A decent cheap arc welder that can do 3.2mm electrodes?

[ELL]

I bought a super cheap "250a" welder for 40 quid, and not surprisingly, doesn't have the power to do 3.2mm electrodes even at full amperage. I am now looking for a cheap, any brand that will do it, arc welder to weld using 3.2mm electrodes. As long as it works OK, that's all I'm bothered about. 50-100 quid if possible. Thanks.

 

[fizzy]

Look for something tatty and used. Remember it will need a hefty power outlet to run it. Modern technology inverters are a lot more efficient but also a lot more expensive than old transformers. You only need 140amps to run 3.2mm rods.

 

[frank horton]

if ur not doing s lot just get a buzz box tranny welder....
def get a copper wound model....usually older......pick it up before buying, they are very heavy compared to the cr@py ally models....
mines a 180amp and nearly 20 years old now.....it'll run 3.2's quite happily....
just make sure the cooling, ventilation fan is working.....
the bigger the amp machine the longer run time u'll get before the thermal cut out kicks in.....

 

[leadpig]

Bit dearer, but rtech do a 175a that will run 4mm. And 6010
I have the 135 but they don't seem to sell them now

 

[KemppiFrog]

I bought a used GYS 160P off this forum and very happy with it. No prob with 3.2s. Can't remember what I paid, but not a lot. Not tried it on 4mm but it puts that below it's top amps. I mostly use it out of the w/shop, as my Mig does everything in there, accasional SS rods. Came in a decent case and very light.
I also have an 'Add On' box that converts it into a Tig with HT start and gas control.

Oh, if you don't mind the weight, an old Oxford oil cooled one does fine. I cut my teeth on one at age 11 and later, built a bundle of trailers with it. Fool proof and prob quite cheap.
KF

 

[Richiew]

Parweld arc welders put out the amps that they say they do. I own one. No probs with it.

 

[8ob]

I bought a super cheap "250a" welder for 40 quid, and not surprisingly, doesn't have the power to do 3.2mm electrodes even at full amperage. I am now looking for a cheap, any brand that will do it, arc welder to weld using 3.2mm electrodes. As long as it works OK, that's all I'm bothered about. 50-100 quid if possible. Thanks.

Depends on what you are doing and what you are plugging into, duty cycle on some of the cheap sets are very low and a lot of transformer types need a decent supply. Your budget is pointing towards an old oil cooled Oxford.

Bob

 

[iNf]

Staticarcwelding.co.uk based in UK could call them and get their advice on if the welder will do what you want, phone number on this link
https://g.co/kgs/ExrGPFL
Website here, 10% code on Website
https://staticarcwelding.co.uk/collections/welding-cutting-machines

 

[Smallfry]

I have got a little Parweld XTS 143. Cost just under £100.

When I opened the box, I thought they were joking. Runs 3.2 rods no problem, and it has not even cut out yet.