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I feel kinda stupid even asking this since really I've used my fair share of portable stick welder's and have a decent idea whats good and what's not, but I've also never had to pay for them.So I've been working for myself and I figured my old Unimig caddy would be all I needed to get started, i'd run maybe 10 rods through it in the last ten years since I don't really weld outside of work so I didn't really realise that it's worth all of the $250 I paid for it 15 year's ago, the lack of any sort of hot start is what kills me the most, but i'd like to be able to run 6010 as well.
The obvious answer for me at least is a Fronius transpocket 150, without a doubt in my mind the BEST small portable stick/lift arc TIG welding machine that will run 6010 (except maybe the Fronius accupocket 150, the battery powered version) but at $1400 it's more than I can justify.I'm after small and light (under 20 pounds, lighter is better) at least 150 amps, can run 6010 and not $1400 (around $1000 USD, cheaper is better).anyone have any suggestions?Last edited by ttoks; 06-18-2021 at 10:03 AM.
Reply:Esab 180i. It's 650$ here( USA). Not sure if it's available there, but they do have other models. I've never been a fan of bigger esab machines, but they have it down on the stick inverter machines. Fully adjustable hot start and arc force. Seperate dedicated 6010 function and lift arc Tig.
Reply:
Originally Posted by ttoks
I feel kinda stupid even asking this since really I've used my fair share of portable stick welder's and have a decent idea whats good and what's not, but I've also never had to pay for them.So I've been working for myself and I figured my old Unimig caddy would be all I needed to get started, i'd run maybe 10 rods through it in the last ten years since I don't really weld outside of work so I didn't really realise that it's worth all of the $250 I paid for it 15 year's ago, the lack of any sort of hot start is what kills me the most, but i'd like to be able to run 6010 as well.
The obvious answer for me at least is a Fronius transpocket 150, without a doubt in my mind the BEST small portable stick/lift arc TIG welding machine that will run 6010 (except maybe the Fronius accupocket 150, the battery powered version) but at $1400 it's more than I can justify.I'm after small and light (under 20 pounds, lighter is better) at least 150 amps, can run 6010 and not $1400 (around $1000 USD, cheaper is better).anyone have any suggestions?
Reply:
Originally Posted by kize
And its hard for me to be impressed as of late.
Reply:I know the OP is looking at higher end machines - having already mentioned Fronius. However, if you want something to maybe tide you over or run for a while before you can make the investment in what you really want take a look at Everlast. Yeah, you'll get the frowning crowd here calling them "Neverlast" etc, etc, however I think they have a lot going for them for being on the lower end of the price point. I have a PowerArc 210STL and it will do everything you are wanting. I got it for very much the same reasons - a suitcase machine that will run 6010. My other stick machine is an Idealarc 250 AC/DC. It isn't very portable so thats where the 210STL fills the gaps. That and its more convenient to grab it for a small project. Most of my welding fits that "small" category - brackets here and there.
Reply:The Esab 180 like mentioned gets good reviews for burning 6010 and 7018. and is reasonably priced for a name brand machine. Don't know enough about Fronius machines. I liked when welding supplies used to have demo rooms so you could try machines out.
Reply:Hi. I Don't think you can get any better value than these. I like the 80% duty cycle at 200 amps. http://wwwebay.com litm/1538211393882
Reply:
Originally Posted by Josey
Hi. I Don't think you can get any better value than these. I like the 80% duty cycle at 200 amps. http://wwwebay.com litm/1538211393882
Reply:Not sure if they are available where you are, but I've heard good things about them.Arc-One guy used one of these : Jasic ARC 200 PFC Inverter Welder https://www.jasic.co.uk/tig-200-welding-inverter List Price: £450 and a 5 Year Warranty . (UK site)Video of welder in use : UNIMIG ARC180 WELDING MACHINE : https://www.australiaindustrialgroup.../unimig-arc180AU$329.00 Sale Price Warranty - 3 years on power source CheersLast edited by albrightree; 06-19-2021 at 11:06 AM.Airco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60D
Reply:Hi. Sorry I can never get the link to work right. The welder I was referring to Was the Amico 200 arc amp stick welder You can find them on ebay at Amico .com $199 80% duty cycle at 200 ampseven shows a video of them being pushed to the limit to prove it. I Have a small inverter stick welder I like very much. It is a Canaweld machine No Chinese. Made right herein Canada. It is 160% at 200 amps A three year warranty and cost around $500 Canadian I can run it all day longBurning 1/8" rods with my small 5000w Honda generator off a 75' cord See there web page What part of Australia are you from? I imagine shipping could be a problem? I travelled all over WSW andSouth Australia working for a custom harvester Many years ago.
