Laval, France
A French manufacturer that names the electrodes its machines will run
Specification that means something. The GYSMI 200 A names rutile, stainless, cast iron and basic rods up to 4 mm (0.16 in) — basic electrodes are the demanding case, needing a high open-circuit voltage to strike, so naming them is a technical claim. The Smartmig 162 publishes its Euro connector and a 40 W feed motor.
Everywhere. GYS machines sit at the top of their category on this site, and the argument is service network and build rather than headline figures. Their €505 MIG has the same 160 A as inverters at half the price.
Someone keeping a machine ten years, who would rather buy commodity consumables and have a European service address than save two hundred euros now.
200 A · 230 V · rutile, basic, stainless, cast iron to Ø 4 mm (0.16 in) · €263
The only machine in this batch live on all six markets, and the only one that names the electrode types it is built for.
Best for: Someone who welds cast iron or runs basic electrodes and wants the machine to cope
≈ $405
160 A · 230 V single phase · Euro torch connector · €505
A French-built trolley machine with a Euro connector and a 40 W feed motor — bought for the feed quality rather than for its headline current.
Best for: Someone who intends to keep the machine ten years and wants standard consumables
Prices quoted in these summaries are dated readings. The live price is shown next to each product.
