Handyman Welder

[Teabag]

Guys, looking at purchasing a handyman welder for home that is reasonably priced. Needs to be able to do basic mods for Camper/4wd etc, weld steel and ally but only 10amp power socket. Don't have 15amp at this house......Any ideas you boiler makers and handymen......

PS: must be easy to use.....

[jclures]

I have used one of these, works well.
http://www.lincolnelectric.com.au/products/product_detail/welding-cutting-equipment/mig-welders/power-mig-180c

[Swogjb]

I have a mate that bought one of these a while back.
Works a treat  and only a 10amp plug.
IMO the toolex gear is pretty good value and quality.
https://www.gasweld.com.au/products/580024
 

[GSK33]

Hey Teabag, Repco have a sale on ATM. Not sure if it's 10amp or 15amp welder? You will prob need 15amp circuit to run a welder anymore then tack welding or you will keep tripping circuit breaker?
Cheers
Geoff

http://catalogues.repco.com.au/offer/welding-equipment-supplies/mechpro-140-amp-inverter-arc-welder/4ne2ibkkc.html?source=homepage

[dno]

I also have a Lincoln brand welder and find it easy to use and it works well. I wouldn't be to worried about the 15amp plug if it's just for your use just cut it off and put a 10amp on it and don't use the higher end settings. If you go this way just check the small units with the 10amp plug and see what there max welding currant is and use this as a guide to the max you should use if you change the plug on a larger unit. This way you have the option of more power if it becomes available.

[whitey]

As John subscribed,( Lincon) but you have to take in consideration with the Mig the cost of cylinder rental $ 140 -$185 per yr (supergas is the cheapest around these parts) and resupply of gas when it runs out again varies $100 - $160 for an E size cylinder... i have a 240 Uni Mig just getting used to it myself but wish i bought a smaller type that is easy to lug around,,,, because of that fact I do a lot of stick work with my Arc / Tig unit which is another option if you are doing Aluminium or s/steel.All in all get as much info of the Forum and go and test weld from a supply mob they are always helpful,

[Teabag]

Thanks for all the tips. Have not done much welding over the years but have some things for the 4wd and camper and would like to have a crack myself....it will be a steep learning curve with much practice......only ever stick welded....

[Swogjb]

Thanks for all the tips. Have not done much welding over the years but have some things for the 4wd and camper and would like to have a crack myself....it will be a steep learning curve with much practice......only ever stick welded....

If you can stick weld...... You will find a MIG welder a piece of pi$$
I purchased a bit bigger 250 amp MIG a couple of years ago and although I don't use it every day, I find that I'll give the bit bigger jobs a go now that I've got a MIG.
I have saved a heap off money being able to make things myself.
Good luck with it.

[whitey]

Well if you can stick weld you will love the Mig

[Teabag]

Cheers, never said I was a good stick welder but yes, I can do it.....hehehe

[jnik]

I have a mate that bought one of these a while back.
Works a treat  and only a 10amp plug.
IMO the toolex gear is pretty good value and quality.
https://www.gasweld.com.au/products/580024
 

Different brand, but I've had one of these for many (, many, many) years.

I now have one of these as well:

  http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/PLASMA-CUTTER-CT416-TIG-ARC-INVERTER-WELDER-3-1-/270790470617?pt=AU_Welding&hash=item3f0c5eabd9

I've also had this one for about five years (cost me a lot more than $575 when I bought it).

If you can stick weld I'd go for the CT416 unless you're doing light-weight stuff. Or, if you don't want the plasma cutter, a DC inverter stick welder (I find it too easy to make a good-looking but weak MIG weld).

I was using it to build one of these (before kids), plasma cutter came in really handy:

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh9JYXMxa0o
	Small | Large

BTW I've purchased parts to turn it into a spool-gun MIG too, but haven't yet found the time to put it all together ... one day.

[BeNos]

imo your probably better off getting a good quality second handie over a cheaper brand newie.
look for brands like wia, lincoln, kempie, unimig, boc or along them lines. they will be dearer than a cheaper one but the quality imo is worth it.
i have a second hand unimig which touch wood is welding like a champ. sometimes the champ weilding the torch isnt so good haha.
remember though alloy mig welding usually requires a spool gun or its rather hard to get the wire to come to the torch without just curling up in the machine.
and to be honest i had originally had a 10amp plug on this beast but put a 15amp point in and new socket and there is a marked improvement in welding ability. even on the lower settings.
and imo depending on what your doing id be looking for something at least 150-180 amps. this should weld up to about 6mm with relative ease with little to no prep work. and going for it with a bit of prep work and patience will do up to about 10mm plate with a couple of passes.
thats my view anyway. though im only  a handyman
and also worth every penny and i will be doing one once i settle in with a new job upcoming il be doing a tafe mig coarse. very very helpful though mig is heaps easier than stick.

[db]

I got one like these http://www.bocworldofwelding.com.au/catalog/product/view/id/1/s/smootharc-mma-130/category/9/.  I can't weld very well, but its easy to use and light weight.