Recommend a welder

johnnyfruitcake

Hi,

Looking for a welder for general farm work, fixing machinery, gates and some fabrication.

Is the one on sale in EPT any use or would it be a bit weak?

johnnyfruitcake

richie123

johnnyfruitcake wrote: »

Not sure if it's any good but I'd recommend a good antistick tech on a welder.nothing worse than a welder sticking as u weld all the time

_Brian

Anti stick tech ??
That’s a new one on me.

dzer2

That's a fine welder for small occasional work. They had a better deal a few weeks back the price was 40 quid cheaper

keepalive213

I have a Jefferson 'toaster' arc welder, 160 amp. Paid around 300 for it about 3 years ago and happy with it for general farm welding.

richie123

_Brian wrote: »

Anti stick tech ??
That’s a new one on me.

Yep it's some job it's out a few years now

_Brian

richie123 wrote: »

Yep it's some job it's out a few years now

We’re running a big auld “lump” of an air cooled welder from early 1989’s, nothin fancy there.

richie123

_Brian wrote: »

We’re running a big auld “lump” of an air cooled welder from early 1989’s, nothin fancy there.

Nothing wrong with it.an invertor is small and handy for moving around from job to job.

blue5000

richie123 wrote: »

Nothing wrong with it.an invertor is small and handy for moving around from job to job.

I've an old 1980s air cooled 250 amp and a 160? amp inverter. Old welder is a much better welder, better penetration. Maybe because the inverter is lighter and is working off the extension cable all the time, the welds seem to be weaker. Anyone else find this. OP how much do you want to spend?

I reckon if you will be welding anything thicker than 4mm an inverter won't do it properly. Learn how to stick weld first before mig/tig you'll find it a lot more difficult the other way round.

_Brian

Going off topic I know.
I fixed our big hulk of an air cooled to a cheap sack barrow with pneumatic wheels. Space to fit a small plastic crate as well as a storage box for rods and bits. Cables wrap easily round the handles of the sack barrow.

Very little spent and makes the welder super portable round a yard where there isn’t concrete everywhere.

richie123

blue5000 wrote: »

I've an old 1980s air cooled 250 amp and a 160? amp inverter. Old welder is a much better welder, better penetration. Maybe because the inverter is lighter and is working off the extension cable all the time, the welds seem to be weaker. Anyone else find this. OP how much do you want to spend?

I reckon if you will be welding anything thicker than 4mm an inverter won't do it properly. Learn how to stick weld first before mig/tig you'll find it a lot more difficult the other way round.

160 is very small you'd need a minimum of 180 especially with leads

blue5000

richie123 wrote: »

160 is very small you'd need a minimum of 180 especially with leads

That's why I put a ? after it, I'll get back to you on this when I have a look at it.

johnnyfruitcake

No real budget, just want a decent welder for general work, don't mind spending decent money for a good welder.
Would I be better getting a higher spec second hand one?

westlander

What do lads think of the Lidl welders? Powercraft 160 amp they were.
I had one in the box from new and I welded a broken mudguard frame for the tractor. It did the job but the actual cable from the welder unit to the welding rod came lose must be from the dampness in the shed.
Are they only dirt?
Btw pure novice but am interested in a new welder as well so following this thread too!

patsy_mccabe

richie123 wrote: »

160 is very small you'd need a minimum of 180 especially with leads

For an inverter type welder, would 160 amps not be enough for 3.2mm rods?

Timmaay

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

For an inverter type welder, would 160 amps not be enough for 3.2mm rods?

160amps will weld 3.2 no problem, but look at what the duty cycle is, ie how long it can weld at 160 for, I'd aim for the likes of a 200amps at 60% duty, will let you use the likes of 4mm rods comfortably also. Does anyone rather use MIG instead for farm use? I was tempted to pick-up a MIG welder but read up that arc better in if your material usually isn't perfectly clean (when the hell ever is it with farming jobs ha). Also anyone bother with rods other than 6013s with arc?

Jb1989

Timmaay wrote: »

160amps will weld 3.2 no problem, but look at what the duty cycle is, ie how long it can weld at 160 for, I'd aim for the likes of a 200amps at 60% duty, will let you use the likes of 4mm rods comfortably also. Does anyone rather use MIG instead for farm use? I was tempted to pick-up a MIG welder but read up that arc better in if your material usually isn't perfectly clean (when the hell ever is it with farming jobs ha). Also anyone bother with rods other than 6013s with arc?

And its not ideal outside if windy as gas gets blown away and weld bubbles.

