I can run my pico 140 on around 130amps on a 13amp supply without killing the fuse to often, no reason why you can't run a good quality unit at 120amps. most 140amp units are suitable to run on a 13amp fuse, but will burn the fuse after prelonged use at full power
The amps isn't sort of relevant, as mig wire is thin and stick is.... thicker. It all balances out really.
If you want lots of welding power on a domestic supply, an arc inverter is probably the best way to go, but not for thin stuff. If you're a learner, dont bother trying to stick weld under 2mm. But if you have 6mm+ section to weld, go inverter arc.
An inverter will run 3.2mm rods all day on a 13A plug, no problem.
A transformer set will do 2.5's all day (ish), or 3.2's for a few minutes. (it also depends on how good your supply voltage is - the higher the better)
An inverter will run 3.2mm rods all day on a 13A plug, no problem.
A transformer set will do 2.5's all day (ish), or 3.2's for a few minutes. (it also depends on how good your supply voltage is - the higher the better)
Or an oil-cooled transformer set will happily weld 3.2mm all day (and night).
That said, I do have an old 1960's air-cooled arc welder that is rated continuous up to full amps (110A). But then the windings are solid copper, double strand, and VERY heavy
I really do think the ideal beginners arc welder as an Oxford RT110 (Pickhill, Cytringan, etc... they're all the same). Will comfortably run from a domestic 13A socket, no thermal cutout to worry about, built like the proverbial, and much better arc characteristics.