HI guys,

With a couple of small metal fab jobs I was thinking about getting one of these type of mini arc welders:

Any thoughts or advice appreciated

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Welding-Machine-I...mp;sr=8-10

What sort of things are you planning to do Greg?

I haven't tried one of those very small Arc machines, but a couple of years ago when I wanted to start welding some bits my research led me to a smallish MIG machine that was very highly rated: https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/135te-turbo-mig-welder/ . Looks to be about twice the physical size of the mini machines you've listed, but I've been very happy with it, and have used it for all sorts of random jobs around the house/garden, boats and Land Rovers!

I personally decided to go for MIG, as it seemed a bit more flexible for the different types of jobs I wanted to do, and at least as a beginner supposedly easier to get good welds with.

The mini arc machines work ok for metal of about 3-4mm (~1/4”), they are crap on metal under 1mm like car body’s unless you are very skilled with a arc welder, they turn into plasma cutters lol! They are good in the field as you can run them on a small generator or long extension lead plus unlikely to trip a normal 13amp circuit.

I agree with the comment above, that MIG is the best novice method to start with and get reasonable welds but are a bit more expensive. Try a ‘gas-less’ machine that uses flux core wire if it’s a one off job and out side work or go for a normal MIG with C02 if doing lots of work, cleaner welds but have access to a garage or workshop.

Note these little arc welders are normally over rated- if it says 140amp’s, it’s likely to be nearer 90-100amp’s maxed out, still enough for 3-4mm Metal

I’d also recommend going with a MIG welder . It will do all that the small stick machines can and much more

As said above it really depends on what you’re looking to fab.

https://www.millerwelds.com/resources/arti...ourselfers 4.2 SC - sold , now bought back
4.4 AdBlu Tractor - Stolen

thanks a lot guys of the feedback, will check out the mig options.

. Cheers, Greg
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2011 Vogue SE 4.4 with lots of toys in Stornaway

Note the reason I mentioned flux core for outside and CO2 bottle shielded for inside is because in wind situations the CO2 gas shielding can be blown away, if you weld on a still day or can make up a wind block you will be fine and get better results than with flux core. Some machines do both which may be an advantage.

Don’t buy a to powerful MIG welder (200+ amps) or you will blow fuses/trips on a normal 13amp fuse, a 150 or 180 amp machine will be the largest you can run near flat out, I use a 200 amp ESAB Rebel on a 13 amp circuit but cannot turn it up to max for heavy welding on 3/8” or 5mm+ material but can weld 1/4” or 3mm no problem.

Also long extension leads will cause problems due to voltage drop, buy a quality heavy duty 1.5mm 3 core (1.5mm per core) cable around 10m (25m max) in length.

If you are luck to have 3 phase or can install a dedicated 16amp or 30 amp supply you can run some very powerful machines!

bought my youngest son a power devil mig for xmas..all the reviews were positive and it only cost £60....it also has a non live? handle ??. ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
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Who knew Stan or Corbyn could weld.