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Thread: Mig

  1. #1
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    Default Mig

    I'm interested in this multi purpose machine https://www.totaltools.com.au/119221...elder-w1008185 I really only want a MIG as I already have A CIG 170 amp inverter, but, CIG don't make a Mig of this size.

    Previously I had a Unimig but that was a piece of crap so I sold it. I've had a few CIG machines which have all been excellent so I'd like to stick with them. Plus, at $680 it's all I want to spend.

    Anybody else have one they can review, I want it mostly for thin sheet metal work.

  2. #2
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    Default Product review.

    I just looked up Product review, the Weldskill doesn't get very good reviews, however, the Unimig Viper gets excellent reviews, and comments on these two?

  3. #3
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    Default

    Not that many years back Cigweld had a 3 in 1 inverter on sale that was about double or thereabouts in price.About 2012 circa from my crusty memory banks.


    It was similar to this one in power. After 8 years are the makers so advanced they can now reduce the price through technology or are they reducing the quality and standards of the internal components?

    Its a question I'll leave you to ponder. That alone may indicate why its reviews were not so good. The Unimigs you stated, rated well under review.

    Can I ask what were the problems that led to your poor opinion of the Unimig?
    By the way welcome to the Forum. I missed your first post.sorry!

    Grahame

  4. #4
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    Default

    That's probably the Transmig your thinking of. Specs say they are the same as the Weldskill, just twice the price?? The Unimig I had had presets for voltage and no inverter technology. I'm on my way to pick up a Unimig mig/stick 180. don't need Tig.

  5. #5
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    Default

    Weldskill is the CIGweld entry level brand.
    The standard level CIGweld are better, and the ESAB brand is their premium tier.

    Haven't used the weldskill 185. But I have used the 185 ULTRA, which is a great bit of kit, but approx 1000clams more than what you've linked.
    The old transmig 175i was also good, but the newer 185 ultra has a better controls interface. It is also one of the better stick welders in a 'multiprocess' package that I've used to date.

    I've never been into unimig.

    Every time this thread comes around (usually a few times a month) I like to point out that the results and longevity you can get with a machine is directly proportional to the price tag. Any real fab shop won't be dicking about with a weldskill or ebay fling-woo machine... you'll see a mix of Miller, Lincoln, Fronius, EWM, ESAB, and the top-tier offerings from the big 'local' brands of WIA, Unimig, BOC, CIGWELD. They are consistent, they last, and they work. Your own budget of course comes into it, but like any tool, some jobs need you to use a good tool, and if you use the wrong one, that job can really become a chore, not work, or be downright unsafe.

  6. #6
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    Default

    Yep, I like to use a little common sense for my tool and machine purchases. Not being a professional and not having a real fab shop, a Miller or Lincoln is just a little over the top for hobby use I think. Personally, I think spending your money on a house, decent car, washing machine, TV is more important, but, that's just me! Welding is just a sometime hobby for me. I was a welder in a previous life, but I'm now retired. I have a CIG 170 inverter, which some will scoff at, but, it does a good job, had it for years, never let me down but not really suitable for my occasional foray into sheet metal welding, 1.5 mm steel is the limit for my skills with a stick now, hence the MIG.

  7. #7
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Commander_Keen View Post
    see a mix of Miller, Lincoln, Fronius, EWM, ESAB, and the top-tier offerings from the big 'local' brands of WIA, Unimig, BOC, CIGWELD. They are consistent, they last, and they work.
    I'm looking to get a mig welder and was keen on a Cigweld 185 ultra ($1850 ish).

    Wondering if you can make any specific recommendations as alternatives?

    Looking for something 230v/10A and ideally portable.

  8. #8
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    Default

    If you've got 185 ultra money to play with, then go for it. It's a great home / begginer unit.

    Last time I was looking, the multiprocess boc 180 sells for approx $500 less, does not have the fancy interface, but has a higher duty cycle and also a basic pulse setting. Also comes with a TIG torch unlike the cigweld, and can spool gun as an add-on option. But it is fitted with a 15A plug- if that's a deal breaker for you.

    Not sure how the WIA stacks up- never looked too closely at them.

  9. #9
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Commander_Keen View Post
    If you've got 185 ultra money to play with, then go for it. It's a great home / begginer unit.

    Last time I was looking, the multiprocess boc 180 sells for approx $500 less, does not have the fancy interface, but has a higher duty cycle and also a basic pulse setting. Also comes with a TIG torch unlike the cigweld, and can spool gun as an add-on option. But it is fitted with a 15A plug- if that's a deal breaker for you.

    Not sure how the WIA stacks up- never looked too closely at them.

    Bit unclear on 15A and regular home 10A gpo?

  10. #10
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    Oh I'm sorry. Are you saying that 10A is a concrete requirement?
    I must have got mistaken when you quoted me and tacked a question onto the end of someone else's thread 3 months after it was put to bed...

    There is not a lot of serious gear in the '10A' range, although some say there are questionable ways around it. The 185 ultra is probably the best you'll get that's readily available.
    Mediocre power = mediocre welder. There is no free (electrical) lunch when it comes to welders.

  11. #11
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Commander_Keen View Post
    Oh I'm sorry. Are you saying that 10A is a concrete requirement?
    I must have got mistaken when you quoted me and tacked a question onto the end of someone else's thread 3 months after it was put to bed...

    There is not a lot of serious gear in the '10A' range, although some say there are questionable ways around it. The 185 ultra is probably the best you'll get that's readily available.
    Mediocre power = mediocre welder. There is no free (electrical) lunch when it comes to welders.

    Sorry, I'm asking can use use 15A welder on usual household outlets. Aus.

  12. #12
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    Default

    No the earth pin is too big.
    You need a 15 amp outlet.

  13. #13
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    Default

    While I haven't used it, the 185 Ultra looks to be a pretty impressive unit for the non-professional welder. While they've had to wind back the duty cycle to achieve it, the 10A plug adds a heap of versatility, not only if you're not keen on running a new circuit for your new welder, but also if you plan to use it in other locations.

    If you're routinely working with 1.6-3mm wall SHS/RHS/Angle that thing will run all day long. That said, $1,850 is not cheap.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by RustyArc View Post
    While I haven't used it, the 185 Ultra looks to be a pretty impressive unit for the non-professional welder. While they've had to wind back the duty cycle to achieve it, the 10A plug adds a heap of versatility, not only if you're not keen on running a new circuit for your new welder, but also if you plan to use it in other locations.

    If you're routinely working with 1.6-3mm wall SHS/RHS/Angle that thing will run all day long. That said, $1,850 is not cheap.
    Any alternatives you'd suggest?

  15. #15
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Drizt View Post
    Any alternatives you'd suggest?
    Haven't really had a look at what's out there recently, except for bigger units - I have an ageing UniMIG 165 inverter that has served me very well, but am looking for a bigger unit for the heavier steel that I'm working with, and that will take a spool gun for running aluminium.

    In the UniMIG range, I'd look at the Razor 175 - it's made by Jasic - one of the better-regarded Chinese welder manufacturers. At around $850 it's the same price I paid for my 165 many years ago, and that machine has got me a long way.
    https://unimig.com.au/product/razor-...-stick-welder/

    Interestingly UniMIG have linked to the Product Review page for that unit:
    https://www.productreview.com.au/lis...igstick-welder

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