Advice on this welder and transformer?

[RockerC]

Hey Guys.

Brand new to the forums, but have been checking the site out for a while now and decided to join.

I need some advice on a TIG welder I want to buy and a transformer for it. I'm new to welding, so you'll have to excuse my "ignorance" to technical terms.

I want to start practicing welding aluminum and steel, so I've decided its best to invest in a Tig to get myself into a pretty good practice from the start.


My question today is: Are these two compatible? I've been having some issues finding a good source of information on using a domestic power supply for welding, and only tonight realized I didn't have to buy a petrol generator to power the welder I'm after!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0002GUQ...de=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B0002GUQEW

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330538176423&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123

Can I just plug the transformer straight into my domestic power supply and connect this welder? Or is it a bit more complex than that? Im really keen to get learning how to weld.


Thanks guys!

Chris

 

[the snooper]

that welder should run ok from a 13 amp socket

 

[brightspark]

Hey Guys.

Brand new to the forums, but have been checking the site out for a while now and decided to join.

I need some advice on a TIG welder I want to buy and a transformer for it. I'm new to welding, so you'll have to excuse my "ignorance" to technical terms.

I want to start practicing welding aluminum and steel, so I've decided its best to invest in a Tig to get myself into a pretty good practice from the start.


My question today is: Are these two compatible? I've been having some issues finding a good source of information on using a domestic power supply for welding, and only tonight realized I didn't have to buy a petrol generator to power the welder I'm after!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0002GUQ...de=asn&creative=22206&creativeASIN=B0002GUQEW

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330538176423&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:GB:1123

Can I just plug the transformer straight into my domestic power supply and connect this welder? Or is it a bit more complex than that? Im really keen to get learning how to weld.


Thanks guys!

Chris

dunno if im mising anything but is the welder 110volt or 240 volt

if its 240 a transformer isnt needed just a 16 amp supply at 240v

 

[cumbriasteve]

Bit puzzled really, what is the benefit of the transformer?

Most welding sets will run off the normal 240v 3 pin plug up to about 150 amps, I actually run just over 200 amps for short bursts with no problems at all.

Apart from that you run a dedicated supply from the mains box with a higher rated breaker and a heavier cable terminating in the blue plug type.

 

[the snooper]

that transformer is for 110 volt power tools

 

[RockerC]

Thanks for the quick replies guys! Really appreciate it. I have no idea whatsoever on the voltage side of things. I've messaged the guy a few times on the item but he hasn't mentioned anything about the voltage. I could ask him though I guess.

What could I use instead of a transformer to get power to the welder from a domestic power supply? Im renting a house at the moment you see, and its a no no on modifying the power supply.

Chris

 

[the snooper]

that transformer reduces 240 volt to 110 and is not needed for that welder as the welder operates from 240 volts
you only need to upgrade the power supply if you intend to use the welder up full

 

[cumbriasteve]

I think the advert stating 16 amps is misleading you, it should work fine by just plugging it into a socket, only if you do a lot of welding an full power it may just blow a fuse now and again

 

[RockerC]

I think the advert stating 16 amps is misleading you, it should work fine by just plugging it into a socket, only if you do a lot of welding an full power it may just blow a fuse now and again

You mean I can just cut the 16 amp socket off of it and put on a 13 amp plug and plug it straight in? And also.. by blowing a fuse.. (I really have no clue whatsoever on electrics) do you mean blowing the fuse in the plug I would use or some kind of fuse in the house's main power supply?

that transformer reduces 240 volt to 110 and is not needed for that welder as the welder operates from 240 volts#
you only need to upgrade the power supply if you intend to use the welder up full

Thank you for the advice here guys

 

[the snooper]

yeah take off the 16 amp plug and fit a standard 3 pin and it will only blow the fuse in the plug if you use it up full for any length of time

 

[Ragnarok]

you don't need the transformer so add the cot of that to your budget
you say you want to weld aluminium? that machine won't do that, if you want to tig weld aluminium you need an AC/DC machine, that one is DC only.
i wouldn't buy that welder if you want to do tig welding if i were you.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Yes put a normal 3 pin plug on it same as any other plug in the house..it may blow the fuse in the plug or trip the circuit breaker in the house but as mentioned this is unlikely, even if it does no damage will occur.

I think you will find it will be fine

 

[RockerC]

Yes put a normal 3 pin plug on it same as any other plug in the house..it may blow the fuse in the plug or trip the circuit breaker in the house but as mentioned this is unlikely, even if it does no damage will occur.

I think you will find it will be fine

Thank you

yeah take off the 16 amp plug and fit a standard 3 pin and it will only blow the fuse in the plug if you use it up full for any length of time

Thank you also

you don't need the transformer so add the cot of that to your budget
you say you want to weld aluminium? that machine won't do that, if you want to tig weld aluminium you need an AC/DC machine, that one is DC only.
i wouldn't buy that welder if you want to do tig welding if i were you.

Could you recommend any welders for aluminum? Im willing to part with 250 quid or so I think.. maybe a bit more if its a good investment.

 

[the snooper]

an ac tig your probably looking at a grand new or close to

 

[Ragnarok]

you can't get a tig that will weld aluminium for £250 minimum is about £750 i think, unless you go for a used one.

 

[RockerC]

an ac tig your probably looking at a grand new

Blimey! You guys must be rich running these things. lol. Are there any for things that Im looking to weld in my price range? Im looking to be trying to weld thin aluminum tubes (found on bicycles) and also aluminum angle and rectangular section to maybe 2 to 3mm wall or something. I dont intend to do anything serious at the moment.

 

[the snooper]

there is a sip for £580 here

 

[Ragnarok]

no ac tig is the only way to do that really, so £750 for the machine alone is your minimum budget really.
then you will need a helmet, argon cylinder, filler wires, ect, ect.

 

[RockerC]

there is a sip for £580 here

wow that is a really nice welder for the price! Looks perfect. Thanks for the link I'll start putting money away for that one then. Is it the same deal with the power supply with that one? Sorry! lol..

 

[the snooper]

yeah if you use it below 140 amps otherwise that one well defo blow a fuse as its 200 amp so its more powerfull then the other