So I have bought this from Stahlwerk who happen to be only 30 km from where I live.
It's a DC only machine - 200 amp with Puls mode.
It set me back just over 400€
It came as a complete kit - with helmet, pressure regulator, elektrodes, torch and ground lead, magnets, torch holder and a raft of torch accessories.
Unfortunately I have only one place where I can weld - in the cellar and the space is a bit limited.
This is probably totally Verboten in my rental contract but I'll risk it.
The first that I notice is that I needed more light on the table (I'll also have to look at another small table this IKEA serving trolley is not really a good solution).
With an LED workshop light mounted it now looks like this.
I spent a bit of time with the angle grinder and a diamond disc and sharpened my elektrodes.
I have a Parkside dremel type machine with a 3d printed head but unfortunetly the mini diamond discs didn't arrive in time.
Anyway I made a start on some offcuts of 1,5mm steel that I got on-line.
First thing that I had to do something about is the light from the ceiling.
The light from the ceiling lamp lights up the inside of helmet and reflects off the window.
This is a right PITA but the temporary solution is a piece of dark cotton taped to the back of the helmet.
Anyway the first attempts look like this.
I spent about 30 minutes then needed to take a break. I think I've got enough gas for another short session tomorrow.
I have a lot to learn and the first thing is that I have to be more patient. I was rushing along before the weld pool had really developed.
Obviously I dipped the elektrode more times than I can remember.
I need to develop a more comfortable position, I'm getting the hand of the torch so that it sits naturaly in the hand.
Be gentle with me.
It's a DC only machine - 200 amp with Puls mode.
It set me back just over 400€
It came as a complete kit - with helmet, pressure regulator, elektrodes, torch and ground lead, magnets, torch holder and a raft of torch accessories.
Unfortunately I have only one place where I can weld - in the cellar and the space is a bit limited.
This is probably totally Verboten in my rental contract but I'll risk it.
The first that I notice is that I needed more light on the table (I'll also have to look at another small table this IKEA serving trolley is not really a good solution).
With an LED workshop light mounted it now looks like this.
I spent a bit of time with the angle grinder and a diamond disc and sharpened my elektrodes.
I have a Parkside dremel type machine with a 3d printed head but unfortunetly the mini diamond discs didn't arrive in time.
Anyway I made a start on some offcuts of 1,5mm steel that I got on-line.
First thing that I had to do something about is the light from the ceiling.
The light from the ceiling lamp lights up the inside of helmet and reflects off the window.
This is a right PITA but the temporary solution is a piece of dark cotton taped to the back of the helmet.
Anyway the first attempts look like this.
I spent about 30 minutes then needed to take a break. I think I've got enough gas for another short session tomorrow.
I have a lot to learn and the first thing is that I have to be more patient. I was rushing along before the weld pool had really developed.
Obviously I dipped the elektrode more times than I can remember.
I need to develop a more comfortable position, I'm getting the hand of the torch so that it sits naturaly in the hand.
Be gentle with me.