Hi guys new here question on a MTE 220

[Gavin_d]

Hi guys. I used to be a fabricator a few years back but now work in the family business (vehicle tech).

I would like to purchase a tig welder for a bit of fun and small fabrication in my home garage. Now all i seem to find on ebay is chinease welders whitch i dont want as i would like somthing that will last or atleast could get repaired easily. Ive found a migatronic MTE 220 cheap (i trust migatronic as this is what i used to mig alloy day in day out and was a great machine)

My main question is this welder can be used as a single phase 240v, right?

So can i just put a normal 3 pin household plug, set it up inside and get welding? Or will the current draw trip my normal houshold electrics and melt the plug.

I would get an inverter but i dont know what make to trust, cant find anything secound hand and they all seem very expensive this is why the migatronic has really tempted me.

 

[Robotstar5]

Hi, welcome to the forum, just had a quick search for that model and it looks like it needs a 50Amp supply, so to answer your question, no it won't run off a 13A plug, you will need a dedicated supply installed.

 

[Gavin_d]

Thanks for the info and time to research, Ive found the migatronic manual download now. Would you recomend this welder as its cheaper than an inverter type or should i save a little more for an inverter.

I could always get a better power supply installed. Have a couple of freinds who are sparkys

 

[brightspark]

Hi, welcome to the forum, just had a quick search for that model and it looks like it needs a 50Amp supply, so to answer your question, no it won't run off a 13A plug, you will need a dedicated supply installed.

dont forget to tell him about part p just kidding it had to be said

 

[Robotstar5]

The older transformer based machines are generally built to last and if they do go wrong can be fixed, modern inverter types have more "bells & whistles" but repairs can be expensive.

 

[Gavin_d]

Part p?

Hmmmm decisions decisions.

This really is hard lol.

 

[Robotstar5]

Part p?

Hmmmm decisions decisions.

This really is hard lol.

Pretty much all domestic electrical work now comes under part P of the building regulations, but as you know a couple of sparkies that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Gavin_d]

Ohhh thanks. Think ill save up for an inverter type, ive only go 600 to spend at the min. Mabye ill find a good deal in the for sale section on here one day.

 

[lshigham]

You are probably going to have to upgrade the supply if you get an inverter too, unless you don't need more than 150-160A

 

[Gavin_d]

Thanks. I'll look into this.