Which MIG MAG Welding Machine is the right one for me?
If you have been thinking about buying a MIG MAG welding machine for some time, this short guide is just right for you. We will briefly summarize the differences between MIG MAG devices of the IPOTOOLS brand. This will make it easier for you to decide which one to buy and you will also be satisfied with your decision in the end.
Let’s start with a few basics. MIG MAG welding is a welding process that takes place by adding a welding wire in a protective gas atmosphere. It is the most common welding process and the easiest, so it is a great choice for both beginners and professionals. Each IPOTOLS MIG MAG device is also an Inverter, and it enables MMA welding (with an electrode). In addition to each device, you also get a cable and an electrode holder.
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4 Things to look at when buying a MIG/MAG Welding Machine
The power of the machines
Each IPOTOOLS MIG MAG device already has the power or maximum welding amperage written in its name. This capacity is an important fact, as different thicknesses of material are welded at different amperes.
The rule is that you will need approx. 40 A for 1 mm thick material. Example: If you are going to weld tubes up to 5 mm, a welding current of 100-200A is sufficient. For greater thickness and better performance, we suggest appliances that can weld over 200A.
Aluminum welding
Aluminum welding is one of the most demanding welding processes, as we have to remove aluminum oxide during welding. Aluminum can be welded with any MIG machine, all you need is a Teflon insert, wire roll with U-Nut, aluminum wire and you also need pure Argon gas to use it. The best results and the easiest welding of aluminum by the MIG process are achieved by using a double pulse which will make welding aluminum easier.
Welding With or Without Gas
All IPOTOOLS MIG machines allow welding with gas or FLUX wire (without gas). We recommend welding in a protective gas atmosphere, which ensures better results. FLUX wire welding, however, comes into play when gas is not available. You need a pressure-reducing valve for gas welding. Our valve is fully standardized and suitable for all 21.8 x 1/14 “threaded cylinders.
Synergic function
Better and more beautiful welds are easier to achieve if the appliance enables the Synergic function. This means that you only set the thickness of the wire and the gas with which you are welding. The appliance will automatically recalculate other settings to the optimal level, thus helping you to weld more easily and quickly. Of course, you can also change the settings as you wish, if they do not suit you.
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At IPOTOOLS we currently have 6 MIG MAG devices that differ from each other. Let’s take a brief look at the differences between them.
MIG-160ER
The MIG-160ER is our entry-level model of the MIG MAG machines, but don’t let that fool you, the appliance is still excellent, and you will achieve beautiful welds with it, especially on tubes up to 5 mm thickness. It is small and portable and allows welding up to 160A, and without intermediate cooling, the appliance can be welded at 125A continuously.
With this machine, you can weld with welding wire up to a maximum of 0.9mm in diameter and use wires that are on a 100mm reel (model D100). Above all, it is easy to use and it is suitable for those who need to weld something from time to time. A 0.8 mm diameter filled (FLUX) wire is included.
MIG MAG Welding
WELDING WITH FLUX CORED WIRE
MMA Welding
Digital Display
MIG-185R
The MIG-185R is a high-quality welding machine. Unlike the MIG-160ER, you can weld with welding wire up to 1.0 mm in diameter. It allows welding with a 200mm wire reel (D200) and has a EURO burner connection.
Also, the MIG-185R is more adjustable and allows welding up to 185A. You can weld continuously at 132A. Even with larger amperes, intermediate cooling will not be necessary in most cases.
With this appliance, you will easily weld all materials up to approx. 5 mm thick. Of course, it can also be thicker, but it will take you a little longer to prepare the workpiece.
MIG MAG Welding
WELDING WITH FLUX CORED WIRE
MMA Welding
Digital Display
MIG-185SYN
The MIG-185SYN is an upgraded model of the MIG-185R. All functions and technical features are the same, except that this device has the option of using the Synergic function, which automatically calculates the most optimal settings and takes away a considerable amount of work.
MIG MAG Welding
WELDING WITH FLUX CORED WIRE
Synergic MIG MAG
MMA Welding
MIG-225SYN
The MIG-225SYN is an upgrade of the MIG-185SYN. In contrast, the MIG 225SYN allows welding with wire up to 1.2 mm in diameter. This model is also stronger. We recommend it to those who sometimes weld materials to 6 mm.
It also has a Synergic function for the device, which will make it easier for you to work with the settings.
MIG MAG Welding
WELDING WITH FLUX CORED WIRE
Synergic MIG MAG
MMA Welding
MIG-250
The MIG 250 is a very powerful device that is also easy to use. It has no digital display, only rotary knobs. It allows the welding of thinner and thicker materials. With it, you can weld up to 250A, which is enough for all hobby and professional projects. You can weld at 160A without intermittent cooling of the appliance.
MIG MAG Welding
WELDING WITH FLUX CORED WIRE
MMA Welding
Long Duty Cycle
MIG-210DP
The 210 DP is a device that will take you to a higher level of welding. Unlike other machines, this device offers the possibility of adjusting the inductance and thus ensures nicer welds and less crackling.
The biggest advantage of this device is the use of the PULSE and DOUBLE pulse function, which will allow you to easily weld aluminum as if using TIG mode. The appliance already has a preset function for welding aluminum.
It also has a more advanced LCD screen and SYNERGIC function.
We recommend the device to everyone who would like to play with the settings and achieve the best possible weld and to all those who would like to weld aluminum with the MIG mode.
MIG MAG Welding
WELDING WITH FLUX CORED WIRE
Synergic MIG MAG
