Thread: Importing U.S. Mig?

Hi, looking at getting a new MIG that is good quality and versatile enough to swap between welding different materials.

Would like to hear any points/reasons as to why a MIG setup for use in the U.S. would not work here. Obviously you would have to change the plug and probably would have issues with the warranty if the need arose. I wouldn't give it too much heavy use, so as long as it works properly in the first place, I would assume it would last out the warranty anyway.

Lincoln 180C MIG.

With out asking any questions and a few calculations on USPS and a currency converter, I estimate It would cost about AU$1200 delivered to my door.

I don't think it would be suitable for use in Australia as is.
The unit runs on single phase 240v at 60hz. U.S. 240v single phase is actually supplied with two hot wires of 120v each. We have 240v with a single active wire, when measured to neutral, which is very different from U.S power supply, let alone the fact that our supply is generated at 50hz.

This one looks like a decent deal. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/165-Amp-Mig-W...QQcmdZViewItem

The nearest welder to that one that is available in Australia would the Lincoln SP170T from Global Welding Supplies

And available for AUD$1079.00 here https://www.amanstoyshop.com.au/Prod...?productID=740

Does that Lincoln 170T have variable voltage or is it stepped? Like 6 different switch settings. Excuse the non-pro lingo.

The Lincoln is copied/rebadged by Liquidarc.
Have a look here & here.

A lot more choices than shipping from the US.

There is also

WIA

Weldmaster - they have 170A units for $750'ish on special. They have a 190A unit with 12 power settings

Originally Posted by peter_sm

A lot more choices than shipping from the US.

There is also

WIA

Weldmaster - they have 170A units for $750'ish on special. They have a 190A unit with 12 power settings

OK, looks like the importing option is probably unnecessary and out of the question.

Just had a read through Weldmaster and they seem like a quality OZ setup.

What is the difference between these two smaller welders?

I am leaning towards the slightly bigger models like that 190. 12 Voltage selections and I think the spot weld function would be quite useful.

Peter, can you recommend anyone where I can get Weldmaster for a good price ? cheers.

I like the duty cycle on the 190amp unit.

They all seem like decent units though.

Also don't discount the WIA units. I have had a WIA stick welder for 25 years now. It has taken a hammering and is still going strong. When I used to build high rise, the WIA units were the choice of the boilermakers on site.

I've heard a rumour that the new WIA units are not as reliable as the old ones were.

Can't comment on the WIA welders as I haven't used them. Check the ESAB range, I've had the Compact 200 for the last 10-12yrs and it's a joy to use

from what I have been researching both here and other places, the 200A (or 190) is probably a minimum if you want to successfully weld Aluminium. You need the higher amperage (more heat) as heat dissipates very quickly in Ally and if its not constantly hot enough this stuffs the weld pool up?

So what are peoples thoughts on the UniMig (ProCraft 240) range sold by Hare and Forbes?
Seem to be very well priced and would not see heavy use as it would only pretty much ever be used by me, ie; looked after.

Originally Posted by Cliff Rogers

I've heard a rumour that the new WIA units are not as reliable as the old ones were.

Hi Cliff and Guys,
I do hope its only rumor, but in this day and age one never knows for sure. I have probably said it before but if the apprentices at Tafe could,t fluff it up then the little WIA mig wasn't too bad. Even 10 years ago, WIA was good gear.

If any thing WIA may be rebadging some one elses current product.Only one way to know-contact them and ask.
In relation to importing a yank mig the other contributors have got it nailed. Too many electrical hassles. Cheaper to go with whats here available in Oz already.

Grahame

Originally Posted by Grahame Collins

If any thing WIA may be rebadging some one elses current product.

Yeah I know that WIA and Miller wipe each others behinds, if you know what i mean.
Matrix - FWIW I have a Liquidarc Handymig 170i and its the best mini mig i've used - going for bout $1050 inc tax.

Dean

Originally Posted by Snap-on

Yeah I know that WIA and Miller wipe each others behinds, if you know what i mean.
Matrix - FWIW I have a Liquidarc Handymig 170i and its the best mini mig i've used - going for bout $1050 inc tax.

Dean

Hi Dean, I have looked at that unit. Have you welded much Aluminium with it?