Cheap welder $39

[Discomark]

Wouldn't expect much for $39 but for the odd job at home would these be of any use?
Repco Catalogues (http://catalogues.repco.com.au/offer/welding-equipment-supplies/mechpro-140amp-arc-welder/4xwme4pjq.html'refresh=1394529275336)

[Tote]

I have had one of the Aldi ones that was a similar unit. Duty cycle was too short to do much with it. The bloke I gave it away to put decent leads and clamps on it and it does what he wants. If you keep your eyes out transformer based welders can be had for a similar price second hand and they will outperform and outlast one of those by many years.

Regards,
Tote

[Sitec]

"Buy cheap buy twice" springs to mind, but at that money I'd give it a go just for ****s and giggles!! :D

[Tote]

I'd be looking for something like this :
Welder ARC in Natimuk, VIC | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Welder-Arc-/321343354849?pt=AU_Welding&hash=item4ad18e77e1)

Regards,
Tote

[steveG]

At that price, if you have nothing else I'd give it a crack. Having the ability to stick stuff together at home is not to be underestimated :)
If it wont weld a couple of offcuts of 3mm together then return it as not fit for purpose. If it does then it will pay for itself the first time you have to stick that broken alternator bracket back together on a Sunday.

If you use it enough that duty cycle annoys you then you need something better and you've earned an upgrade.

Steve

[Geedublya]

In suspect it is a transformer equipped unit, the big knob at the front moves the wiper along the windings. All the inverter welders I have seen have switches.

As such the duty cycle is probably OK, I suspect the leads will get pretty hot if you use it at 140A for very long though.

It seems very cheap, the same unit badged as an Ozito is $98 at Bunnings (http://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-140amp-fan-cooled-arc-welder_p6291451).

I say go for it at that price.

[Discomark]

Thanks Guys,
Will pick one up then if they have stock at the local branch.
Cheers
Mark

[Hall]

If it is a transformer type it will have a aluminium wound transformer not a copper wound transformer. Copper is about 80% more efficient, but more expensive. If it does not have a thermal over load protection you may over heat the welder. Certainly would only use 2.5mm rods and no more than a 100 amps. Duty cycle will be short too most likely 25% or less which will be very short time of welding and plenty of beer time. also along time ago started with a cheapie and very soon moved up to a better unit.
Cheers Hall

[benji]

A lot of problems with these cheap welders is the quality of the earth clamp. When it heats up it loosens off. A g clamp on my earth clamp makes a big difference to duty cycle.

[flagg]

Certainly give it a go, but I would be reluctant to use it for anything structural. Not sure if I was just unlucky but I didn't have any luck with my cheap Chinese TIG. The arc wasn't stable enough to get good consistent penetration.

[Judo]

Thanks Guys,
Will pick one up then if they have stock at the local branch.
Cheers
Mark
How did you go?

[Blknight.aus]

you can also up the weld time by fitting a printer cabinet fan inside the casing and wiring it directly to the power switch...

Have a sparky do it...

[rovercare]

Australians obsession with cheap Chinese goods and they wonder why our manufacturing suffers:D

[Outback 1]

personally I reckon i'd buy an invertor one saw one at Bunnings the other day for around $200 heaps lighter to carry around:D:p:D:wasntme: . and I already have mig and arc

[Discomark]

How did you go?
Tried to get one from my local branch but they didn't have any in stock. I left my details with the store and they said they would call me back after ringing other stores. Still waiting for that call!!
Will probably shop around for an inverter one as recommended.

[Outback 1]

just bought one of these myself :D
Nevada CUT 40 40 A Portable Inverter AIR Plasma Cutter Welding Machine | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111284425465'ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)
plasma cutter tig and arc:p

[superquag]

just bought one of these myself :D
Nevada CUT 40 40 A Portable Inverter AIR Plasma Cutter Welding Machine | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111284425465'ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)
plasma cutter tig and arc:p

Tell me more ! Does this cut cleanly.... as well as weld... Can it be used with stick as well as TIG ?

Yes, your suspicions are correct, am vey much behind the times, limited stick experience on the farm with PTO driven LINCOLN DC welder. Own a gasless MIG, but have'nt spent the time learning yet...

Price is a massive discount, assuming they're telling the truth...:angel:

[Outback 1]

Tell me more ! Does this cut cleanly.... as well as weld... Can it be used with stick as well as TIG ?

Yes, your suspicions are correct, am vey much behind the times, limited stick experience on the farm with PTO driven LINCOLN DC welder. Own a gasless MIG, but have'nt spent the time learning yet...

Price is a massive discount, assuming they're telling the truth...:angel:

got mine today they say you can use stick tig and plasma but haven't had a chance to play with it yet:D

[Outback 1]

had a quick play over the weekend cuts through 1.6 and 5mm plate no issue haven't tried 10mm yet but should be good and certainly much quicker and easier than grinding:D

[superquag]

Any further playing ??? :p

Got a guesstimate to cut out some recovery hooks for the Classic...:o - not much less than buying one of these, assuming it makes a good job on 10mm.

[sheerluck]

just bought one of these myself :D
Nevada CUT 40 40 A Portable Inverter AIR Plasma Cutter Welding Machine | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/111284425465'ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649)
plasma cutter tig and arc:p

I've had a look at that one, as I need to do sone TIG welding, and was a little amused by this :


Quickly cut through ferrous metals like aluminum, stainless steel and copper with precision and quality results.

You think they've got their definition of metals a bit confused?

[wizard1963]

I bought a mecpro 100 amp mig from repco for 150 comes with 3 yr warranty. Works a treat. Figure for the money can't go wrong.:D

[Toxic_Avenger]

I've had a look at that one, as I need to do sone TIG welding, and was a little amused by this :



You think they've got their definition of metals a bit confused?

Your 'all in one' units like this will do stick (DC) TIG and plasma... but don't expect MIG or aluminium TIG out of the same unit.

MIG's use a whole different power source, and you need the AC current to do aluminium.

Plasma will cut ANY conductive material, and has the benefit of being able to 'stack' cuts. Just keep in mind your aluminium rated 'quality cut' is approx half that of a 'quality cut' for steel.
And if they don't give you accurate severence or quality cut ratings for that unit, walk away. 40A should get approx 8mm quality cut on steel, 100A can get you as thick as 25mm.

[Discomark]

100 Amp Mig welder for $149!

Super Cheap Auto Catalogues (http://catalogue.supercheapauto.com.au/offer/welding-equipment-supplies/sca-100-amp-mig-welder-combo/4zanlhvvr.html)