Master
Thanks everyone, I'm certainly not a pro but have been taught the basics so its more if a cheap welder will be OK with the options originally specified (ie 4 position switch) for the odd bit off chassis repair etc.
It's not a machine to be used everyday and I know you get what you pay for so I guess I'll see how far I get!
YarnMaster
SubscriberI'm a welder fabricator by trade. I recently bought a Cigweld 250 which is the largest single phase welder you can use on a 240v supply. It was on sale for $900. I've used the smaller machines, and they're best described as 'ok'. Is Cash Convertors worth considering? Buying a bigger second hand machine would be my suggestion. Either way, go for the biggest one you're budget allows.
1995 Mercedes 1222A 4x4
1969 (Now know! Thanks Diana!!) Ser 2 Tdi SWB
1991 VW Citi Golf Cti (soon to be Tdi)
'When there's smoke, there's plenty of poke!!'
'The more the smoke, the more the poke!!'
Master
Thanks sitec, was just about to check Gumtree/cash convertors!
Master
Dont forget the duty cycle of the machine. Perhaps the welders that you are not looking at dont have an issue with this but I hate a welder that cuts out to cool down.
TopicToaster
SubscriberOn this note, your duty cycle is generally measured at a set temperature, over a given period of time (usually 10 minutes).Originally Posted by manofaus
So 60% Duty cycle is 6 minutes continuous welding (often at 40 degrees C). It's the ability of the machine to keep itself cool. 100% duty cycle machines are generally reserved for production line work, robotics, heavy industry etc.
Duty cycle is a big concern if you are on a pipeline, breakdown work on a mine, or time sensitive stuff, but for the average punter, the average unit at say 35% won't have an issue. You do spend time doing joint prep, marking out the job, finish the weld, drink a beer, etc. Can't work too hard, eh
Wizard
Shakey - have you considered the cost of bottle rental? If you are getting a MIG I would suggest staying away from gasless wire.
If you were planning on using gassless wire I would consider one of the small electronic DC arc welders - very smooth and easy to operate. Would be more than capable for what you want (chassi work, building sliders,etc), very compact and some will come with a TIG option. If you wanted to do panel repairs on a Landrover just remmber you will be dealing with alloy panels and not all MIG / TIGs can weld alloy.
Master
Thanks crash, I was going to use the disposable gas bottles with the mig rather than rent as I think my usage won't be that heavy. Most of the cheap ones do gas/gasless so I figure I can always try both.
I want planning on any panel work as that part seems fairly straight from initial inspection!
Will investigate the DC arc Welders but if they are only a few bucks cheaper I think having both options would be best to start.
The way I figure, if a cheap one is OK and lasts me through a few chassis repairs and a set of sliders it will have paid for itself and I can decide if I want to invest more in better one.
I've only got standard mains power too so can't go too big either.
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