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Welding should be fast and precise and, even more important, should hold, so if you are planning to do some quality work, a powerful welder, equipped with everything it needs to get going in only ten minutes, is always a wise choice. LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N comes with an 8-foot solid torch and a 6-foot power cable that allow you to move freely around your working space. Designed to be used with flux core, it can fuse almost any type of metal, starting from aluminum to steel and stainless steel. Plus, it has a great duty cycle of 60% around the 60A range and 20% when it works at full capacity, which is more than enough for performant welding sessions.
Powerful and Versatile
You will get the power of 175 amperes that can strongly melt and fuse 18 gauge – 1/4” steel ranging from mild to stainless. Moreover, it includes a 10-foot 4-inch long spool gun, 1 lb. aluminum wire with a diameter of 0.9 mm and a 4-prong end connection that can be used with 3/16” aluminum, allowing you the freedom to work with different metal types and sizes.
Accessories included
Apart from the wire feed spool gun, which is a great bonus, as it is usually sold separately, the package includes all the necessary accessories to ensure your protection during welding. This means a face shield, to keep sparks away, an argon regulator, gas hose, clamp cable, and 0.025”-0.030” range wires. Plus, you get a set of cleaning brushes to help you keep the torch and spool gun in great shape after every utilization, and the consumables required for first-time use, so you couldn’t dream about a more easy assembly process.
Great for beginners
If you are just discovering the mysteries of the welding technology, this model has just the right design to assist you in every learning step. Precise and easy to maintain, and with an amperage that can vary between 35 and 175, it can be used both for small projects and extended welding works. Furthermore, it is covered by a 1-year warranty and the manufacturer offers you the possibility to return it within 30 days if you consider it is not really what you needed.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Spool gun included
- Great 175 A power
- Easy to assemble
- Fast and efficient operations
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- Short gas hose reduces mobility
- Short warranty period
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| VERDICT
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| To summarize, this welder has all it needs to get the work going within minutes after you get it out of the box. It can easily connect to a 220V outlet and features a resettable overload protection function that ensures safe operation cycles and a longer lifespan. |
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Hobart has made itself a name on the welder market due to its highly versatile and effective products, and this model surely isn’t an exception. Able to produce an output of 190 ampers, it will fuse 24 gauge to 5/16 inches thick metals ranging from aluminum to stainless steel. This makes it perfect for extended DIY projects like auto or marine repair, outdoor equipment or metal sculpture welding. The spool gun is the one that allows you to fuse aluminum and you will find it extremely practical as it plugs in directly, without requiring any additional control box. With 7 voltage selections, it puts you in control of output settings and provides increased wire speeding feed and arc performance.
The duty cycle is 30% at around 130 ampers, surpassing many models in its class and ensuring the efficiency of the welding. Furthermore, the whole machine is ready for use in just a few minutes, as instructions are easy to understand and well-explained in the manual that comes with it. It only needs a 230V wall outlet, as all the other accessories are already included and by this we mean a 10-foot MIG gun, a gas hose, gauge regulator, contact tips, 8-inch spool adapter, and many others.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Great 25-190 A output
- Easy to install using the included step-by-step guide
- Includes a spool gun for aluminum welding
- 7 voltage selections allow you to control the output
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- Needs high voltage
- Rather costly
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| VERDICT
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| The warranty extends over 5 years of use, and the manufacturer promises to replace or repair any part that may get damaged during normal use in this period, so you can purchase this model with confidence. Plus, it is made only of high-quality materials, so keeping it in good shape shouldn’t be a problem. |
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Portability is what makes this product popular, along with its outstanding power and control functions, all incorporated in a compact, easy-to-install machine. It weighs only 57 pounds, considerably less than its big brother 500554 and allows you to set the output by choosing one of the 5 temperature settings. Therefore, you will get the best performance no matter if you are fusing aluminum, copper, brass, iron or titanium alloys. Moreover, it offers a broad amperage range going from 25 to 140, able to weld 24 gauge up to 1/4 inches in mild steel.
Although this model doesn’t include any safety equipment like welding helmet, gloves or a jacket, it comes with a multitude of accessories and a great set-up guide, that allow you to get it ready for welding in no more than 15 minutes. The package includes a 10-foot MIG gun, a gauge regulator, gas hose, contact tips, 0.030-inch flux-core wires, and an 8-inch spool adapter.
