A new adventure...

[Gapster]

Hi all, I'm just about to purchase my first welder, probably a Kemppi 200. I'm buying a welder to work on my Land Rovers and to be able to weld 'in the field' so need something that works from a generator. I'm planning to weld with and without gas on as many test peices before I take the plunge and attack my Land Rover project.

As I'm a 'newbie' I'm hoping I don't ask too many questions that can't be found in the search option...

However, as a starter:

I currently live in France and am planning a visit to the UK next week (London & Cambridge) and hope to pick up a few basics. Are there any recommended 'walk in' shops in these places?

I would like to buy a good, safe, recommended auto helmet to get me started? Either from fleabay or a shop. (Is it a good idea to buy spare lenses at the same time?)

Also after a starter kit of gloves, jacket etc. I guess ebay could be the way to go for these too?

 

[Jim Davey]

I'd be more concerned about buying the right generator than the right helmet.
But yes, a decent lid is a big help. Also welding overhead quickly ruins lenses so yes, buying some spares if possible at the same time is a really smart thing to do.
Seek advice from your Kemppi seller as to the most suitable sized generator and follow his recommendations to the letter to avoid potential expensive and non warrantee covered damage to your new machine.

 

[Gapster]

Yes, buying the right machine is the problem...

However, I've read nothing but good reviews on the Kemppi. A little expensive, as all the 'compact' welders appear to be, but seems to be simple to use, robust and reliable?

 

[colnerov]

Hi, Is your welding going to be mainly 'off grid' i.e. from a generator? if so then you would be advised to use a welder generator. I think you would be surprised at the size of a generator to supply a welder and still not work properly.

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/...erator-do-i-need-to-a-run-my-mig-welder.1756/

Colin

 

[Gapster]

No, mainly in the barn. I already have a 2500w generator that I've been using for the farm when we have the occasional power cuts (3-days)

 

[Gapster]

Yes, you are probably correct - but it has worked in my friends 'cheapo' Sealey mig welder. I'll look into something more appropriate when necessary.

The more I keep looking at options to buy, the more confused I get. I'm lucky enough to have 3-phase in the building but without something that plugs into a single phase it limits my oprions.

There are many alternatives to the Kemppi 200, and at around £750 it's quite an investment, but going buy the feedback/reviews it's areasonably 'safe' option.

However, the R-tech mig 180 is looking good...

 

[anto]

Esab Caddy Mig C160i or C200i is also a comparable machine.

A quick look at the tech sheet for the C160i shows that at 20% duty cycle itl do 200amps on straight CO2.

 

[steveo3002]

cambridge has makays which is a walk in hardware store , not really sure if they'd be what you wanted

mostly overpriced stuff you can get online for less

https://www.mackay.co.uk/

just outside cambridge
http://www.elliotts.co.uk/our-showroom

and then machine mart...low end stuff , but you might find something you need
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/pages/stores/location/cambridge

 

[Gapster]

Yes, thanks, I already had a look at those.

I'm 'dithering' a bit because I'm not sure I need to spend so much on a first basic mig welder. I want a warrantee, which is why I'm buying new, and I would like a good after sales should anything go wrong.

I spoke to the R-tech people today and they seemed very helpful. Plus I can get 5% off with the stuff I'm hoping to buy. Might even stretch to a plasm cutter as Xmas is coming

Ahhhh, bugger, Deciisions, decisions...

 

[Gapster]

Yes, Mackays. I used them a lot when I lived in Cambridge. I'll probably pop in to get some consumables whilst I'm there.

Thanks for reminding me.