Which welder?

[Discofan]

Hi folks, I'm looking recommendations for a new welder. I was looking to buy an arc welder for general fabrication of angle / box steel but I see that inverters have pretty much taken over from traditional transformer arc welders. I see you can get combined versions that include mig / tig facility. I've used both arc and mig previously and they both have their benefits. Not looking to spend a huge amount, it will only be for occasional hobby use but if I was to tackle a restoration it would be good to have a suitable welder available.
Thanks.

[COLVERT]

Personally I'd get a small MIG welder.

As you must know you will get a better formed and less brittle joint with one of them.


Just my opinion.--

[It runs]

I use a CT 416 inverter . I sold my mig a couple of months ago it was a Clarke . Just a light weight 85 amp gas less.
It was great for lite welding .
Ideal starter home welder.

But . My inverter I love as without bragging I have been welding since I was if I recall about 8 years old now 54.
And I started out on arc . An old massive oil cooled one.
and as I can use my inverter for plasma cutting Tig and arc plus I am a bit of a wizz with the arc. I decided the mig would be better of in somone else's garage.

But if you are starting out it's a mig all day and for occasional use . flux core wire would be a good start

[Saga Lout]

I have two Arc welders, I have Oxy Acetylene, I have a carbon arc torch and a Clarke pro 90 mig. I made the mig into a turbo mig, you basically fit a fan so that the duty cycle is longer. I like the mig as it's an all round welder of up to 6mm with a good weld, I always cut the tips a bit shorter than the shrouds as it lets the gas flow better and doesn't clog the ends of the shrouds as fast, it reduces the mess at the end of the torch, a 0.6 wire is also best in this mig.
I bought my first mig in 1983 so I've been using them for a long time, the current group of migs are space age compared to back then. I don't know what you want to weld but C02 is mostly good enough gas for mild steel, when you start with higher grade metals your gas must match your applications.
It's a personal choice but the Clarke welders are very good for home use.

[It runs]

Yes you are right . It was in a sale at the time . I like the mod you did with the fan . You could weld thin metal all day on the low setting but welding 5 mm on the high setting the duty cycle was poor . Fine for short runs but that's all.
But I only weld at home now when I need .
I used to weld a huge amount . . Welding lots of different projects where I worked . From assembly of trailer chassis . To small out of sight behind dash parts for Aston Martin. And loading buckets for thwaites dumpers . Welding 6 foot continual welds. It was like being on a hot beach on holiday . Took alot of concentration.

[trikey]

Originally Posted by COLVERT

Personally I'd get a small MIG welder.

As you must know you will get a better formed and less brittle joint with one of them.

Just my opinion.--

Not strictly true Colvy, the type of equipment isn't as important as the skill of the person using it, mig is preferable for car panels etc as it doesn't generate the heat of an arc welder.

My advice is if you are thinking of spending £400 on a welder, spend £200 on the kit and £200 on welding classes at night school.

[steve-45]

Very good advice Andy.

[Discofan]

Originally Posted by trikey

Not strictly true Colvy, the type of equipment isn't as important as the skill of the person using it, mig is preferable for car panels etc as it doesn't generate the heat of an arc welder.

My advice is if you are thinking of spending £400 on a welder, spend £200 on the kit and £200 on welding classes at night school.

Hi, thanks for all the advice guys, ive done plenty of welding before. I'm just seeking thoughts on current machines, if the combined mig / arc inverters are the way to go. I'll be welding mainly steel angle / box section, possibly lighter car body stuff.

[Avulon]

Originally Posted by trikey

Not strictly true Colvy, the type of equipment isn't as important as the skill of the person using it, mig is preferable for car panels etc as it doesn't generate the heat of an arc welder.

My advice is if you are thinking of spending £400 on a welder, spend £200 on the kit and £200 on welding classes at night school.

Especially if starting from scratch I don't think £200 is going to get you much. I'd suggest 400-500 on a multi purpose type welder with the accessories you want. Preferably something with the euro style connectors that does TiG MiG and MWA - Then there are all the other bits if you don't have them - decent mask (automatic adjustable) - Gloves, flow meters regulators for gases, welding apron, Grinders and abrasives... At least another £100 I'd say. I'm just starting to learn myself, using a cheapo Clarke 145 turbo (around £185: it's what my dad has been using[he is 81 now]) After some use I know that the welder itself is holding things back partly due to it's low quality in some areas and partly due to the lack of settings controls. Plus it could do with another 40watts of power available. The wire feed mechanism is horrendously bad, although I think I've got it dialled in at last.