You will also appreciate the top-notch arc performance, which can fill craters and operate smoothly on all materials, no matter if they are thicker or thinner. The duty cycle is 20% at 90 amps which is more than enough for well-done works on variate projects such as exhaust systems, outdoor equipment, trailer frames, or autobody pannels.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Portable and verstile
- 5 temperature settings
- Great arc performance
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- Protection eqipment not included
- Noisy cooling fan
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| VERDICT
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| It only needs 115V to operate, but it is designed to deliver industrial performance and weighs less than 60 pounds. Plus, it comes with a 5-year warranty for parts and labor, so you will get a highly powerful, versatile and warranty-backed product at a fair price, which is ready to work in minutes after you remove it from its box. |
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Reboot put all its craft and knowledge in this impressive machine which is able to perform a 60% duty cycle at 170 A and an 100% at 120 A. Performance is the best word to describe this welder that uses gas with 1kg and 5kg welding wires to fuse a multitude of metals like mild steel, aluminum or stainless steel with a thickness of 0.8 mm. up to 1 mm. You can also use it with 1 kg or 5 kg flux-cored wires if you wish to weld steel without using gas. Good to know, this welder went through multiple quality tests like Life Test, Welding Test, and QC Test and passed them without a problem.
Compact and weighing no more than 35.7 pounds, it offers the necessary portability required for projects that are too big to fit in your garage, being perfect for truck or marine repairs. With an output range of 30 to 170 amps, it can do some serious work and deliver long-lasting results. Furthermore, it is perfect for home use as the sound it produces is below the audio range.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Compact and lightweight
- Great output
- Works both with gas and without gas
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- The manual doesn’t include pertinent explanations
- Poor-quality plug-in
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| VERDICT
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| The price is good and the quality exceeds expectations, so we would say this machine is a great deal. The 1-year limited warranty will protect you against any manufacturing flaws or other issues that may appear during normal use and, due to its compact design, you will be able to carry it wherever you need it most. |
5. Eastwood MIG 135 WELDER
Perfect for auto body restoration or metal crafts, this welder is a great choice for home use, as it features a strong motor, able to produce a variable output between 25 and 135 amperes, and can easily weld mild and stainless steel up to 24 gauge. It can also accommodate solid core wires and flux core wires, so you won’t have any problem welding metals as thick as 3/16 inches and 1/4 inches respectively. Moreover, if you need to fuse aluminum, you can add the optional spool gun. Gas regulator and gauges are included for easier maneuverability and better control.
The control panel is intuitive and easy to use, featuring 2 knobs, one for voltage and the other for wire-speed adjustment. Furthermore, an on/off switch is available for safety purposes. With a duty cycle of 20% @ 90 A, it allows you to do some serious work before a break is required. The package includes an 8-foot ground cable, clamps, and a Tweco-style torch and you can use wires with the following diameters: stainless – 0.023”-0.030”, solid – 0.023”-0.030” and flux-cored – 0.030”-0.035”. Besides that, it comes at a great price and is backed by a generous 3-year warranty for parts and labor.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Powerful motor ensures professional results
- Highly versatile, fuses a wide range of metals
- Comes with a gas regulator for better control
- Covered by an excellent 3-year warranty
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- Spool gun is not included
- Safety equipment not included
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| VERDICT
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In a nutshell, this machine will help you put together the project of your dreams. It is powerful, efficient and versatile, perfect to tackle all the welding jobs that need to be done in a workshop or a garage. Not to mention that it is backed by an excellent warranty and comes at a fair price, so your investment will surely pay off in the long run.
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6. Mophorn MIG 200 Amp 220V
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Need a welder that can handle multiple jobs without exceeding your budget? We’ve found it. Mophorn MIG 200 Amp 220V will not only provide 200 A MIG welding but MAG, ARC, and MMA, as it has these useful functions incorporated in its design. Plus, it delivers outstanding results, due to its advanced inverter technology that includes an electronic reactor circuit built to control the short electric transition and blend transition. Able to fuse metals that are 0.8 mm thick or more, it can be used both at home for metal decorations, auto and outdoor equipment repairs, or industrially for machinery manufacturing, iron processing or in the construction field.
With an output range of 40 to 200 A, it equals and even surpasses more expensive models in terms of power and efficiency. The duty cycle is 35% for MIG and 60% for MMA technology. Furthermore, although it is equipped with an 110V-shaped plug, it can be safely used with higher voltage as long as this doesn’t exceed 220V. Other important specs are the wire diameter, which goes between 0.8 and 1mm., the usable electrode length – between 1.6 and 4 mm, and the power factor of 0.93.
