Welder for under 500

[TheEntertainer]

Hi all,

I'm looking out for a welder to do small stuff at home. Currently considering a simple arc welder to keep cost down.

What would you recommend for under 500, and where to buy in sydney or online...

Also should i go 10amp or 15amp input.

Thanks all

[Toxic_Avenger]

I'd stick with something that is single phase 10A, up to maybe 140A output. That should be plenty for a GP rod up to 3.2mm diameter. There should be lots of options available in that price bracket.

[jboot51]

Something to consider.
Maybe useful.
I have a lumik 3 in 1 unit I use for plasma cutting and it seems to reliable.


3 IN 1 Lumik DC Inverter Welder 180A TIG ARC Plasma Cutter 50A Welding Machine | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/3-IN-1-LUMIK-DC-INVERTER-WELDER-180A-TIG-ARC-PLASMA-CUTTER-50A-Welding-Machine-/131409555307)

[Don 130]

I recently bought one of these (http://www.unimig.com.au/catalogue_product.asp?product=935&category=1&subcategory=1) for less than $500, but I see they're a bit over that figure now. I'm very happy with it. I also got a gas bottle to goeth it which would blow you budget, but a mig that can do very thin stuff and also aluminium, is far more versatile than a simple stick welder. Something to think about if your budget can stretch a bit.
Don.

[Gordie]

I recently bought one of these (http://www.unimig.com.au/catalogue_product.asp?product=935&category=1&subcategory=1) for less than $500, but I see they're a bit over that figure now. I'm very happy with it. I also got a gas bottle to goeth it which would blow you budget, but a mig that can do very thin stuff and also aluminium, is far more versatile than a simple stick welder. Something to think about if your budget can stretch a bit.
Don.

Same...also bought the Unimig 180, I am a self taught learner-welder, have been very happy with this welder, haven't used a gas bottle, just stuck with gasless wire which has been ok for what I want. I did a fair bit of research prior to purchase, and this one seemed to be one of the best for the money.

[BMKal]

I recently bought one of these (http://www.unimig.com.au/catalogue_product.asp?product=935&category=1&subcategory=1) for less than $500, but I see they're a bit over that figure now. I'm very happy with it. I also got a gas bottle to goeth it which would blow you budget, but a mig that can do very thin stuff and also aluminium, is far more versatile than a simple stick welder. Something to think about if your budget can stretch a bit.
Don.

Have to agree Don. I have almost exactly the same model (just an older version). I manage to keep a bottle on it all the time even though I don't use it a lot any more (have a good deal with local BOC since dealing a lot with them in a past work role). Because of this, I've never bothered to try gasless welding with it.

If you don't want the expense of hiring a larger gas bottle, just buy a regulator and one or more disposable gas bottles from Dynaweld. One bottle will last about 35 hours welding time. ;)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/10/819.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/56psk58qx/)

The other advantage of a small MIG welder for home use is that, if you are like me and not a very good welder, a MIG is a lot easier to use than a stick welder. ;)

I have both, and tend to find that I only use the stick welder on heavier steel where the MIG is not enough. For most things around the house (and little jobs that SWMBO comes with - I find that I can do a much better job with the MIG. ;)

[Toxic_Avenger]

If you don't want the expense of hiring a larger gas bottle, just buy a regulator and one or more disposable gas bottles from Dynaweld. One bottle will last about 35 hours welding time. ;)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/10/819.jpg (https://postimg.org/image/56psk58qx/)


Nice concept, but 35minutes is the manufacturers claim.
This is also stated at 5lpm, which is on the lean side. Most people I deal with are running upwards of 10LPM up to 15 in some cases. So it will be more like 15 minutes of weld time at a more accurate flow rate.

[DoubleChevron]

These days you don't need to worry about bottle rental costs. Just head upto bunnings. Your going to be paying almost as much in bottle deposits as the welder cost you though .............. Having said that "desposit" means if you return the bottles, you get your money back! (unlike rental which is gone forever).

I got rid of all my rental bottles a few years back. It sure does save a lot of money... not to mention a ****ed off wife every single month when the bills come in.

seeya,
Shane L.

[Carnut1100]

Bunnings don't do welding gas down here in Tas....
Only place I've found down here that does welding gas without renting bottles is Nubco who will now sell you a bottle.
It's an idea who's time has come though.

[TheEntertainer]

Toxic has given me some real good advice, though what I can afford vs what I want.... not that easy. The BOC mig looks great at $800 bit the unimig viper with arc and mig. I'm a biginner... when i did my 6 week 2 hour once a week course i found the arch easier (once you get going) so from there i like the possibility of arc and mig.

[MVFrancis]

I bought a unimig viper a couple of weeks ago and am very pleased with it. After learning on dads 30 year old mig the difference is unbelievable. I should have upgraded years ago, the amount of time and effort i would of saved mucking around. I cant compare it to a cheaper modern mig as I've never used one, but you've only got to fabricate one or two quality items (the draw i made in my case) for it to pay for itself.

[Don 130]

I got gas from Power 10 gases at Thornleigh. $200 for the bottle, and $135 for the gas. Argon Co2 mix. I can upgrade the bottle to the next size later if production goes up. No rent.
Don.