V. The initial cost
is lower for a 230VAC unit, but that savings won't mean anything when
you want to throw it in the truck and do some repairs off site. I've
used my MIG welder to repair fences and do fab work on my trailer where
it is parked on the road. Having to use a 230VAC extension cord to the
outlet in the shop would be an unbearable pain.
2. Make sure that the tip and the shield around the tip are a standard
brand. Sorry, I don't have the specifics on this as I am at work but
some checking by phone will get you the info. Most name brand welders
use a standard gun assembly and the wearing/burnable parts are available
at any welding supply store.
3. Being restricted by switchable heat range is not that big of a deal,
but it is nice to have complete variable control of both the heat range
and the feed speed. Variable heat is only offered on the 2nd line of
name brand machines, so this may be out of your budget.
4. Your budget and future use of the unit is going to dictate how much
you are willing to invest. My suggestion though is to buy the best
machine you can possibly afford. I would suggest going for one of the
name brands such as Lincoln because parts availability and overall
quality will tend to be better. A good MIG welder is a long term
investment and the unit will be handy for many years to come.
5. Purchase of the welder is only part of the expense. To really be
effective a shielding gas tank and regulator should be added to the
cost. Flux wire is usable, but is really only a stop gap, that's why
it's called a Metal Inert Gas welder.
Hopefully this is helpful. My first welder was a cheap Italian unit that
I was unable to get replacement tips for. I did fabricate an adapter to
use standard tips, but it never was much good. I bought it used, it
paid for itself and I was able to sell it on for what I paid for it. By
doing some repair work I was able to make enough money to pay for a
Lincoln unit and have been very happy with it. It's the next up from
base unit that runs on 115VAC and has adjustable heat.
Kelvin Dodd
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-mgs@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-mgs@autox.team.net] On
Behalf Of RampantNM@aol.com
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2006 8:11 AM
To: spridgets@autox.team.net; mgs@autox.team.net;
triumphs@autox.team.net
Subject: Opinions of this welder?
DUAL MIG WELDER 151
For use with or without gas. Comes with welding torch, tip, grounding
cord
with clamp, brush/hammer, hand held welding mask and manual.
Input: 230V, 60 Hz, single phase; Welding current range: 30-120 amps;
Duty
cycle: 15% @ 115 amps; Draws 15 amps @ 230V; Max. open circuit voltage:
36V;
Weldable wires: .023", .030", and .035 steel or stainless steel; .030"
and
.035" aluminum; .030" flux core
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