Reply:Never even heard of Canaweld before but I would suspect they use materials sourced from overseas for their machines and assemble them in Canada. Say's they are the exclusive importer of Mosa machines in Canada so I'm guessing they're Italian. Could be decent machines though. Curious where they advertise their machines? Their little 200 amp engine drive would be really popular if more people knew about it. Thermal Arc used to have a similar small engine drive but discontinued it. Easy to grab and put in a pick up.Last edited by Welder Dave; 06-19-2021 at 01:04 PM.
Reply:Problem with the majority of the smaller inverter machines is that they lack the arc force and hot start adjustability. The Esab , Miller, Fronius and a few others have those features but at a higher price. Another feature with the better machines is they are more efficient with input power. Pretty much the difference between professional grade equipment and occasion use equipment.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Josey
I Have a small inverter stick welder I like very much. It is a Canaweld machine No Chinese. Made right here in Canada. It is 160% at 200 amps
Reply:Look through gumtree you might find a Kemppi or Fronius if lucky. Or this: https://www.boc.com.au/shop/en/au/we...002129-28532-pAnd don’t rule out these:https://www.boc.com.au/shop/en/au/we...er-mma171vrd-p
Reply:
Originally Posted by Josey
Hi. I Don't think you can get any better value than these. I like the 80% duty cycle at 200 amps. http://wwwebay.com litm/1538211393882
Reply:https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/yoki...pytopasteboard
Reply:
Originally Posted by danielplace
https://www.ebay.com/itm/27358337991...IAAOSwRSBdmqkm
Reply:Most times you get what you pay for. I wouldn't put a lot of faith in a $199 welder if I'm used to using higher end machines.
Reply:Thanks all for the replies.
Originally Posted by albrightree
Not sure if they are available where you are, but I've heard good things about them.Arc-One guy used one of these : Jasic ARC 200 PFC Inverter Welder https://www.jasic.co.uk/tig-200-welding-inverter List Price: £450 and a 5 Year Warranty . (UK site)Video of welder in use : UNIMIG ARC180 WELDING MACHINE : https://www.australiaindustrialgroup.../unimig-arc180AU$329.00 Sale Price Warranty - 3 years on power source Cheers
Reply:I lucked out a few years ago at a consignment auction and found a Miller 140XTR. These were made by Fronius for Miller to get into the small inverter market. I gave $200 for it, in like new condition. I have been amazed by the quality of its arc on 7018 and it will do lift arc tig as well. I have a Idealarc250 and a SA200 so I do recognize a smooth arc when ai see it. I call it the toaster because its about the same size as a 4 slice toaster. Will it be welding 50 years from now like a 350lb transformer machine? I doubt it but its fun while it lasts Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSteveMiller Dialarc 250 (1990)Miller Maxstar 140 STR (2003)Lincoln SA200 Redface Pipeliner (1966)Lincoln MP210 (2015)Victor and MECO torches
Reply:You get what you pay for.There are loads of decent little inverters that will run 7018 happily all day long and don;t cost a fortune... Miller, Lincoln, Kemppi, etc all do that at various pricepoints. They won't last forever, but they are good value. Even the chinese built ones from Esab (the latest model range is all import) and Jasic etc - good machines. Some will do 6010, some won't.Then you get the real premium inverters that weld any rod happily as good as the best engine drives... Fronius for years made the only one worth mentioning, the Transpocket range.The newest transpockets are the best yet... they're designed to run all day every day, in all weather conditions, and just work.The only ones I'd consider if I wanted a new every-day stick set, would be Fronius or Lorch.Murphy's Golden Rule: Whoever has the gold, makes the rules.
Reply:https://www.millerwelds.com/equipmen...olt-210-m30148
Reply:
Originally Posted by danielplace
https://www.millerwelds.com/equipmen...olt-210-m30148
Reply:
Originally Posted by Kelvin
So ... is that, like ... 640% at 800 Amps?
I think I found my new gouging machine!
Reply:
Originally Posted by Josey
Every site needs a Wit.
Originally Posted by Kelvin
...or in my case, a dumb@ss who laffs at his own jokes.
