Yet another welder choice opinion thread

[atregent]

A little background first. We love camping, but hate the time it takes to get everything set up, so I've decided to build a camper trailer. But first, I need to get myself a welder.

My initial plan was to get a cheap MIG off eBay, one of the sub $300 ones, but after trawling through most of the threads here, I've pretty much decided I need to spend a bit more if I actually want to enjoy what I'm doing. The budget is now up to around $700-$800.

I'd be using for steel, aluminium, and maybe even try my hand at some stainless for the kitchen. I like the idea of the multifunction machines too, most of them seem to be ARC, MIG and scratch TIG, which gives me plenty of options for playing around.

I'm looking at something like these from Magnum
Magnum Mig200 Inverter Mig, Tig, Arc Welder Gas-Gasless | eBay
Allmax Magnum Mig, Arc & scratch Tig 200amp Welder 24kg | eBay

Or this from Token Tools
Tokentools inverter MIG TIG and ARC welder - MIG welding and TIG welding and ARC welding

And I found this one which I'm leaning towards at the moment, which seems to have all the goods, set up for aluminium, from a seller that is not afraid to post their address and phone numbers. Portability is not an issue for me either.
NEW 3 IN 1 250AMP GAS/GASLESS MIG WELDER FOR METAL WORK | eBay

So, I'd really like to get your opinions on those, or any other suggestions you may have.

[RustyArc]

I'm looking at something like these from Magnum
Magnum Mig200 Inverter Mig, Tig, Arc Welder Gas-Gasless | eBay

Just out of interest, that unit is identical to my UniMIG, just a different paint job -t it's been a great unit so far. UniMIG have updated their line with LED displays and a spool gun socket, very similar to the Tokentools unit.

That said, of the units you posted, I'd probably only consider the Tokentools machine - they have something of a name and track record, although I haven't seen any reports on how this new machine goes.

[welding]

And I found this one which I'm leaning towards at the moment, which seems to have all the goods, set up for aluminium, from a seller that is not afraid to post their address and phone numbers. Portability is not an issue for me either.
NEW 3 IN 1 250AMP GAS/GASLESS MIG WELDER FOR METAL WORK | eBay

So, I'd really like to get your opinions on those, or any other suggestions you may have.

Pinnacle wholesale? Read this DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR – READ THIS INFO ABOUT ‘Pinnacle wholesalers Ballarat’ « BadServiceAustralia.com

Also, what about these lucky customers and more unlucky yet compliant customers

Magnam on ebay have 100% track record, no negatives.

Hope this helps.

[smidsy]

Gee that Token Tools one looks the goods, $800 with Tig capability - I've always wanted to be able weld Aliminium.

[atregent]

Hmm, thanks for that. Interesting read. Although I do tend to take some negative reviews with a grain of salt, I think I'll stick to either Token Tools or Magnum.

After re-reading the specs, I'm down to the smaller of the Magnums or the Token. There's pluses for both, but I'm not sure how important they are in the overall scheme of things.

The Token machine comes with a TIG torch and a nicer looking ARC holder, has digital displays and a socket for a spool gun.

The Magnum, on the other hand, has a higher duty cycle and a lower minimum current for MIG. I'd also need to get the knurled roller for gassless wire (although I may need to get that as an extra on the Token machine)

From what I have read about welding aluminium, a teflon liner is required (or a spool gun), which is available on both units. I guess a MIG gun with a euro connector is a fairly standard and interchangeable item anyway.

I've read good things about both Magnum and Token, and I'm now leaning toward the Token, but is there anything else I need to take into consideration when making my final decision?

[Lawrst]

I am split between the Token you are looking at and the Cigweld Transmig 175

Not sure the Cig name is worth 200 or not. Also with no Tig torch (prob will never use it)

Hmm..

[RustyArc]

Just to add, I've been running my UniMIG painted version of the Magnum welder with flux-cored wire for almost the full 5Kg roll with the supplied smooth rollers - I just wound down the pressure adjustment until it fed reliably, no problems from then on. As per another thread I've recently changed to solid wire and CO2 , for which I wound back the wire pressure a fair bit.

My opinion, I wouldn't worry too much about the need for knurled rollers.

[atregent]

I suppose the best plan of attack is to get it, see how I go, and then decide if I need extra rollers. But from what you say, I probably won't. Which is good.

I was watching a training video on TIG welding on the weekend, so I'm really keen to have a crack at that too. Only problem is the different gas I'd need (compared to what I'd need for MIG welding steel), and the no AC TIG function, so no Aluminium TIG for me...