Help

[alexandermarkwinter]

I am looking to buy either a stick or MIG welder, primarily for welding 10-15mm maximum thickness mild steel plate, it’s non structural and will be under no pressure. But I do ideally need it to be able to run off a standard 13amp plug, I know to weld thicker material you need to be working at around 200amp, and most welders would need to be single phase/16amp plug, so correct penetration can be achieved. I don’t mind pre heating and bevelling and doing multiple passes. Just look in for some expertise on what I should be spending money on. Thank you.

 

[bourbon]

You will struggle on a 13 amp plug at that thickness

 

[Barking Mat]

Welcome to the forum.

As what @bourbon said, frankly I'd be looking at a three phase wheel barrow sized transformer welder, and some large ish arc rods, not mig.

What are you making ?

 

[alexandermarkwinter]

Welcome to the forum.

As what @bourbon said, frankly I'd be looking at a three phase wheel barrow sized transformer welder, and some large ish arc rods, not mig.

What are you making ?

Hey. They’re just metal boxes made out of box section and steel plate, it’s more of a sort of sculptural thing, it’s something I enjoy making. I do all the prep but have to outsource the welding but would prefer to do it all myself. Thank you.

 

[Richiew]

Stick inverter using 3.2mm rods would do this, surely? Multiple passes, but the item is ground back anyway.

160amp stick inverter would manage and run off a standard plug.

 

[Dcal]

A small stick inverter will weld that no problem off a 13 amp plug.

2.5mm rods would leave less clean up and certainly far less grinding required than with mig.

 

[alexandermarkwinter]

Stick inverter using 3.2mm rods would do this, surely? Multiple passes, but the item is ground back anyway.

160amp stick inverter would manage and run off a standard plug.

That’s great, thank you.

 

[alexandermarkwinter]

A small stick inverter will weld that no problem off a 13 amp plug.

2.5mm rods would leave less clean up and certainly far less grinding required than with mig.

Thank you for your help

 

[Barking Mat]

Why is the metal so thick ?

 

[alexandermarkwinter]

Why is the metal so thick ?

As absurd as it may sound. I like the weight, it satisfies my odd feelings about tactility. I have in the past made similar pieces with much much thinner material, but unfortunately I prefer thicker plate which is of courses is slightly more complicated.

 

[skotl]

Welcome to the forum

Even if you can run the welder off a 13A plug it's likely that you'll need to swap the breaker (MCB) for a C16, as the welder will likely trip your current (probably B16) breaker each time.

To conform to regs you really need to get an electrician to test the circuit to ensure that it will support a C curve MCB (the resistance of the circuit is key), however if you have to get a spark out you may be as well to get them to run a new 16A circuit.

More info: https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/welder-tripping-garage.112645/ and https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/mcb-advice-b-type-to-c-type.67238/

 

[bourbon]

Make them out of thinner plate, them weigh the bottom with sand.

 

[waddycall]

A few tacks with a 2.5mm rod would hold those together. Easily run off a 13amp plug. I have an inverter tig/stick welder that’s been on a 13amp plug for many years and it’s never been an issue. Recently used it to multi pass weld some semi structural 8mm thick channel without any problems.

 

[tom2207]

make them out of 5mm and fill them with sand / concrete / even nuts and bolts , may add a new vibe to the whole job , either way , welcome to the forum.