Reply:https://shopweldingsupplies.com/prod...elding-machinehttps://www.millerwelds.com/-/media/...2--english.pdfhttps://www.millerwelds.com/-/media/...s--english.pdfLast edited by danielplace; 06-21-2021 at 07:11 PM.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Sparkie1957
I lucked out a few years ago at a consignment auction and found a Miller 140XTR. These were made by Fronius for Miller to get into the small inverter market. I gave $200 for it, in like new condition. I have been amazed by the quality of its arc on 7018 and it will do lift arc tig as well. I have a Idealarc250 and a SA200 so I do recognize a smooth arc when ai see it. I call it the toaster because its about the same size as a 4 slice toaster. Will it be welding 50 years from now like a 350lb transformer machine? I doubt it but its fun while it lasts Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Fronius in my opinion is great equipment. I toured their facility in Portageville, Indiana. They are definitely high tech. I wouldnt be scared of their stuff at all. Just bite the bullet and get a high quality machine from a major manufacturer, I dont think you will disappointed Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSteveMiller Dialarc 250 (1990)Miller Maxstar 140 STR (2003)Lincoln SA200 Redface Pipeliner (1966)Lincoln MP210 (2015)Victor and MECO torches
Reply:I think the CST280 is bigger than a breadbox. like the Maxstar 210. The Maxstar 161 looks to be pretty small, its also available with different features too. Fronius looks nice too. I wonder what Lincolns offering is ? What about the HTP Inverarc 200TLP are they available in Australia ?
Fronius looks nice:
Nice video: and the HTP has some interesting features too.
So many choices out there, all you need is money. Having a good welding shop that stocks parts, and or does repairs, can be an important part of the decision too.RegardsAirco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60D
Reply:
Originally Posted by ttoks
The obvious answer for me at least is a Fronius transpocket 150, without a doubt in my mind the BEST small portable stick/lift arc TIG welding machine that will run 6010 (except maybe the Fronius accupocket 150, the battery powered version) but at $1400 it's more than I can justify.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Mikel_24
Nah..... get the Transpocket 180 and be done with it! Makes sense if you ever need the extra amps. I concurr it is a nice machine, I am quite happy with mine.Are you considering buying a used unit? Might be able to snag one for a lot less money.Mikel
Reply:If You really need the 6010 possibility the Fronius is a better option then the Kemppi Minarc. I have an old Kemppi Minarc 150 that's 15 years old now, and it has been bulletproof so far but two months ago I bought a Fronius Transpocket 180 and I fell in love straight away. I've never used 6010 and I don't know if the Kemppi Minarc's will run them, but the Transpocket will.The Fronius pulse option on both stick an TIG is a very nice feature to have. The only flaw I found so far is the TIG comfort stop option(downslope possibility with scratch-start torch). It doesn't work like it should and is too inconsistent. So far the Fronius Transpocket 180 has been the nicest stick inverter I have welded with but also the most expensive although I did get it at a nice discount. The Dutch Fronius importer had some very nice offers on most of their line-up in April and I paid €1000 instead of the normal €1500.Fronius Transpocket 180Kemppi minarc 150Esab powercut 400
Reply:For an industrial stick welder to use as a business machine. There is nothing to beat the Miller GST 280. I know they are expensive. But I see some nice used machines on e bay starting from $1000 and up. Google Miller GST on e bay
Reply:It's a Miller CST 280 but Miller has some strong competition in inverter machines. Not sure the OP needs 280 amps though.
Reply:I follow a guy on Instagram who stick welds for a living, he was fine with a CST280 but loved the Lincoln inverter 275 that replaced it. Said it was way nicer.I'm a Miller fan myself, but I don't stick weld for a living, so what do I know...Murphy's Golden Rule: Whoever has the gold, makes the rules.
Reply:Keep in mind that the OP is in Australia. Many of the suggested machines may not be available there. I believe the Fronius and Esab are readily available there.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Munkul
I follow a guy on Instagram who stick welds for a living, he was fine with a CST280 but loved the Lincoln inverter 275 that replaced it. Said it was way nicer.I'm a Miller fan myself, but I don't stick weld for a living, so what do I know...
Reply:
Originally Posted by Munkul
I follow a guy on Instagram who stick welds for a living, he was fine with a CST280 but loved the Lincoln inverter 275 that replaced it. Said it was way nicer.I'm a Miller fan myself, but I don't stick weld for a living, so what do I know...
