Once again I'm overwhelmed with all the help and support. I've decided to go for (see below) Plus accessories. I will encourage my wife to take over my forum membership. Barking Mat I will PM you. MIG Welder Gasless 240V / 135 amp AC - Röhr MIG-135A Thank you all very much.
@MrsDangerMouse..... With pleasure mate, no worries. That looks suitable, does arc and mig. See my pm.
Oh dear.... no inductor, no rectifier - so the output is AC, and a 40 Amp minimum current, it won't be an easy machine for a beginner. This one would be much better: https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/cebora-k810-pocket-mig-for-sale.106370/
Yeah, but hey, gluing plant pot holders together... Not bodywork restoration. At that price if it's not your cup of tea, you can punt it on...
I want the Lidl one, the PMSG200A1 inverter multi process machine. Total bargain with a 3 year warranty for 200 Euros. There a few vids online of them in action. https://www.lidl-shop.be/fr-BE/PARK...0-A1-200-A-4-techniques-de-soudage/p100290595
Send it back! These are generic Chinese MIGs, they're around 80 quid on Ebay, sometimes without a 'German' name.. As Eddie says, they're pretty rubbish these top-loader, no rectifier jobs..
Yeah well, horses for courses... My mig is a three phase migatronic compact something or other... Compact? Vertical wheel barrow job. Lets not put beginners off.
The UK plug would worry me. Cut it off, voids guarantee. Running it off a sh1te uk to French converter plug would be my concern. @DangerMouse , can't you order it off amazon.fr with a French plug. Maybe worth it, seriously!
Have you considered starting with a secondhand set? E.G. enter "Poste à souder" and "Orne et départements voisins" into the Leboncoin website.
Top advice, your looking at over 330 euros, for an empty bottle for three years, 110 mig gas half size industrial bottle. For welding garden furniture, pot plant stands, etc, really I'd go arc and rods. it's a cost thing, and if it's not her cup of tea? I've a big arc you can borrow for a few months if you like @DangerMouse . Just buy a box of rods and you are off! There's a thought.....
she be fine once she masters not getting the rod sticking to the metal you just have to keep at it when I 1st started with the arc that's what happened but after a while, you get better and better just persevere oh and get a good make of rods
It's an Oxford oil filled 180 amp arc. Yes it's not light, has wheels, long leads. Does lovely welds... It however is not a handbag size inverter welder. I'm not being sexist, I mean, it's bl00dy heavy. But it's what I learnt on.
The blackline mig/mma is a pretty good box if thatthe price range your in, worth a look Nice gesture there well done. If you are in the parkside price range there is an endless supply of Chinese boxes to try. I would take a close look at the blackline mig box, also does mma and badged up by numerous suppliers including, I believe, snap on. The only drawback would be they reccomend 32a plug, although the welder is supplied without a plug a socket is thrown in, however for her work you are unlikely to be over 140a on stick weld which is fine on 13a plug and gives her the option to expand at a later date.
ill 2nd that I have a Olympic bantam 180 same machines yes deff bloody heavy but they give a great arc
The trouble is Mat' I've become totally confused by all the information and suggestions. Having said that I am grateful for the help people on the forum are trying to offer. I think I'll stick with the MIG welder that I've ordered and if Kathryn gets on with it then perhaps we can go for an arc later. Your offer of the arc welder is very kind but I am concerned that it'll be too heavy for Kathrynplus there's the issue of collecting it from you and returning it at some point. (Mrs Danger Mouse) Maybe the solution, for now, is to wait until we have some form of freedom of movement and then visit you for instruction and bring her machine with us. Does that work for you?
Give it 25 minutes and we'll find out. (Castex). My offers always open, whatever you choose. More than happy to show you the ropes. Take care, Mat