Looking for a low amp, small compact welder, for a narrowboat.

[matweld]

I currently have an old Clarke gasless mig which has seen better days. It is also quite large so I am looking for a replacement.

This will be for occasional use on my Narrowboat. It will only be used for small jobs, welding brackets, rings, etc.

I am pretty sure most things I will be welding will be mild steel. So being able to weld other metals would be a bonus, not a necessity. Ideally it will also be one that can run well on lower amps.

I don't mind gasless or gas if small bottles can be used, but size is a main priority. I also don't mind tig, mig, arc etc. Budget is around £400, but would prefer to spend less.

Thanks

 

[waddycall]

What material thicknesses do you expect to be welding? Also do you have any experience with tig or stick?

 

[matweld]

No experience with tig, but did use stick years ago. Happy to learn though. FYI I have been using gas and gasless mig for years. Now I am out of the motor trade, I am just trying to get the most compact system I can.

Thickness wise, I'd guess between 5-10mm on average. Think L bracket, onto steel box section kind of jobs.

Thanks

 

[chrismac]

Hi, I think a small inverter would be right up your street (or canel) using stick.

hope you get the advice your looking for.

Chris

 

[johnik]

i asked a similar question some years ago when someone wanted some welding done on a houseboat, i was warned off with the danger that oil / fuel residue could be lurking in the metal or keel...somethang to think about ?

 

[matweld]

i asked a similar question some years ago when someone wanted some welding done on a houseboat, i was warned off with the danger that oil / fuel residue could be lurking in the metal or keel...somethang to think about ?

Yep, there is always that risk, especially on older boats. I do expect most welding jobs will be away from the engine bay and bilges though, but as you said it's good to be aware of the risks. More than likely would be on a bench on the towpath.

 

[matweld]

Hi, I think a small inverter would be right up your street (or canel) using stick.

hope you get the advice your looking for.

Chris

Thanks, any recommendations for brands to check out?

 

[voipio]

Is it the intention to be able to weld when away from shore power? If so, the vessel's available generating capacity / inverter power will need to be considered.

 

[Bornfree]

Thanks, any recommendations for brands to check out?

The Chinese £50 one's on ebay work OK they say 200amp but they are more like 120amp and some have no earth connection and there's no warranty. Go for something like a sealey, sip or draper they will still be made in China but will be safe and have a warranty. 150-170amp will be fine.

 

[Mart63]

GYS in white or a Parweld.

 

[iNf]

The Lidl Parkside welders generally seem OK and you get a 3 year warranty. I've got a little 80A stick welder, it's done everything I want and is light enough to carry on your shoulder without noticing it's there. They also do mig welders, I think @JOEPRO uses one with gasless wire.

 

[Ruffian]

Would be looking at a cheap parweld stick welder or similar.

 

[Barking Mat]

The Lidl Parkside welders generally seem OK and you get a 3 year warranty. I've got a little 80A stick welder, it's done everything I want and is light enough to carry on your shoulder without noticing it's there. They also do mig welders, I think @JOEPRO uses one with gasless wire.

That's what I was thinking.

 

[eddie49]

Here is an eBay reseller offering the 120A Parkside arc welder at close to the in-store price:

OFFICIAL PARKSIDE Inverter Welder Welding Machine PISG 120 D5 - 120 A - NEW | eBay

PARKSIDE Inverter Welder Welding Machine PISG 120 D5 - 120 A. With its advanced features, this welder is ideal for both beginners and professionals. It is designed to make your welding process faster, more efficient, and more accurate.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Popcorn]

I can recommend one of these got mine 4 years ago and it's still going strong, gates, fences, repaired all sorts of crap and amazes me every time I take it out the box.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AYNEFY-Inverter-Welding-Machine-Display/dp/B098Q51W2Y/ref=sr_1_193_sspa?keywords=Arc%2BWelders&qid=1673742110&sr=8-193-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9idGY&th=1

 

[JOEPRO]

The Lidl Parkside welders generally seem OK and you get a 3 year warranty. I've got a little 80A stick welder, it's done everything I want and is light enough to carry on your shoulder without noticing it's there. They also do mig welders, I think @JOEPRO uses one with gasless wire.

Yes I have pro level welders and a Parkside multi process welder:



Which is actually one of these re branded I discovered later:



The Parkside above welds very nicely IMO. Here is a gas weld I did with it:

 

[arther dailey]

what power supply is available on the house boat , 13a, 16a? just another consideration to take into account.

 

[qwakers]

 

[Erie Fred]

What kind of rod is used for underwater welding ?

 

[eddie49]

I can recommend one of these got mine 4 years ago and it's still going strong, gates, fences, repaired all sorts of crap and amazes me every time I take it out the box.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/AYNEFY-Inverter-Welding-Machine-Display/dp/B098Q51W2Y/ref=sr_1_193_sspa?keywords=Arc%2BWelders&qid=1673742110&sr=8-193-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9idGY&th=1

Wow - £112 for a ZX7-200 ! They used to be about 35 Quid. Here is a cheaper one:

200A ARC Welder Inverter MMA Welding Machine IGBT Digital Display LCD (K653) | eBay

653- 200A ARC Welder Inverter MMA Welding Machine IGBT Digital Display LCD Hot Start Welding Machine DC Inverter Welder 220V Portable Electric Welder with Electrode Holder Work Clamp - RRP- £85.00. (Welding Machine & Holder Only NO OTHER ACCESSORIES. ).

www.ebay.co.uk