Reply:A couple considerations, like has been said, bloke is in Oz so we don’t get everything you get, Miller are very expensive here (Fronius prices) and we are also 240v (though that’s less of a problem these days with electronics sorting different voltage inputs) Kemppi have great support here and I’m pretty sure Fronius. BOC a major gas and consumables supplier across the country are the distributor for EWM which I believe is a German company with their machines up there with Kemppi ( though I have “heard” their lower machines made in China?? )I’m only a hobbyist and could not afford the machine I wanted (Fronius or Kemppi Master TIG) but was happy to take a punt on a second hand known brand (Kemppi Miniarc TIG Evo200) and it’s been great so far. My vote using his money would be the Fronius, but if he can’t stretch it I’d be looking at the second hand Kemppi and researching the EWM machines
Reply:
Originally Posted by Welder Dave
A lot of it is personal preference.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Welder Dave
It's a Miller CST 280 but Miller has some strong competition in inverter machines. Not sure the OP needs 280 amps though.
Reply:EWM are a top European welding manufacturer - the "big 3" these days in Europe are EWM, Lorch, and Fronius. Newest technology, European manufacture, industrial class machines and reliability.Esab's stuff is going to pot, all the new stuff is chinese and the older industrial stuff like Aristomig, while still very good, hasn't moved forward in development for 20 years. Their TIG sets are miles behind everyone elses, I'm not sure who buys them but I certainly wouldn't, not any more.Last edited by Munkul; 06-23-2021 at 05:30 AM.Murphy's Golden Rule: Whoever has the gold, makes the rules.
Reply:
Originally Posted by albrightree
I think the CST280 is bigger than a breadbox. like the Maxstar 210. The Maxstar 161 looks to be pretty small, its also available with different features too. Fronius looks nice too. I wonder what Lincolns offering is ? What about the HTP Inverarc 200TLP are they available in Australia ?
Reply:Just for reference, this is the machine I'm using atm, it's old and it kinda sucks
But I think i'm doing alright with it when I can get comfortable, this is some vertical on some 1/8 SHS with 3/32 7016 rods.
and an overhead on the same with the same rods.
even some gappy welds are alright, when I can get comfortable.
but you can see on the left of this pick I struggled in a tight feed hopper with no hot start and in an awkward spot, still got it welded and it is just a patch but the vertical weld on the left ended up pretty ugly and ended with a few stray arc strikes trying to get the rods started, it didn't really matter of this particular repair, but even if it doesn't i'd still rather leave a nice job behind even if the only thing that will ever see it is the rocks dropping out of the jaw crusher.
it's when in position, or on a ladder holding a lug or something trying to tack it that this machine is a real pain and where i know a quality welder will make a big difference.Last edited by ttoks; 06-23-2021 at 06:06 AM.
Reply:I don't think you'll regret your choice. A guy on a UK forum I frequent has bought the same machine and he's very happy with it. EWM stuff is really, really nice
Their pulse-migs are as good as the Lorch or Fronius equivelent, and they have very smart umbilical systems, push-pull guns, and smart torch controls. All stuff that makes life nicer.Murphy's Golden Rule: Whoever has the gold, makes the rules.
Reply:Looks like an interesting machine. Kind of limited on output power but the pulse feature may prove useful. Be interesting to see how well it performs with 6010. My older 161 esab according to esab would run 6010, and it did, but not ideal. The newer Esab 180i does a much better job. Must be the difference in a couple hundred bucks more and more years of development on small inverter machines
Reply:
Originally Posted by ttoks
Unfortunately no, if HTP was readily available with support here in Aus I'd seriously consider them with all of the great review's they get on WW, but unfortunately there's no local support, and I can't be shipping a machine halfway across the world if it needs repairs.
Reply:
Originally Posted by ttoks
Okay I'm glad I did some looking into them, I think I've found my new machine, the EWM Pico 160 Cel plus that BOC (large gas supplier here in Aus that carries EWM machines) carries is under 5 KG (just over 10 pounds), 150 amp stick (160 TIG), will run 6010, and has a few goody features like stick and TIG pulse (I'm a big fan of pulse) and around $1000 AUD rather than the $1800ish for a fronius transpocket 150.
Reply:
Originally Posted by M J D
Looks like an interesting machine. Kind of limited on output power but the pulse feature may prove useful. Be interesting to see how well it performs with 6010. My older 161 esab according to esab would run 6010, and it did, but not ideal. The newer Esab 180i does a much better job. Must be the difference in a couple hundred bucks more and more years of development on small inverter machines |
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发表于 2021-9-1 23:16:13