The accessories and protection equipment that are included in the package, namely the mask, brush, 3m 15AK torch, the electrode holder and the ground cable, are nothing but a big bonus. It also comes with a manual that explains every function and help you set it up in just a few minutes.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Multiple functions
- High duty cycle
- Industrial performance
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- Gas hose is not included
- The 110V-shaped plug can be confusing
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| VERDICT
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| Provided with over-current, over-heat, and over-voltage protection, this is one of the safest models on the market. More than that, it is incredibly lightweight and compact and includes multiple functions that can cover any kind of welding, all at a great price, so we consider this one of the best budget investments. |
7. Lincoln Electric K2278-1
Compact and lightweight, with a practical handle included, this unit will easily fit in any garage or workshop. The control panel is easy to read and use, so it will make a perfect first welding machine for a beginner, especially as it comes with the work lead, work clamp, gun, and cable already assembled. Furthermore, it plugs into a regular 115 V outlet, so no adapters are required, and includes all the necessary equipment for a safe and efficient job, namely a hand shield, a spool, flux-cored wire electrode, and a chipping hammer or brush.
The motor generates a variable output of 35 to 88 amperes, turning it into a versatile machine that can weld up to 1/8-inch mild steel. For safety purposes, a cold contractor feature is available and it is designed to keep the wire electrically cold until you press the gun trigger. Furthermore, the duty cycle is 20% @ 70 amperes, providing excellent efficiency. Worthy to mention is the 1-year warranty on parts and labor that will cover a large number of mishaps and manufacturing flaws.
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CONS
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- Accessories included for a quick start
- Easy to install and use due to the user-friendly panel
- Robust case increases durability
- Generous 1-year warranty
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- Cannot handle heavy-duty materials
- Parts are rather expensive
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| VERDICT
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Compact and powerful, this tool is a great choice for home projects or hobbies. It comes fully assembled and with all the necessary accessories included, so you can put it to work as soon as you get it out of the box. Plus, it features an intuitive control panel that turns it into one of the best options for beginners.
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Check the Price
This is another portable model with a lightweight and compact design that can be used in many locations for different types of projects. No matter if welding is your profession or a hobby, if you are an experienced craftsman or a beginner, you will find this tool incredibly easy to use, as it already includes most of the accessories like an 8’ MIG gun, a ground clamp, a handle with torch lamp and an adapter, to get you going as soon as possible. The case is made entirely of metal and can hold 2 to 10-pound rolls of wire, offering the necessary sturdiness for daily use and transportation.
Furthermore, when it comes to power, the 140 amperes output won’t disappoint you as it allows the fusing of up to 1⁄4 steel plates. The duty cycle reaches 30% around 90A and the machinery needs only 120V to get going. Moreover, it operates with 0.30” or 0.35” flux core wires and includes wire speed and voltage control that allows you to run it using the perfect power for any kind of material or project design.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Powerful welding
- Lightweight design
- Voltage and wire speed control
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- Protection equipment is not included
- Many useful accessories need to be purchased separately
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| VERDICT
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| You can use this model to do some heavy-duty work without spending a fortune. Plus, it is lightweight and portable, without cutting on the quality of the box, a quality that translates into fewer repair expenses and a longer lifespan. Moreover, you get a 1-year warranty that covers both parts and labor. |
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Looking for a gasless welder that can fuse iron, steel, and other metals without overheating? Let us introduce you to SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150, a powerful and versatile tool that allows you to do some quality projects both indoors and outdoors, as it doesn’t depend on a gas tank. Plus it requires a low power input of 110-volt, which is the average value for households, so you won’t need an adapter to run it.
When it comes to safety, this model is provided with everything it needs to avoid overheating or high bursts of heat that can provoke accidents. It features the thermal overheating protection function that shuts it down whenever it gets too hot. Moreover, you won’t be able to use it until it gets cool enough to perform safely and this is the moment when it will restart automatically. Another element that usually produces accidents is the torch, but not with this welder, as it includes an on/off switch. Plus, you can adjust the heat output by choosing a value between 80 and 150 amperes.
Weighing only 39.5 pounds, it can be transported wherever there’s a project waiting for it. And the package includes multiple accessories that will prove more than useful for your welding jobs, namely an earth clamp, torch, replacement contact tips, face mask and the 0.030”-0.035” flux-cored wires, so you can easily weld metals that are up to 1/4-inch thick.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Many safety features
- Gasless and lightweight
- Powerful 150A output
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- Cannot weld aluminum
- The case is not very sturdy
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| VERDICT
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| This budget-friendly unit is great for beginners, as it includes a detailed manual with all the necessary information for a startup job. Moreover, it is designed to maintain a safe environment during welding, providing multiple safety functions and an internal fan that keeps the heat away from its circuits. |
10. Display4top MIG 130 PLUS
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With this model, you won’t get only a high 130-amper output and a great duty cycle which hovers around 35%, but a sturdy stainless steel case, specially designed to increase lifespan and protect the whole mechanism against external factors. Plus, it is covered with quality red paint that will keep it in good shape and prevent rust and corrosion for many years to come. And, since we are talking about protection, we should mention the safety features as well, namely the overload safety protection, which monitors the temperature and shuts the whole assemble down whenever the risk of overheating reaches a critical point, and the internal cooling system, which consists of a performant fan, designed to keep heat at a safe level.
