alfaboy
Part of things
stopping smoking
Posts: 126
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Evening guys,
I need some advice on welders as I'm going to be buying one shortly.
I have used a mig welder for 15 years in my previous job, mainly welding box section table frames in mild steel which I were fairly good at.
The welder was a mono mig 151 with gas.
I need a welder for home use, not working on cars but craft stuff, bits of plate, chain etc and not sure what to go for, stick welder from machine mart or there's a wolf 140 gas / no gas set up on eBay for £170 delivered, this is a 40 - 140 amp mig with the small gas bottles.
That's the max of my budget so what's your advice, stick or mig!?
Any info is much appreciated.
Cheers.
Daz.
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I have an idea for a unique alfa. . . . and i think it might just work.
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awoo
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,507
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never heard anyone say those small gas bottles are good, they run out quickly and are expensive. i would go stick personally.
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If its just big stuff then stick - obviously no good if you want to do car stuff . I would look out for a old Oxford arc welder, big oil filled things that will weld all day and don't go wrong
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alfaboy
Part of things
stopping smoking
Posts: 126
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What is the minimum thickness a cheap stick welder will work with?
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I have an idea for a unique alfa. . . . and i think it might just work.
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Maybe 2mm , warping is going to be a issue . If you want to do thinner stuff as well i would look for a 180amp mig that goes down to 30amp . Plenty of poke for stuff and will go down enough for car work .
Problem is your budget - perhaps you could find a Clarke 180 for that secondhand if your lucky
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Don't bother wasting your time or money with disposable bottles, they are pricey and last for minutes if used in anger.
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alfaboy
Part of things
stopping smoking
Posts: 126
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Sorted it, got a 30 - 135 amp mig and a full size bottle kit on order, bit more than I should spend but figure its a long term buy so why not  ? Thanks for the info guys, much appreciated. |
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I have an idea for a unique alfa. . . . and i think it might just work.
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I think that will struggle with anything much thicker than a couple of mm
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You could always buy a cheapy stick welder from Aldi/ Lidl when they are on special as well for welding thick stuff, do you welds on arty things need to be strong/ pretty or is it just a case of holding things together?
Some welding could be classed as art on its own in my view
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smurf
Part of things
Posts: 829 
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Aldi mig welders will burs a 2.5mm rod or 2 then the thermal cutout kicks in
25 mins later you can burn half a rod, then the same thing happens
don't waste your money on one mate
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Laser cutting and cnc punching (up to 3mm stainless and ali, up to 6mm mild steel)
Mail me a dxf file and i'll get you a price
Metal folding and custom fabrication service also available
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Had an aldi stick welder myself for 3 years or so, but never had a single problem. Welded numerous exhausts and patched bodywork with it.
Sold it once i got a mig and got my 40 quid back.
I'm not saying they're the best or anything but i didnt have any problems with mine.
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at200
Part of things
Posts: 92
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Mar 26, 2016 20:06:34 GMT
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I would check out the mig welding forum for advice and info. www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/If you register with Machine Mart you will get offers through - usually 10 or 20% off Clarke products. |
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