mig welders help

[muskie]

looking at buying a mig welder in the next few weeks. want somewhere around 200 to 250 amp single phase, want to weld barwork etc and a bit of panel type stuff on the truck. what are you guys using and what price you paying, anything to avoid.

i am very tempted by a cigweld 250amp but its $2000 about $500 past my ideal price unfortunatly...

any help please.

[new2zukes]

if you can pick up a second hand cigweld on trade me then that would be the go i have a chinese one and im really fedup of it so stay clear of them.

[JimmyT]

Our Uni MIG 180 Amp single phase welder works great, under $2000 new and welds 14mm plate steel no worries.

[tomsoffroad]

We have a couple of 250amp single phase Cigweld migs and they are rubbish. Always breaking down, very high maintenance. Wouldnt buy another one.
We also have a 190amp s/f BoC and it is the best welder I've ever used. Its been in a fulltime workshop for several years and has never let us down. Welds beautifully with a single bead up too 8mm. Can't imagine youd need anything bigger on a 4wd.

Wish I was in the market for a new mig

[rokhound]

Not all Chinese ones are shit. The really cheap ones tend to be, but the more expensive units are not too bad, and if you buy a new BOC green unit, they are all manufactured in China. I have a 200amp Mitech unit with heated Co2 reg and it burns in 10 -12mm plate with ease (never had to go bigger, but I have no doubt you could)