Parweld vs GYS? any thoughts appreciated

[DGP23]

Hi there, Only recently joined. Been doing lots of research but possibly experiencing information overload now!! Im looking to buy a mig welder to finish off the welding on the bodywork of my van (the guy who was doing it has jus disappeared!! ) Its just the thin bodywork, not chassis work, but Id like to go on to maybe work on other people vehicles so want something durable and reliable but my budget is £500 max.
I am currently looking at the GYS Easymig 140 (found one on sale) : https://www.gys.fr/pdf/datasheet/uk/032262.pdf

or the Parweld XTE 171C : https://migtigarc.co.uk/parweld-xte-171c-mig-welder-3296-p.asp

any advice about the different models , or the manufacturers, gratefully received, thank you, Glenn

 

[dobbslc]

Here's my review.
I still have it and it worked fine last time it was needed about a year ago.

GYS Easymig 140 review.

Well after umming and ahhring for ages about buying a mig welder I took the plunge. Thanks to everyone that has given me some good advice recently. I've chosen a GYS Easymig 140 as it was available at a place called Barnet Welding Supplies that is near me that I've been getting my gas from. Hi...

www.mig-welding.co.uk

 

[DGP23]

thank you, I did see your review when scrolling and it was very useful

 

[dieselsamurai]

I really rate GYS kit , I have an gys pearl 200-4 xl and my friend has 3 of them one he has used to build a replica Sherman Tank out of 1" plate !

 

[winchman]

R-Tech 180 look at Double Boosts review on Youtube, the 5 year warranty made the decision for us.

 

[DGP23]

R-Tech 180 look at Double Boosts review on Youtube, the 5 year warranty made the decision for us.

the 5 yr warranty was very tempting but it was just out of my price range!!

 

[Dozzer]

I had the Parweld 171 for about 4 years when they first came out to replace a crappy Clarke.
No problems with it until spent a day welding new cutting edge on to my grader bucket, (12mm to 8mm!!!) and blew the caps, Parweld were very good and sent me new caps at cost price. they advised to replace the rectifier as well, they could not have been more helpful.
Found it really good at thin stuff and would weld up to 6mm easy, never had a problem laying a good weld, the torch that came with it was good and the roller system was OK, even used a little adaptor for the 1kg spools of Stainless no problem.
Only sold it to get my current Tecarc 231 as i was doing more heavy welding.
Friend had it for another 3 years before selling it on, and i believe it is still going strong somewhere in Ipswich!!
If i hade one gripe with it, the earth lead that came with it was bloody useless, first thing i changed.
And you could deal with Parweld direct including buying the welder, or you could if you were a company!

 

[Ubique]

GYS kit is used in a lot of vehicle manufacturer approved bodyshops.
I have a GYS 211-4 (a 210-4XL with a built-under trolley), It's very easy to set up 'just right' so I can focus on the weld, not the machine. I don't think the EasyMig 140 would be any less easy to use.

 

[Shedendman]

but my budget is £500 max.

That include gas?

 

[winchman]

Have you asked or had a look around for Discount codes?
As above is £500 inc gas?
Its best to look at the long term cost IE over 5 years if it fails they collect it and fix it for free for 5 years now how many manufacturers will do that?

 

[DGP23]

in the end I went for the GYS easymig. I knew the transformer type would be larger and heavier than the inverter type, but didn't realise by how much until I checked the specs!! I live in a fairly small van so that made my mind up in the end, thanks for the input