Timmaay

Actually l'm after getting an aldi metal bandsaw for like 100e, and honestly it's probably made the single biggest difference to my welding, no more rough angle grinded apart cuts which result in gaps when welding and much greater chance of a blowout.

patsy_mccabe

I'm half tempted by this one;

€200 from EPT in Carlow. Duty cycle is 25%. But that's over 10mins so once you allow some time between rods, it should be fine.
https://www.ept-irl.com/products/parweld-xts163dv-160amp-dual-voltage-mma-inverter-wtwtwpw-xts163dv.html?name=parweld&type=simple

This Jefferson 160 amp one is €225 from PJ Callan.
https://www.pjcallanltd.com/products/jefferson-160-amp-inverter-welder

Is it the same one as this, at €313 40% duty cycle
https://www.clarkesofcavan.ie/shop/tools/welders-accessories/jefferson-160amp-arc-tig-inverter-welder/

Would Jefferson be better than Parweld? I don't want to buy rubbish.........

richie123

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

I'm half tempted by this one;

€200 from EPT in Carlow. Duty cycle is 25%. But that's over 10mins so once you allow some time between rods, it should be fine.
https://www.ept-irl.com/products/parweld-xts163dv-160amp-dual-voltage-mma-inverter-wtwtwpw-xts163dv.html?name=parweld&type=simple

This Jefferson 160 amp one is €225 from PJ Callan.
https://www.pjcallanltd.com/products/jefferson-160-amp-inverter-welder

Is it the same one as this, at €313 40% duty cycle
https://www.clarkesofcavan.ie/shop/tools/welders-accessories/jefferson-160amp-arc-tig-inverter-welder/

Would Jefferson be better than Parweld? I don't want to buy rubbish.........

I bought an invertor welder 6 years ago and it's broke now and can't be repaired.diddnt do a huge amount with it either..I'm also looking for one but I'll be trying to get one with a decent warranty.they can be fickle enough machine s to keep going

johnnyfruitcake

Any views on this one?

ESAB Rogue


https://www.gasweld.ie/product/esab-rogue-180i-180i-pro-200i-pro-arc-invertor-welder-4/

Timmaay

Timmaay wrote: »

160amps will weld 3.2 no problem, but look at what the duty cycle is, ie how long it can weld at 160 for, I'd aim for the likes of a 200amps at 60% duty, will let you use the likes of 4mm rods comfortably also. Does anyone rather use MIG instead for farm use? I was tempted to pick-up a MIG welder but read up that arc better in if your material usually isn't perfectly clean (when the hell ever is it with farming jobs ha). Also anyone bother with rods other than 6013s with arc?

We use MIG in work and it wont weld over rust/paint nor burn off properly and alot of setting up aswell,gas,pressure,wire speed and current

But when its setup,and material prepared,you can weld all day without stopping,much nicer to use imo

patsy_mccabe

Deleted User wrote: »

We use MIG in work and it wont weld over rust/paint nor burn off properly and alot of setting up aswell,gas,pressure,wire speed and current

But when its setup,and material prepared,you can weld all day without stopping,much nicer to use imo

Do you get the same level of penetration with MIG? I always thought MIG welds look better but not as strong.

SuperTortoise

richie123 wrote: »

160 is very small you'd need a minimum of 180 especially with leads

You'd burn a 4mm rod @160amps, there are very few farm applications where you need to be burning a 4mm rod, but having said that better to be looking at it than looking for it.


OP,

Parweld is a middle of the road machine, although i've recommended them in the past i'm not sure i could any more, they seem to be very hit and miss. Most of the machines in or around that price range will be much of a muchness, for stick or TIG welding you won't see much difference.

patsy_mccabe

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

Do you get the same level of penetration with MIG? I always thought MIG welds look better but not as strong.

Tbh i cut grooves/Vees and fill.the hole with weld.....ive never had a weld split,but was always told.the stick is stronger

I wouldnt be an expert welder by any means either,just one in the workshop.....you can weld pure paper with the MIG aswell..

.for stop/start welding,its no comparison......but i wouldnt buy one at home,if wire gets damp etc,it'll start acting up (well the work one deos!)

SuperTortoise

Timmaay wrote: »

160amps will weld 3.2 no problem, but look at what the duty cycle is, ie how long it can weld at 160 for, I'd aim for the likes of a 200amps at 60% duty, will let you use the likes of 4mm rods comfortably also. Does anyone rather use MIG instead for farm use? I was tempted to pick-up a MIG welder but read up that arc better in if your material usually isn't perfectly clean (when the hell ever is it with farming jobs ha). Also anyone bother with rods other than 6013s with arc?

MIG would like the material cleaner alright, stick weld would be stronger especially on anything above 4-5mm thick.


6010/11, and 7018 low hydrogen rods, and 29-9 rods are fierce handy to have around.


6010/11 for anything with a bad fit up, they are a fast freeze rod so they'll weld anything with a gap or anything caked in paint/grease/****e. Edit: Most inverters will not run these rods, they require a higher open circuit votage which inverters rarely provide unless you spend serious money on an inverter.


