Small welder for home use

[ronald5256]

Hi all l was looking for a small welder for home use I was looking for a mig in or around the 200 amp range I have 230v 16 amp power available at home in my workshop and was looking at the kempi minarcmig EVO 200

I have not worked with a kempi welder before I have used the likes of lincon electric / miller / ewm I have read the online info from kempi but was looking for first hand accounts real people doing real work So feel free to give me your views thanks all

 

[Ozwelder]

Hi,
I have a similar Kemmpi to yours, mine being the earlier 180 model. It has the adaptive amp volt circuitry where youare able to select a metal type thickness and and the electronics will set up your welding parameters for you. It is a good machine electronically but I was hugely disappointed in the mechanical side of it.

Hopefully Kemppi has improved /upgraded the unit beyond the 20 amp increase in power.For the purchase price involved, they should have.

Criticisms I have about my model a Miniarc Mig Adaptive 180 -

* The gun cable is lightweight and has a "toy" feel and look to it.
With the fixed in place gun cable changing a wire liner calls for small fingers and a big heart. The "fixed" gun and earth return cable makes it a PITA to move about. A Euro gun connection and some Dinse cable connectors would make a much nicer machine.

*The Kemppi will only accommodate mig spools of a certain width.Check the spool width of the various wire spools as some are too wide to allow the access door to close.

*Another issue is the fixed axle that the spool turns on. It has no bearing it and the spring tensioner device is not really effective.The spool turning on this fixed axle does not make for a smooth friction free turning of the spool while in operation.

These are just my opinions but based upon a lifetime in the welding and fabrication industry.

Kemppi do make some nice machines but this series is not one of them.Kemppi did not choose to respond to written my constructive comment.least ways in my country.

I think there's better value per dollar spent, to be found in The Lincoln or Miller ranges of Migs.

If Kemmpi has addressed these issues since my model, well and good, but I believe they have ignored the rock bottom basics of Mig machine design and operation in favour of the bells and whistles type circuitry.

If they have not addressed those basic faults, this new machine does not deserve a place in the line up of machines that comprise the segment for top end diy and base trade use machines. I consider my Kemppi mig unit a design job only half done.

Oz

 

[Tronyadorable]

Esab Caddy.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Where do you live? 230vac 16 amp would indicate you're in Europe? Recommended brands are probably different there than in the US.

 

[ronald5256]

Hi Stuart I am in the uk

 

[ronald5256]

Esab Caddy.

Thanks just looked up the caddy looks like a good contender as it fits the bill nice tip [emoji481]

 

[ronald5256]

Hi,
I have a similar Kemmpi to yours, mine being the earlier 180 model. It has the predictive amp volt circuitry where you can select a metal type thickness and and the electronics will set up your welding parameters for you. its a fairly good machine but I was disappointed in the mechanical side of it. Hopefully Kemppi has improved /upgraded the unit beyond the 20 amp increase in power.
Criticisms I have about my model a Miniarc Mig Adaptive 180 -
The gun cable is lightweight and has a "toy" feel and look to it.
With the fixed in place gun cable changing a wire liner calls for small fingers and a big heart. The "fixed gun cable makes it a PITA to move about.
Check the spool width of the various wire spools as some are too wide to allow the access door to close.

Another issue is the axle that the spool turns on. It has no bearing it and the spring tensioner device is not really effective.

These are just my opinions but based upon a lifetime in the welding and fabrication industry.
Kemppi do make some nice machines but this series is not one of them.They don't seem seem to respond to written constructive comment.least ways in my country. I think there's better value to be found in in The Lincoln or Miller ranges of Migs

Oz

Thank you for the info always good to get a first hand account I have a ewm Saturn 400 and a lincon 205 ac/dc water cooled tig as my main plants down at work but thay are just to bulky to drag round for small work at home [emoji481]