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Welders
https://www.ausmini.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=7404		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Konzo [ Fri May 20, 2005 9:21 pm ]
Post subject:  Welders
For all your mini work, what type of welder do you use?
Anyone recommend a cheap one?
Author:  drmini in aust [ Fri May 20, 2005 10:41 pm ]
Post subject: 
I run a Kemppi 125A that I bought S/H for $450, years ago. Ex panelbeater's welder.
My previous job for 20+ years was welding engineer at Rheem, I've used lots of MIG machines from 100A to 1000A on various jobs.

Many of the el cheapo ones are just toys. Maybe OK for occasional use, but little capacity for hard work. I'd avoid the gasless only ones, they restrict what you can do. I've found gas (argon + CO2) and solid wire do a better job, particularly if there's any rust. it's a Mini? Right..... :lol:
If you can afford a good one, get the Lincoln 170A, or the WIA 150S. Both are excellent machines, but cost $1000 up. :wink:
Of the cheapies I'd go for the Cigweld one.
Author:  Chris [ Sat May 21, 2005 12:57 am ]
Post subject: 
A good source is second hand out of the classifieds. I bought a second hand ESAB mig for $500. They don't come much better than that. You get what you pay for. If you have 3 phase then there are lots of 2nd hand ones around.
Author:  Metalfab_101 [ Sat May 21, 2005 4:14 am ]
Post subject: 
drmini in aust wrote:
I'd avoid the gasless only ones, they restrict what you can do. I've found gas (argon + CO2) and solid wire do a better job, particularly if there's any rust.

Another thing to take into account is price of consumables. You can get a 15KG roll of solid wire for $30 - $40. A 5kg roll of gassless wire will be in the order of $90.

drmini in aust wrote:
If you can afford a good one, get the Lincoln 170A,

I had one of these, nice little machine. Nice & compact, though pretty heavy to lug around. Got a Lincoln 205 now 8) (hey, I like red :D )

drmini in aust wrote:
or the WIA 150S.

My welding instructor at TAFE recommended these. I have never used one but he know's what he is talking about. I am pretty sure they come in under the Lincoln on price too.

drmini in aust wrote:
Both are excellent machines, but cost $1000 up.

I'd be pretty suprised if you couldn't get either the Lincoln or WIA under $1k if you shop around.
Author:  drmini in aust [ Sat May 21, 2005 6:50 am ]
Post subject: 
Lincoln 170 is not much under $1000, the WIA is around $1400 list. Nice machine, I use on on site work. Lighter than the Lincoln. But, the Lincoln has a 3 year warranty. 8)

Hey, my Kemppi is RED too.. also has a built in 12V/24V battery fast charger and a 6 second 200A car start booster in it.. :P
Good for those sub-zero mornings in Finland..
Author:  Metalfab_101 [ Sat May 21, 2005 7:11 am ]
Post subject: 
drmini in aust wrote:
Lincoln 170 is not much under $1000, the WIA is around $1400 list. Nice machine, I use on on site work.

I could have sworn I saw the WIA cheaper somewhere. Then again, it'd hardly be the first time i've been wrong :lol: For that money I reckon it'd be hard to go past the Lincoln.

drmini in aust wrote:
also has a built in 12V/24V battery fast charger and a 6 second 200A car start booster in it..

Hey that's pretty cool 8)

You got a TIG, Kev?
Author:  drmini in aust [ Sat May 21, 2005 7:19 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm hoping the tax man will assist me in buying a TIG next financial year. A DC inverter- I can't afford an AC with HF. But, the boss has one at work... 8)
Author:  Metalfab_101 [ Sat May 21, 2005 7:37 am ]
Post subject: 
drmini in aust wrote:
I'm hoping the tax man will assist me in buying a TIG next financial year. A DC inverter- I can't afford an AC with HF. But, the boss has one at work... 8)


Yeah, those little ESABs look OK. They used to use those at the mine I used to work at. It they will survive there, they'll survive my shed!!!

Might be an idea for me to build the shed first though :oops:
Author:  Mick [ Sat May 21, 2005 9:46 am ]
Post subject: 
I used to service these machines many years ago. Always found the CIG's to be on the flimsy side. Their construction made them susceptible to breaking down.
The large diodes on the rectifier bridges were the worst.

Miller and Lincoln were always my favourite.
Author:  drmini in aust [ Sat May 21, 2005 2:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
All the little baby ones are pretty flimsy. Telwin, SIP, Cigweld... I'd pay a bit more and buy something that will last. :wink:
<edit> I've had my Kemppi about 12 years now!
Great for doing `plug' or `MIG spot' welds too- as it has a spot timer.. :P
Author:  Chris [ Sat May 21, 2005 9:54 pm ]
Post subject: 
This looks good. 215Amps on single phase!

http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/82/0c005982.asp
Author:  drmini in aust [ Sat May 21, 2005 10:19 pm ]
Post subject: 
Yep, that's a good one. As are all WIA's stuff. Pity they got sold to the Yanks though (as did Cigweld). :cry:

I've seen single phase M/Cs rated up to 275A, but the standards used to derive this figure were pretty dubious.
Author:  Zetec_RS [ Sun May 22, 2005 2:23 am ]
Post subject: 
I have a BOC 150C which retailed for around $1100 when I was looking a few years back but managed to pick up an Ex trade fair (new) unit for considerably less - good timing. It's a copper wound tranny and a full size wand which makes getting replacemnt parts easier (and cheaper) also - another consideration when going with a "named" brand. I believe their bigger unit (the 195?) might have a spot timer as well.............

I guess if you can pick up a known machine for a good price or second hand it will probably retain it's value more than these "handy man" portable units anyway :D
Author:  Mick [ Sun May 22, 2005 7:36 pm ]
Post subject: 
I seem to remember that a good indication of a good welder was it's weight.
The larger the weight of a single phase welder, the less spatter that you will get.

It's to do with the phyical and electrical properties of the welder with the rise and fall of the mains supplied 240 volt AC sinewave.
If the manufacturer constructed it with a larger core of steel within the windings it produced a smoother output.

There were some noteable exceptions to the rule, but to find them you might have to speak to a couple of Fitters or Boilermakers.
Author:  Besser [ Mon May 23, 2005 8:09 am ]
Post subject:  most important part
With most things the most important part of welding is the operator. If you buy a welder then get some quality training. I have Mig and Oxy and it took me hours of practice to get really good welds.

When you thing your ok then make the welding harder for your self.

When doing panels, the best weld is the one that has goos penetration, low buildup and doesnt warp the panel. when you can do that, your ready to apply it to a mini.

Good luck

PS learn how to shrink panel warp, you'll need to.
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