7018 low hydrogen for mild steel applications, burn a few of those and you will never go back to a 6013 again


29-9 for welding dissimilar metals, self explanatory, expensive and the fumes are NOT good for you.

SuperTortoise

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

I'm half tempted by this one;

€200 from EPT in Carlow. Duty cycle is 25%. But that's over 10mins so once you allow some time between rods, it should be fine.
https://www.ept-irl.com/products/parweld-xts163dv-160amp-dual-voltage-mma-inverter-wtwtwpw-xts163dv.html?name=parweld&type=simple

This Jefferson 160 amp one is €225 from PJ Callan.
https://www.pjcallanltd.com/products/jefferson-160-amp-inverter-welder

Is it the same one as this, at €313 40% duty cycle
https://www.clarkesofcavan.ie/shop/tools/welders-accessories/jefferson-160amp-arc-tig-inverter-welder/

Would Jefferson be better than Parweld? I don't want to buy rubbish.........

I don't think the Jefferson is worth over a hundred euro more in my opinion.
Check out what warranty and returns is for both machines.

SuperTortoise

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

For an inverter type welder, would 160 amps not be enough for 3.2mm rods?

Plenty, 3.2mm 6013 rod i would set @120amps.

tancoman

Yeah no problem with an Invertor. Will weld up to 12mm no problem. I find Hilco Red rods excellent. Ok, they area bit more expensive, but easier to use particularly if stuff isn't too clean.

bamayang

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

I'm half tempted by this one;

€200 from EPT in Carlow. Duty cycle is 25%. But that's over 10mins so once you allow some time between rods, it should be fine.
https://www.ept-irl.com/products/parweld-xts163dv-160amp-dual-voltage-mma-inverter-wtwtwpw-xts163dv.html?name=parweld&type=simple

This Jefferson 160 amp one is €225 from PJ Callan.
https://www.pjcallanltd.com/products/jefferson-160-amp-inverter-welder

Is it the same one as this, at €313 40% duty cycle
https://www.clarkesofcavan.ie/shop/tools/welders-accessories/jefferson-160amp-arc-tig-inverter-welder/

Would Jefferson be better than Parweld? I don't want to buy rubbish.........

Have that parweld 6 years, a1 on anything around the farm.

green daries

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

For an inverter type welder, would 160 amps not be enough for 3.2mm rods?

Esab are pretty good you would want to go with the 180 amp type min its just an better machine it will weld litterly anything
Just edit to say ya 160 is plenty good power ratings wise but you just seem to be more bang for your buck with the higher rated machines

Grueller

tancoman wrote: »

Yeah no problem with an Invertor. Will weld up to 12mm no problem. I find Hilco Red rods excellent. Ok, they area bit more expensive, but easier to use particularly if stuff isn't too clean.

Absolutely agree on the hilco. I bought a box of siftrode rods on price difference and couldn't wait to get them burnt to get back to hilcos.

patsy_mccabe

A Jasic 180 Amp for €295
https://www.sealtec.ie/jasic-power-arc-180se

_Brian

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

A Jasic 180 Amp for €295
https://www.sealtec.ie/jasic-power-arc-180se

Very tidy bit of kit.

ml100

_Brian wrote: »

Very tidy bit of kit.

https://www.boltbank.com/collections/xmas-offers/products/jasic-180amp-invertor-welder-deal

johnnyfruitcake

Down to 2 choices I think:

https://www.boltbank.com/collections/xmas-offers/products/jasic-180amp-invertor-welder-deal.

Or

https://www.gasweld.ie/product/esab-rogue-180i-180i-pro-200i-pro-arc-invertor-welder-4/

Any comments on which one?

lab man

Hi lads I'm thinking of buying a auto dark helmet would ye have any good recommendations, plus can they be got for the hand type shield aswell

SuperTortoise

lab man wrote: »

Hi lads I'm thinking of buying a auto dark helmet would ye have any good recommendations, plus can they be got for the hand type shield aswell

You can here's a cheap one https://www.amazon.co.uk/OriGlam-Darkening-Auto-Darkening-Horizontal-Automation/dp/B071Y73G8B/ref=sr_1_7?crid=34VRUPS83S5QN&dchild=1&keywords=auto+darkening+welding+lens&qid=1606162103&sprefix=auto+dark%2Cdiy%2C149&sr=8-7


If it's to put into a hand held shield then my advice is to store the shield in the bin! Those things have absolutely no redeaming features whatsoever.


Here's one for the head, cheap and chearfull but as well made as any shield up to the €150 mark, i have one myself.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07BHNKN18/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

enricoh

lab man wrote: »

Hi lads I'm thinking of buying a auto dark helmet would ye have any good recommendations, plus can they be got for the hand type shield aswell

I bought plenty of them off eBay, wish, the local hardware place etc. None of the last more than 6 months at best, probably jinxed it now but have one off gasweld a good 18 months now, was around e50 iirc.

