High end MMA / stick machine...?

[Memmeddu]

Hi guys,

If you were looking for a high end, ultra reliable and rugged MMA inverter welder what would you opt for?

I’m thinking that possible choices might be:

Lorch Micorstick 160

Kemppi Minarc EVO 180 or Minarc 150

EWM Pico 160/162

Fronius Transpocket 150


How would you rate each of these machines?


I’d have to run on a 13a supply using an extension lead to reach to my working area.

The fronius transpocket 150 , relatively cheaper than other machines of his class
And yes I would like to pickup one of those a some point

 

[123hotchef]

Struggling with picture hosting here - you can see it and I can't ? Left click open in new tab.

 

[123hotchef]

Struggling with picture hosting here - you can see it and I can't ? Left click open in new tab.

I clicked on it and opened it.

I will have to try that with some stainless rods I have never thought about trying them for that purpose before

 

[premmington]

nice work just keep building it up until u got something to grab

Yeah - it is won or lost the first time you arc up - thus the high OCV welder.

You will note the extracted thread is not damaged - I have kept the weld off the thread inside the hole - the remains of the bolt was wound out thru. I have used more amps than the rod is rated at - because I wanna drown the thread in slag to save it.

This is my signature welding trick - snapped crank bolts blind out of expensive engines in situ - without mucking the thread up.

The one in the picture was about 20mm down the hole in newish DV10 engine. I have done a two year combine harvester one - which was exactly 42mm down the hole.

 

[123hotchef]

Yeah - it is won or lost the first time you arc up - thus the high OCV welder.

You will note the extracted thread is not damaged - I have kept the weld off the thread - the remains of the bolt was wound out thru.

This is my signature welding trick - snapped crank bolts blind out of expensive engines in situ - without mucking the thread up.

The one in the picture was about 20mm down the hole.

I have done a lorry one - which was exactly 42mm down the hole.

Wow that is pretty impressive takes a steady hand, no sleeve in to protect the threads then

 

[premmington]

Wow that is pretty impressive takes a steady hand, no sleeve in to protect the threads then

No tube/sleeve - you have slag that will come out if you move the bolt in and out.

 

[123hotchef]

No tube/sleeve - you have slag that will come out if you move the bolt in and out.

that stainless slag is a slag!

 

[premmington]

that stainless slag is a slag!

No joke - stainless self releasing slag - will only pop off - the minute you raise your welding helmet.

It is evil - it waits for its victim...

 

[Hood]

I’ll have a closer look at that one! Is it actually made in France or just assembled there using Chinese bits and bobs?

I see they are white now, are they the ‘nicer’ ones you have tried?

The yellow one I personally have is the standard version, still nice but just not quite as smooth as the grey ones. The /grey ones are the pro version. Both are made in France or at least were when I bought them. I think they have moved some production to China but not sure what although I am fairly certain the Pro ones are still made in France, maybe @Tom Orrow L will know for sure.

 

[TurtleDude]

Just to add another flavour to the pot...what about

Cebora Power Rod 131

.?? Looks dinky and is similar price ??

Do any of these tiddlers run the 1/2” dinse plugs as I’m not a fan of the 3/8” as they seem a bit weedy,

 

[oilcooled :)]

Transpocket 150 with skinny 16mm leads is £850 - the Kemppi was less than £600.

Does the kemmpi have cel mode? Fronius Has a lot of variable adjustments that other plants don’t have

 

[WorkshopChris]

Another to throw into the mix may be the GYS ProGYS 200pfc
I have the yellow version of it but I have bought a few of the above sets for others and they are slightly nicer on the arc than mine which makes me sad Paid about £450 all in for them if I recall.

The yellow one(GYSMI E200) takes a lot to beat considering the price point, wouldn't swap mine for anything, very small and compact will run on almost any length and size of cable.

 

[wyn]

I've been using a Lorch H150 for around 10 years.
It's been fine and i've had it on a few extension reels with no problems.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

The yellow one I personally have is the standard version, still nice but just not quite as smooth as the grey ones. The /grey ones are the pro version. Both are made in France or at least were when I bought them. I think they have moved some production to China but not sure what although I am fairly certain the Pro ones are still made in France, maybe @Tom Orrow L will know for sure.

Yep, still made in France. The only machines that are made in PRC are their EasyMIG range, some of their SmartMIG range and some of their newer range of MIG's, however 99% of their 'PRO' range machines are still manufactured in France

 

[TurtleDude]

Yep, still made in France. The only machines that are made in PRC are their EasyMIG range, some of their SmartMIG range and some of their newer range of MIG's, however 99% of their 'PRO' range machines are still manufactured in France

Thanks for that info !!

When are you announcing your Black Friday offer in the Pro model at £250?

 

[Munkul]

Do any of these tiddlers run the 1/2” dinse plugs as I’m not a fan of the 3/8” as they seem a bit weedy,

I think they all run small Dinses apart from the Lorch. Not sure about the EWM.

 

[tlovatt]

How do the IFL plastic handbag machines rate these days? I have a 12 year old one and whilst it has not done much work it has always been nice to use (that is as much the good quality long leads with it as the actual machine) Are they still made in the UK? (I know the cheap range ones are Chinese) as that is one of the reasons I chose it over others.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Thanks for that info !!

When are you announcing your Black Friday offer in the Pro model at £250?

Haha, that'll be at around half past never on Thursday
Nah, in all seriouness if you want a good price on one send me over a PM and i'll sort something out for you.

 

[Hood]

The yellow one(GYSMI E200) takes a lot to beat considering the price point, wouldn't swap mine for anything, very small and compact will run on almost any length and size of cable.

Aye, don't get me wrong the Yellow one is very nice but there is just something about the grey ones I have used, they are just slightly nicer on the arc. I can't explain why or how but they just have something about them.

 

[Hood]

I think they all run small Dinses apart from the Lorch. Not sure about the EWM.

The GYS certainly do, I got some adaptors for mine so that I could use the leads I already have.