Steel Q's

[alga]

Originally Posted by HandyAndy

I hope the above covers the info you wanted ?

Cheers, very interesting. Makes me want to start an FAQ thread and link all gems of posts like this one there

Albertas

[Headshot]

sorry for dragging this thread out,

but is this welder any good?

http://cambridge.gumtree.com/cambridge/45/58803645.html

cheers

[Bonzo]

A tad low on power I would say .... It would be OK for the chassis tubes but would struggle on the platework !!

You really need to be looking for something with at least 150 amps.

I am ging to stick my neck out here .... Almost certain sure, that welder will be a re-branded Chineese import .... Some are quite good & some are dreadfull

[Davey]

Spend a bit more and get at least a 160Amp unit, preferably with a Euro torch and one that can take the larger 13KG rolls of wire. Mine is an Italian unit rated at 160Amps made by CEM but its poor quality for what it cost. It doesn't have the Euro connector for the torch and only takes 5KG rolls which unwind themselves and get tangled too easily. The feed motor is too small, I've had to replace the main power selector switch and the wire feed control rheostat is dodgy so stay away from CEM too . It has been in regular use for over twenty years though

D.

[ozzy1]

Just to add a bit of fuel to the fire
I tried a chinese mig and most have probs with the wire feed motor/mechanism as they are really shit and not worth the bother unless you can get somebody to recommend you a good one that they have.
I just bought a 170 amp inverter arc welder as this is what we use at work(mine site).It is a quality brand Cigweld and has 3 year warranty etc,anyway the best part is the price as it cost me $399 about 240 quid and is absolutely fantastic.The quality of the welds is excellent and even my 3 year old could strike an arc with it as its basically one touch onto the workpiece and it arcs up.Although i will admit it is easier to tack your chassis with a mig

[Headshot]

Think I am going to get A Clarke mig, of around 150 amp, just gotta unload stuff on ebay first

[Headshot]

I have just blagged a welder on long term (read years) loan money will get spent on a chassis kit instead of a welder