Help: why portable MIG/MAG?

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I am considering buying a new MIG/MAG welder, but unlike the previous models i have worked with, the portable models look more and more tempting. There is a long distance between the different projects I am working at. I know about the Migatronic Omega 270 Mini, which enables very productive work, but weights about 19kg in itself (not easy to lift!). I stand at a crossroads, is it really worth it to buy portable models? You have to put all your equipment in the car anyways, so time isn't saved that much. Is it an easier experience when it is portable? Is there more to it?
Reply:Where are you located?I don't know how migatronics is like in the USA, but I have mixed experience with those welders. They are great for bodywork and such. But they also have some disadvantages.Due to the new technologies (advanced invertors, which are not all that common yet), some brands and models can gain a weight advantage that is very substantial. I'm talking about a 30+ % weight reduction without touching duty cycle, electric efficiency or reliability. My firm is currently doing some long-run tests to confirm their specifications. So far we have been very pleased, under every possible circumstance (field repairs, freezing, rain, rugged conditions, ...)Reduced weight welders (and weldors ;-) ) are definitely the future.
Reply:depends how portable you need it to be, if your moving to a job site and pretty much staying in one place, then i reckon go something bigger that's more productive, if however, you need to move the machine multiple times a day, or your going over terrain that you can't use a trolley easily, then a small portable Mig i think is worth it's weight in gold.having used a fair few different brand of portable Mig welders lately, my favourite is the Kemppi Minarc Mig evo 200, they've got a synergic function (that you can set for mild steel, stainless or aluminium) in which you set the volt's, and the machine automatically adjust's the wire speed on the fly (so it weld's exactly the same regardless of wire stick-out, good for out of position welding) and has a 35% duty cycle flat out, they are a very smooth and easy machine to use, and is only 13 kg with 5kg of wire and leads, BUT they are pricey, over $1500.