MIG Welding Machines Product Test

An inexpensive welding machine is a vital addition to your toolkit.

WINNER

Weldmate T130P
£249
Item: W200
Contact: 01706 658619, www.frost.co.uk

We like…
Amp range of 25-130. Quick to put together. We could achieve great control over the weld thanks to the low, medium and high level settings featured. The competitors only feature low and high. Excellent results with the best level of overall performance.

We don’t like…
The wire feed runs at an angle – it has to be feed from the bottom of the wheel. Same regulator as the Draper machine but plastic fittings not metal. Side wasn’t hinged and needs to be unscrewed for access. Mini gas bottle didn’t fit the single hole size holder securely. No wheels.

Wire feed setup 4/5
Gas regulator 3/5
Torch quality 3/5
Wire control 4/5
Output control 5/5
Portability 2/5
Build quality 3/5
Score 24/35

Draper MW122AT 120-amp
£346.37
Item: 43947
Contact: 02380 494333, www.draper.co.uk

We like…
Amp range of 35-120. Good all-round quality of construction. The casing was solid and access cover easy to use. The wire feed mechanism is mounted horizontally and is a doddle to access and set up. The small bottle regulator is an additional cost, but the unit’s supplied with gasless wire to get you started. Overall results using argon gas on body panel metal is very acceptable. Cranked up, this unit can cope with chassis thickness repairs to 2mm.

We don’t like…
The lack of wheels and the cheap feel of the torch switch. It’s the priciest unit on test here but still worthy of your consideration.

Wire feed setup 4/5
Gas regulator 3/5
Torch quality 2/5
Wire control 3/5
Output control 3/5
Portability 2/5
Build quality 4/5
Score 21/35

Siegen Minimig
£422.94
Item: S0771
Contact: 01284 757500, www.sealey.co.uk

We like…
Amp range of 30-130. The non-live torch had a very comfortable contoured grip, which meant we could achieve a steadier weld. Wire speed and amp range controls are up to the job, allowing acceptable welds to be achieved on most auto thickness steel. Changing the wire feed wheel from 0.6mm to 0.8mm was made fuss-free due to some clever design. The overall quality is fine.

We don’t like…
Lack of wheels. The gas regulator is acceptable for occasional use only.

Wire feed setup 4/5
Gas regulator 2/5
Torch quality 3/5
Wire control 3/5
Output control 3/5
Portability 2/5
Build quality 4/5
Score 21/35

Clarke 135TE
£258.48
Item: 010110135
Contact: 0871 410 1250, www.machinemart.co.uk

We like…
Amp range of 30-130. Wire feed set-up was the most user-friendly of all the units tested. Ergonomic handle gave good control of the torch. Once assembled, this package was the most ‘ready to go’ of those we tested. Speed and wire controls on a par with the Draper and Sealey units. Wheels make manoeuvring simple and shouldn’t be overlooked when working in tight lock-ups and garages. Achievable welds on regular panels and 3mm chassis steel.

We don’t like…
The gas regulator. Chuck it and invest in a better version.

Wire feed setup 4/5
Gas regulator 1/5
Torch quality 3/5
Wire control 3/5
Output control 3/5
Portability 5/5
Build quality 3/5
Score 22/35

This product test was originally featured in the August 2009 issue of Classics Monthly.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 10th, 2010 at 12:36 pm and is filed under Product Tests, Products. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.