Up grade welder

Hedgecutter

I had an arc welder for years and would use it for DIY jobs at home. It went to the big welding grave yard in the sky a few weeks back and i wanted to up grade. What would ye recommend. What are the welders that automatically feed the wire. Are they for pros?

Gen.Zhukov

For DIY jobs at home I'd say stick with the arc/stick welder (MMA). If the dead one was a heavy transformer type then upgrade to a inverter model.

The auto wire feed (MIG) are fantastic but really best for someone doing a lot of DIY and/or fabrication co's. Also with the added problem of using a shielding gas. There are gas-less flux cored wire welders around but I wouldn't recommend. Dunno what sort of amps you think you'll need or budget, so can't really point you to anything in particular.

Buffman

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058215122/up-grade-welder

If you're competent and confident with the ARC then you should be fine with the flux core wire welder with a bit of practice. Personally I find it easier as you're not stopping to change rods, makes long welds far easier. Spending a few minutes getting the settings spot on is time well spent.

Here's a good review of the Lidl one, which I've also used and can't fault for the money. (They were €95 last time IIRC)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7d922Dsd85A