SuperTortoise

patsy_mccabe wrote: »

A Jasic 180 Amp for €295
https://www.sealtec.ie/jasic-power-arc-180se

johnnyfruitcake wrote: »

Down to 2 choices I think:

https://www.boltbank.com/collections/xmas-offers/products/jasic-180amp-invertor-welder-deal.

Or

https://www.gasweld.ie/product/esab-rogue-180i-180i-pro-200i-pro-arc-invertor-welder-4/

Any comments on which one?

If it were my money i'd chance the parweld from EPT for €295 as Patsy linked a couple of pages back.



The ESAB and the Jasic would have a better brand name alright and there's nothing wrong with them, on the pro side i would rate the esab and Jasic more reliable than the parweld, but with the parweld you're getting an extra 20/30 amps on the top end, duty cycles are the same, the parweld also has a digital read out making it easier to set your amps.

mobfromcork

Got the Esab rogue 180 from Caulfields today. €288 delivered including VAT.
Thought it was a decent price. father in law has the Esab Buddy (very similar to Rogue) for DIY jobs and has found it great so far.

https://www.caulfieldindustrial.com/p/esab-0700500077-rogue-es180i-portable-welder/p-g15239

K.G.

Bit old fashioned here but if you can pick up an old oil cooled welder they are a great job.

Base price

K.G. wrote: »

Bit old fashioned here but if you can pick up an old oil cooled welder they are a great job.

OH has an old Bantam (I think) oil cooled welder and it’s a great yoke as long as you can bring what you want to weld to the shed. It’s too heavy and cumbersome to move around the yard even on wheels. I bought him a cheap Parweld inverter for Christmas a few years ago and it does most of the welding now. He fixed up our power box during the Summer - cutting out and welding in new/extra ribs and a new front edge using it. I posted a pic in the guntering thread.

Timmaay

Base price wrote: »

OH has an old Bantam (I think) oil cooled welder and it’s a great yoke as long as you can bring what you want to weld to the shed. It’s too heavy and cumbersome to move around the yard even on wheels. I bought him a cheap Parweld inverter for Christmas a few years ago and it does most of the welding now. He fixed up our power box during the Summer - cutting out and welding in new/extra ribs and a new front edge using it. I posted a pic in the guntering thread.

Have one of them pickhill bantams here still, great welder aside from the weight. When were they manufactured anyone know? Our one here since the 70s I think, its certainly well before my time, and will probably outlive me ha.

Base price

Timmaay wrote: »

Have one of them pickhill bantams here still, great welder aside from the weight. When were they manufactured anyone know? Our one here since the 70s I think, its certainly well before my time, and will probably outlive me ha.

That's the one - a Pickhill Bantam. OH bought it second hand around 1989 from a local man who was retiring and it was his first and only welder until I bought him the inverter for Christmas a few years ago.

green daries

mobfromcork wrote: »

Got the Esab rogue 180 from Caulfields today. €288 delivered including VAT.
Thought it was a decent price. father in law has the Esab Buddy (very similar to Rogue) for DIY jobs and has found it great so far.

https://www.caulfieldindustrial.com/p/esab-0700500077-rogue-es180i-portable-welder/p-g15239

seems decent value at that don't think you will be disappointed congrats on your new purchase

Reggiehammond

I bought one of these earlier in the year and find it a terrific little welder.

https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwjFlJmlyqftAhXHse0KHaJrCGwYABAFGgJkZw&ae=2&sig=AOD64_3b1SQC-M6nzhKyafSq9Mgj61hExA&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiTnZGlyqftAhUKQRUIHf1RAH8Qwg96BAgBEB4&adurl=&cshid=1606647123952

Loads of reviews on YouTube.

Bog Man 1

Timmaay wrote: »

Have one of them pickhill bantams here still, great welder aside from the weight. When were they manufactured anyone know? Our one here since the 70s I think, its certainly well before my time, and will probably outlive me ha.

There used be an Ad in the farmers Journal for them .The guy used to sell them from his house the address was Fergus Road Terenure Dublin . I remember collecting the welder with built in Battery Booster with my father when we were passing . We still have the Welder but it has not been used in Years .I can remember where we bought a welder fifty years ago but cannot remember which car I had in Tesco car park .

bamayang

Has anyone ever replaced the battery in an auto dark welding helmet? Have one here that is gone dead, not sure what it takes or where it’s even located.

timple23

bamayang wrote: »

Has anyone ever replaced the battery in an auto dark welding helmet? Have one here that is gone dead, not sure what it takes or where it’s even located.

Yes, have you a photo of it or make/model. Mine took 2 AAA batteries. Its normally above the lens on inside of mask.