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View Full Version : Welding inverter

Scuba1
10-02-09, 09:02 PM
I am going back home this weekend and want to buy myself a small inverter for ark welding, but i don't know my way round the makes here. Any make I should stay away from or one you would recommend.

ATB


Michael
madness
10-02-09, 09:05 PM
Arks are normally made of wood, so can't be welded! ;)
yorkie_chris
10-02-09, 09:15 PM
You just wanting an AC buzz box for stick welding? Or you want DC? Not a lot of point getting DC for just stick unless you want TIG too.

The cheap AC one's are all pretty similar. No point paying for a top make.
Scuba1
10-02-09, 10:14 PM
You just wanting an AC buzz box for stick welding? Or you want DC? Not a lot of point getting DC for just stick unless you want TIG too.

The cheap AC one's are all pretty similar. No point paying for a top make.

I wan to upgrade the inverter to tig eventually and I do weld mostly stainless steel and prefer to weld that DC
yorkie_chris
11-02-09, 04:37 PM
Seems like you might as well find a set which already has it, but, I'm not too sure. Try http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/ they know about all types of welding.
embee
11-02-09, 05:03 PM
That was the site I was going to link to.

I have a Murex (http://www.murexwelding.co.uk/) MIG machine, which is very good, and they also do the types you're after. Thoroughly recommended.
Other makes I can suggest are ESAB (http://www.esab.co.uk/) and Lincoln (http://www.lincolnelectric.co.uk/more.asp?PageDisplayTypeCode=PRODUCTS)
These are all "industrial" type machines rather than DIY, but in my experience it's worth paying the extra if you can afford it.
yorkie_chris
11-02-09, 05:07 PM
If you go for industrial stuff check the power requirements though.
Scuba1
11-02-09, 10:43 PM
Thanks for the heads up people.
suicidesam
11-02-09, 11:20 PM
I use a tiny pulse tig/mma inverter made by parweld at work for some light duty site work, good for about 160 amp tig 130 on mma constant, runs on 110v power :cool: (not cheap!)
Small/low cost machines are not bad for diy.. but try and stretch to one with an H/F for tig (save on tungsten's and easier to use!) Be about £200 for a middle of the road scratch start, most dont come with tig torch.. another 60 quid please :(
I'd rather try and pick up a decent second hand than a cheap new one ;)