After some great advice in a previous topic, I'm now looking into getting my first welder!
Originally I intended on getting a MIG machine, but as I'll only be working outside for the foreseeable future, and welding thicker materials, MMA seems to be the way forward.
I plan on welding up to 5-6mm mild steel stock and (rusty) thicker old I-beams etc for 'industrial' style furniture.
I'm aiming for under £200 as I need to buy all the gear too, but could stretch it very slightly.
In the future I wouldn't mind experimenting with TIG too, so lift-TIG sounds like a nice feature.
I'll have a 16A supply soon, but may initially run it at 13A.
Based on the above, this is my initial shortlist (in no particular order):
Parweld XTS 162 (£175) - 78V OCV - 20% @ 160A
GCE Arcontrol 200A (£215) - 60V OCV - 30% @ 200A / 100% @ 110A
Clarke AT162 (£180) - 85V OCV - 25% @ 160A
I'm leaning towards the GCE from WeldingSuppliesDirect as although I won't always be at its upper end, its increased potential may be nice to have and the higher overall duty cycle may be beneficial?
However, the GCE has a much lower OCV than the others. How key is OCV?
Appreciate any and all feedback!
Originally I intended on getting a MIG machine, but as I'll only be working outside for the foreseeable future, and welding thicker materials, MMA seems to be the way forward.
I plan on welding up to 5-6mm mild steel stock and (rusty) thicker old I-beams etc for 'industrial' style furniture.
I'm aiming for under £200 as I need to buy all the gear too, but could stretch it very slightly.
In the future I wouldn't mind experimenting with TIG too, so lift-TIG sounds like a nice feature.
I'll have a 16A supply soon, but may initially run it at 13A.
Based on the above, this is my initial shortlist (in no particular order):
Parweld XTS 162 (£175) - 78V OCV - 20% @ 160A
GCE Arcontrol 200A (£215) - 60V OCV - 30% @ 200A / 100% @ 110A
Clarke AT162 (£180) - 85V OCV - 25% @ 160A
I'm leaning towards the GCE from WeldingSuppliesDirect as although I won't always be at its upper end, its increased potential may be nice to have and the higher overall duty cycle may be beneficial?
However, the GCE has a much lower OCV than the others. How key is OCV?
Appreciate any and all feedback!