Hi! I've been looking forward to get started in MIG / MAG welding as a hobby, and I'm saving for lessons at a local welding school, but I will also need to buy a welder afterwards. I've compiled a list of welders I am interested in based on some threads I've seen here. Also, I am not from the UK, so that will be relevant to the topic.
So here's what I am looking for in a welder:
On the other hand, transformer welders have stood the test of time and are far easier to repair AFAIK. Weight difference is huge, but not very important to me as stated before.
I know that the old stick buzz boxes were transformer based, with my grandpa saying that "it took a real artist to use those without the rods sticking all the time". Do transformer MIG welders have the same issue?
So far I've compiled a list of welders I'm interested in and that seem to satisfy my requirements. I've set my budget at 600€ for the welder & torch alone, 700€ if it is a multiprocess welder. I believe this budget is fairly realistic and reasonable. Let me know if anything is wrong with the products listed below:
View media item 10897
By the way, is it viable to MAG weld the materials I want to work with? I could save a lot in gas by using either a Co2 bottle from those beer dispensers at bars or a fire extinguisher. Details would be much appreciated.
So here's what I am looking for in a welder:
- Can weld steel materials such as angle iron, square and round tubing, and sheet metal. Basically light fabrication and workshop furniture such as tables, shelves, structures and so on. Thicknesses range from 1 to 5 mm.
- Eurotorch connector. Reverse polarity is a must as well.
- 220-240V machine, with a Schuko plug. The outlet's breaker where it will be plugged is 16A.
- 30-160 Amp machine. More than 160 amps is always nice, but I want to have at least 30 amps as the minimum for thin materials.
- Indoors work for the most part, so weight is not much of a factor for me. As long as I can lift it myself it should be fine.
- At the very least assembled in Europe. I'm well aware that it is nigh impossible to get rid of Made in China products when it comes to electronics, but I expect the product to have been designed and assembled in Europe with the respective QC, and that includes no aluminium windings as a cheap alternative to copper in transformer welders.
On the other hand, transformer welders have stood the test of time and are far easier to repair AFAIK. Weight difference is huge, but not very important to me as stated before.
I know that the old stick buzz boxes were transformer based, with my grandpa saying that "it took a real artist to use those without the rods sticking all the time". Do transformer MIG welders have the same issue?
So far I've compiled a list of welders I'm interested in and that seem to satisfy my requirements. I've set my budget at 600€ for the welder & torch alone, 700€ if it is a multiprocess welder. I believe this budget is fairly realistic and reasonable. Let me know if anything is wrong with the products listed below:
View media item 10897
By the way, is it viable to MAG weld the materials I want to work with? I could save a lot in gas by using either a Co2 bottle from those beer dispensers at bars or a fire extinguisher. Details would be much appreciated.