Cheapish gasless MIG anyone?

[Tins]

Kinda dumb question. I actually bought a BOC SmoothArc welder two years ago. Good jigger, and way beyond my capabilities. Trouble is, it is now at my son's place over an hour's drive from me so it is also beyond my reach as the OKA I need it for is here currently undriveable. I need to do some simple jobs on it before painting etc. All mild steel, nothing more than 25mm RHS. I am NOT a welder, but I could get by on this. OKAs are simple souls.
I can't really justify spending much, but I don't want junk either. There are so many choices. Any thoughts on something below say $500? And is gasless ok, and easy? Well, easy-ish for a muppet?

[V8Ian]

I hate gasless with a passion. I found it hard to use. I borrowed one from work, when I was employed by a large fabrication company. It wasn't an entry level welder, but all the welders and boilermakers had issues with gassless.

[Homestar]

Yeah, gassless is hard work IMO. It does work though and if you don’t care what the welds look like and it’s just for basic stuff it would be ok. I keep a roll of gassless wire in case I need to do a weld outside when it’s really windy but I’ll generally postpone the job rather than do this as it is a crappy.

[Tins]

If I cared about how the welds look I wouldn't be even thinking about a welder[bigrolf]

[rover-56]

Kinda dumb question. I actually bought a BOC SmoothArc welder two years ago. Good jigger, and way beyond my capabilities. Trouble is, it is now at my son's place over an hour's drive from me so it is also beyond my reach as the OKA I need it for is here currently undriveable. I need to do some simple jobs on it before painting etc. All mild steel, nothing more than 25mm RHS. I am NOT a welder, but I could get by on this. OKAs are simple souls.
I can't really justify spending much, but I don't want junk either. There are so many choices. Any thoughts on something below say $500? And is gasless ok, and easy? Well, easy-ish for a muppet?

I bought one of these:
AIG 175 Welding Machine MIG/ARC/TIG MMA Gas And Gassless MIG Welder (https://www.australiaindustrialgroup.com.au/product-page/aig-175-mig-mma-welding-machine)
I am no welder either, but this reminded me how much easier DC welding is.
It's an inverter, does gas, gasless, tig (handset extra) and stick.
Seems to tolerate stuck/shorted rod ok (at least for a few seconds till you get it loose)
Gasless works in windy conditions where gas mig doesn't.
Terry

[workingonit]

...the OKA I need it for is here currently undriveable...something below say $500? And is gasless ok, and easy?

OKA? You going to drag the welder home from the shop? Or use the 'Little OKA' wheelbarrow?[bigsad]

Can't really recommend a welding machine - as you say, lots of them, mine are BOC and Everlast. Probably stating the obvious, reputable tool suppliers are OK, particularly if they have a long warranty, but still need to research their list of machines in your price range - youtube and on line testimonials. Chat with dedicated weld shop to see what they have; and if they're chatty they may tell you of machines to avoid, the cheap ones brought to them, purchased by owners elsewhere, now out of warranty and looking for some one to repair them (avoid).

I'll comment on my experience with gas - did you use gas on the machine the son now has?

I have no trouble using coreflux (gasless) for general steel fabrication. I suspect this would be your best option for the work you intend. Get some scrap to practice on.

I use gas MIG when I want a finish requiring less post cleanup and less likely to burn holes ie body panels of 0.9 or less.

I own an argon-carbon dioxide cylinder for the MIG, another pure argon one for the TIG, and oxy-acetylene. All purchased from Total Tools, but you can buy elsewhere except for BOC (the last time I looked). The cylinders I own are for occasional use, on hand all year, and so far I have spun the content of a single fill of each out over 4 or 5 years now. However, the 'You own the bottle' gas itself is much more expensive than the 'you rent the BOC cylinder' gas.

If I got the same gases from BOC for that many years, and wanted them on hand all year round, I'd have paid a small fortune in rental on the cylinders, even though the gas would be relatively cheap. And I would not have used any more gas.

You can of course, as soon as you have finished your small job, return the bottles to BOC to cut down the rental period and refund on unused gas. But then the next small job comes along, so two hour round trip back into town with the trailer. Then return the bottles...get the bottles...return the bottles...get the bottles...etc.

Renting BOC is good if you are going to weld intensively for a few weeks or months and return the bottles with the prospect of no more welding to be done for a long time.