The package includes multiple accessories like a ground clamp, protection mask, cleaning brush and other small replacement parts that make it easier to operate and maintain. Moreover, it can be used outdoors for large projects, as it doesn’t require a gas tank, to weld a great variety of metals such as aluminum, carbon steel or stainless steel.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Great safety features
- Sturdy case design
- Easy to store and move
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- Instructions are difficult to understand for a beginner
- Not great with heavy gauge metals
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| VERDICT
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| With an input of no more than 110 volts, it is a great fit for any household and you won’t have to spend extra for an adaptor. It is compact and can easily be transported or stored in your garage. Plus, it comes at a great price, without cutting on quality or accessories. |
VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130
11. VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130
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If your projects consist mostly of welding light gauge steel or thinner materials, there’s no reason to spend a fortune on a heavy-duty welder when you can do your job and get quality, long-lasting results with a less-expensive model, designed to handle lighter jobs. VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130 features an output of 50 to 120A and 4 control buttons that allow you to adjust heat and welding speed. Thus, you will be able to fuse thin steel and aluminum or go a bit heavier by using the 0.8”-0.9” flux-cored wires on thicker steel.
Great for beginners, it features a control panel on the back of the case that is easy to understand and intuitive. Just by looking, you will know where the wires go and how to control every single switch or knob. Plus, it comes with overheat protection and a built-in fan for a more performant use. Besides the actual welding machine, you will also find in the package a welding gun, a grounding clamp, a brush, and a helmet, plus many other small accessories. Small and rather light, it will fit in your garage, truck, car or even motorcycle. Moreover, it needs an average voltage of 110, so you can plug it in any socket, without purchasing an additional adapter.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Great price
- Many safety features
- Intuitive design
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- Cannot weld thick metals
- The core wire is not the best on the market
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| VERDICT
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| It allows you to control the wire speed and can be used with different types of metal, all at a great price that includes accessories and customer support. Furthermore, its design is intuitive and easy to understand even if you have never used a welder before. |
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Assembly can be a hassle, but not with this model, which is ready to do some serious welding the minute you get it out of the box. Provided with an intuitive control panel, you will figure out fast where the wires go and how to use the control buttons. Furthermore, you will appreciate its portable design, which allows it to be easily transported and stored, and the sturdiness of the case, which is made entirely of treated high-class PVC.
The waveform control technology allows you to select the inductance according to different material specifications for more precise and durable welding. You can use the control panel to choose between 4 current flow settings, ranging between 35 and 120 amperes. Plus, the duty cycle is pretty good, hovering at 10% at 105 amperes and 35% at 60 amperes, values that can easily handle general repairing work. The package also includes a copper tip that prevents build-ups on the gun, a face shield mask, a wire brush, and a ground clamp.
| PROS
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CONS
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- Quality PVC case
- Good duty cycle
- Adjustable output
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- Cannot handle heavy-duty jobs
- The overload protection function shuts it down too often
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| VERDICT
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| Big projects require space and portable tools that can be carried around, so if you are working on one, you should consider Super Deal MIG 130 with its small dimensions and a weight of only 38 pounds. Provided with thermal overload protection, it is a great choice for beginners who are just learning how to master the craft of welding. |
To summarize, there’s a MIG welder for every craftsman, equipped with great functions and many accessories that extend its action to a multitude of metals. Moreover, the prices are variate and reflect the power and efficiency of every model, so you can choose exactly what you need for your projects.
Therefore, if you are planning to use the welder for extended works that require the fusing of thick metals, you should check out LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N, which can weld solid 18 gauge – 1/4-inch steel plates. Moreover, it includes a spool gun, that allows you to weld aluminum, and many useful accessories that provide protection and increase your productivity. In the same price range, Hobart 500554 brings quality and 7 voltage selections that allow you to control the heat output and get the best welding for any kind of material.
Another qualitative model is SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150, which comes with many safety features and great heat output, all at a very attractive price. Plus, it is small, allowing you to easily transport it to every job site where a great project awaits.
