Picked up an old welder - SIP Migmate 100 Amp - Need advice!

[Mike_Foyle]

Hi guys,

I'm new to welding but I've done a fair bit of reading up on it, video tutorials etc. I would like to get started on it so that I can work on my go kart.

Basically, I picked up this old Mig welder from a car boot sale for £20. It's an SIP Migmate 100. From what I can tell from some online research it's a pretty crappy welder, so I might just sell it and buy something better. But I was wondering if you guys think it's even worth having a go with? It needs a roll of wire and some gas. But I don't know if it's even worth trying to use? Main thing I'm worried about is whether it could be dangerous to turn on a welder that's in bad condition... I mean is the worst case scenario that it could just not work? Or could something more dangerous happen? I've got all the safety gear including a good mask, welding jacket and gloves.

Any advice would be great!

Thanks,

Mike

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Just pick up some flux core wire to test it (no need for gas). You will probably have to change polarity, but thats it.

For that price u cant really go wrong.

 

[Mike_Foyle]

Thanks alot for the quick reply

I might just get some co2 gas and mild steel wire and go for it. The main thing I was worried about was the actual machine spazzing out when I powered it up lol. Wasn't sure if there was much that can go wrong with a mig welder over time which could render it more dangerous than it should be... Obviously they are dangerous tools anyway but as long as I'm not stupid with it it should be ok right? It's not going to zap my *** or anything? lol

 

[KieranM]

If its a relatively new machine it will have some form of cut out on the actual machine. But even if it dosent it would trip a switch in your fuse box if theres a fault. The danger side of it only occurs if someone with no experience what so ever tries to repair it, as they would not understand.

 

[solomon]

Yup. If your worried, just hit the power button and run haha. But i bet it will be fine

 

[ctraugh]

Even no name welders can produce decent welds. At the price you got it I would get some wire, gas and try to weld with it.

You may have to replace the liner and tip, but as for it spazing out on ya, you shouldnt have a problem. You should trip a breaker or blow a fuse in your house before you get yourself hurt.

Plug it straight into the outlet though, they dont like extension cords.

 

[jasonsmith092]

Its really nice and sounds good to me.

 

[oscaryu1]

Set on "on", plug the welder into a LONG extension coil, set it FAR away, run back with the plug and plug 'er in.