I might add, the other reason I have been able to spin out the MIG gas over 4 to 5 years is that I use coreflux wire (gasless) when there is no need for gas. For many circumstances you don't need gas and gas is more expensive. Coreflux is also better for outdoor use, no carting cylinders, and better where there might be a bit of breeze that would otherwise blow away your gas column.

Any MIG you buy should take both gas and coreflux - make sure the gas solenoid is attached or supplied in parts.

Don't dismiss stick welding for what you are doing if the stuff is 2 or 3 mm thick. Some years ago my brother in law came home with what I believe was an inverter stick welder, nice and smooth. And it was so small and light you could sling the thing around your neck from a strap and climb a ladder no trouble. I think back 35 years ago and compare when I used a pulley and rope to lift a 40kg push-pull stick welder to the top of a 15 meter (5 storey) tank stand.

There is also the option of bronze welding.

Another little tip get some flat copper (split a bit of water pipe). Useful for backing. Put it behind the rust hole (cleaned) then fill the hole with weld. Steel won't adhere to copper. Saves burn through and lots of cutting out of holes to replace with fresh steel.

[Tins]

I'll comment on my experience with gas - did you use gas on the machine the son now has?

I've never used it. The deal was, he would go halves, we could use it on the OKA and he would teach me how to use it. It's taken two years for the go halves bit. It's an excellent machine, which is why he talked me into buying it... Cost nearly $2K.


I have no trouble using coreflux (gasless) for general steel fabrication. I suspect this would be your best option for the work you intend. Get some scrap to practice on.

I think that's what I want. There'll never be anything huge. If there is I'll go to his place and insist...




Don't dismiss stick welding for what you are doing if the stuff is 2 or 3 mm thick. Some years ago my brother in law came home with what I believe was an inverter stick welder, nice and smooth. And it was so small and light you could sling the thing around your neck from a strap and climb a ladder no trouble. I think back 35 years ago and compare when I used a pulley and rope to lift a 40kg push-pull stick welder to the top of a 15 meter (5 storey) tank stand.

I have a very cheap one of those. I have never had any luck with stick, and this thing doesn't help. The newer machines let you dial in the material size and they work out the current for themselves.

I have a fifteen amp supply.

[workingonit]

If I cared about how the welds look I wouldn't be even thinking about a welder[bigrolf]

Don't forget about your welding friend Mr Distortion. He doesn't care about the welds either, or the fact that the door frame that used to close properly now doesn't. No chance of a few weeks at TAFE? Although these days there is a wealth of youtube on handling distortion. Just musing.

[Tins]

Don't forget about your welding friend Mr Distortion.

Have you seen an OKA?


No chance of a few weeks at TAFE? Although these days there is a wealth of youtube on handling distortion. Just musing.

They taught me a bit in the Army, and I have muddled along a bit on a real MIG moons ago.

This one isn't mine. Got to replace a few of the smaller pieces on mine. The panels can go back on with PanelBond, with just a tack here and there.

189392189393

There's some stuff in the back as well. I won't be touching the heavier stuff in the cab, which is ROPS.

When they built the early ones they didn't paint the RHS, just left it blue[bigsad]

[Blknight.aus]

the aldi workzone one is $190ish, it'll do what you need
Bunnnings have a Boss one that looks like a knockoff cigweld painted yellow for around $300.

failing that, try cashies or the like, you can occasionally pick up quite good gear, second hand for good prices and if it doesnt work you can take it back (gear turns up on gumtree and facebook market but theres no return option)

[Tins]

the aldi workzone one is $190ish, it'll do what you need


I wonder when that will come by again. That's the trouble with Aldi. Keeping my eyes open.

I was about ready to pull the trigger on this one (https://www.totaltools.com.au/204054-unimig-viper-135-multi-process-welder-pk11081). Dunno. It's all the dark side to me.

[aussearcher]

Tins,
I have an Aldi MIG sitting in my shed in Bayswater. Would you like to borrow it? I have some welding to do over the weekend but will be using my arc for that.
Alan

[Tins]

Tins,
I have an Aldi MIG sitting in my shed in Bayswater. Would you like to borrow it? I have some welding to do over the weekend but will be using my arc for that.
Alan

That's kind of you. I'm not ready right now, but I'd like to have a go in a couple of weeks maybe? To see how I go with the thing, not to see if it works.

[aussearcher]

Just PM me when you are ready.

[Tins]

Just PM me when you are ready.

Thanks a heap. Could save me from wasting my $$$.

[Tins]

Makes it look easy, doesn't he? Still, gives me hope.


https://youtu.be/vVSBzRXWt10'si=8xxh55KBXE8MV67Z

[Tins]

Just PM me when you are ready.

