Deca welder?

[Paul Gagnon]

Have any of you used a Deca welder before? I am thinking of buying a small AC MIG the Deca Decastar 135E. These are an Italian made machine. I've searched the internet and just about everything is in another language. The manufacturer's website only shows a 230V model but the one on sale here is a 115V model.

http://www.princessauto.com/_osn.cfm?UM=0&CTRY=CAN&OUTPUT=OSN
http://members.shaw.ca/DL0001/WELD-CAN.pdf

http://www.decaweld.com/default.asp?cmd=getProd&cmdID=1355

I just want to use it for small stuff. What do you think?

[LCexplorer]

Buy it at Princess auto and if it doesn't work just bring it back, at least that is what I was told by the associate there when I was looking at them.

[JLanigan]

cos in italy the default supply is 220V-240V, not 110-120 all non pro equipment is 230

building sites use 110 gear and three phase for workshops is 415, but they're both specialisations

[truc666]

A buddy of mine has the 180E model sitting in my shop right now.

The machine actually performs better than I thought it would. However, the
gun is hardwired into the machine and the gun lead is very short - 6' -. The
roller assembly is crude and consumables like tips and nozzles have only one source. The price may seem right, but i would go with the Lincoln 135 sold
at Home Depot.

The Lincoln has nicer arc characteristics, is 120 volt, consumables are available everywhere, has a better drive roll setup and can be purchased with a real gas solenoid and half decent flow regulator.

Or, check out Air Liquid. They have some good machines that can compete with the Lincoln and Miller products.

My thinking is that if you buy a better machine, ultimately you will be a better welder. Especially for hobby welders.

Curt

[jasonmt]

When you can get a new Miller/Lincoln/Esab/Hobart 135 class machine for ~$700 and a 175 class machine for ~$900 I wouldn't consider spending $429 on a Deca machine.

Kristian Electric had a nice collection of off brand boat anchors sitting on shelves last time I was there, why don't you give them a call and ask someone in their service department about what repair options you have with the Deca brand?

[Stupid frnch jackasS]

I have one of those DECA migs, mine is a bigger model that puts out 120A or something like that.

It worked very well and is still going strong. The duty cycle is not insane, and the power is somewhat limited, but I abused mine and have yet to have a problem. The weld quality is good. The gun is lightweight, which is nice for the smaller stuff. On nearly continuous duty the weld quality drops when the unit is getting hot (like after 1hr and a half welding at 80A), and I've triggered the temp. safety switch a couple times.
I've upgraded to a 100% duty cycle @ 200A industrial machine, but will definately keep the small mig for SS exhaust work.

[Paul Gagnon]

However, the gun is hardwired into the machine and the gun lead is very short - 6' -. The roller assembly is crude and consumables like tips and nozzles have only one source.

The Lincoln, is 120 volt, consumables are available everywhere, has a better drive roll setup and can be purchased with a real gas solenoid and half decent flow regulator.



I went to take a look at it yesterday and came to the same conclusions. They had a Lincoln Weld-Pak 100 right beside the Decastar 135 on the shelf and the difference in quality is immediately obvious even to the untrained eye. The Deca was on sale for $379 compared to the regular price for the Lincoln of $499 but the Deca seemed like it would save some dollars up front but would end up being more expensive in the long run. I decided not to get anything right now.