Thanks again for that. I have decided to pull the trigger on the kit. It will be delivered soon. The OKA is worth the $$$ I've spent.

Just keep an eye on the 'tools for sale' section in case I crack it. :censored:

[workingonit]

Just keep an eye on the 'tools for sale' section in case I crack it. :censored:

I'll be looking out for the 'OKApotumus for sale section' in case you crack it...good luck.

[loanrangie]

I have a 2nd hand cig that i use gasless, changing the wire to one of cig branded ones made a big difference.
Can't remember the name but it works really well.

[Tins]

Note to self: Keep your finger on the spooled wire when releasing it and feeding it into the rollers[bigsad]

[Tins]

Well, the thing actually works.. Course, the welds I did for practice may hide some dirty secrets.

[Red90]

I hate gasless with a passion. I found it hard to use. I borrowed one from work, when I was employed by a large fabrication company. It wasn't an entry level welder, but all the welders and boilermakers had issues with gassless.

You were doing something wrong.

Flux core should weld as well as anything else. The reason most people have issues is they run the polarity wrong.

[Tins]

You were doing something wrong.

Flux core should weld as well as anything else. The reason most people have issues is they run the polarity wrong.

DCEN works. DCEP doesn't. Found that out.

[loanrangie]

This is the wire i use, CIGWELD 0.9mm 0.9kg WeldSkill Gasless Mig Wire WG0909 | Total Tools (https://www.totaltools.com.au/72552-cigweld-0-9mm-0-9kg-weldskill-gasless-mig-wire-wg0909) , works well and is reasonably priced.

[Tins]

I have to say that for someone who is a total muppet when it comes to welding, this is surprisingly easy. The machine I got is obviously not going to be doing major fabrication work, amps and duty cycle aren't there, but it's going to do what I want much better than I thought possible.

[Tins]

This is the wire i use, CIGWELD 0.9mm 0.9kg WeldSkill Gasless Mig Wire WG0909 | Total Tools (https://www.totaltools.com.au/72552-cigweld-0-9mm-0-9kg-weldskill-gasless-mig-wire-wg0909) , works well and is reasonably priced.

That is an ok price, and my machine doesn't take anything bigger so thanks.

[biggin]

So which welder did you end up with Tins?

[Tins]

I got this one (https://www.totaltools.com.au/204054-unimig-viper-135-multi-process-welder-pk11081): I know it's a toy really but it'll do what I want for now. Cute little thing. Helmet works well for me.

This (https://www.boc.com.au/shop/en/au/mig-flux-cored-welding/mig-mag-welders-/boc-smootharc-advance-iii-225c-mig-welder-advanceiii225c-p) is what I bought that my son now has..... but I didn't pay that much. Got it for about $iK less two years ago. It would be wasted on me so he can have it.

[DoubleChevron]

I've been keeping an eye on FB marketplace for ages and this popped up for $250 a few days ago. single phase, industrial welder.

189640

The paint isn't even scratched where the bottle sits.

189641


189642

Talk about big and heavy.

You guys are talking gasless wire, does anyone in Ballarat use gasless wire? This came with 3 rolls of 1.2mm 4.5kg rolls of gasless wire if someone wants a roll . I hate using the stuff, but will keep just one roll ... just incase I ever need it. the other two rolls you guys are welcome to have.

seeya
Shane L.

[Blknight.aus]

I've been keeping an eye on FB marketplace for ages and this popped up for $250 a few days ago. single phase, industrial welder.

189640

The paint isn't even scratched where the bottle sits.

189641


189642

Talk about big and heavy.

You guys are talking gasless wire, does anyone in Ballarat use gasless wire? This came with 3 rolls of 1.2mm 4.5kg rolls of gasless wire if someone wants a roll . I hate using the stuff, but will keep just one roll ... just incase I ever need it. the other two rolls you guys are welcome to have.

seeya
Shane L.

I run gassless on the regular, usually .9 for small job and thinner metal, but I do keep a 2kg roll of 1.2 for when Im doing bigger stuff IF you're happy to hold one I'll find an excuse to get out that way.

[DoubleChevron]

I run gassless on the regular, usually .9 for small job and thinner metal, but I do keep a 2kg roll of 1.2 for when Im doing bigger stuff IF you're happy to hold one I'll find an excuse to get out that way.

No worries, just send me a PM and arrange a pickup time next time your in town :)