Welder

[Rabbitz]

It turns out I NEED a welder.

Trouble is I've used a stick welder a grand total of twice, ever.

For very occasional home DIY stuff would this be OK?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-130-Amp ... wlWRc828u

Or possibly this?

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Portable-AR ... fresh=true

[Camel]

For a little bit of sticking metals together, either would suit your purpose, especially if you are just doing light walled steel, say up to 4 or 5 mm thickness.

[Rabbitz]

Thanks.

Is there any real advantage to the MIG welder for domestic purposes?

I suspect I can do chicken scratch welding with either

[LoneRider]

migs are real good once you get the amps and feed right.
i can spread chicken shit all over the place with a stick welder.mig ive gotten fairly good with.
BUT..... an inverter stick is far superior IMO.no sticking and with the right sticks [weld all] you can do everything from thin steel to stainless.

[Rabbitz]

Since it was only (!) $80 (actually $76 with some kind of eBay special discount thing) I've ordered the stick welder.

We shall see what turns up. Then let the chicken shit welding begin!

[Camel]

I'm no good with a mig, learned on a stick and always had one, not worth the money for me to change over to a mig, my stick welder wouldn't be worth much second hand, so I will stick. with it.

Check the price of gasless mig wire, last I looked it was way above the cost of a 5kg box of rods both 2.5 and 3.2mm, if you are only doing a bit here and there, good chance that down that way with the humidity the wire would go rusty unless kept in a controlled environment. But then again, your sticks will need to be kept in a dry cool place as well.

[Rabbitz]

I just realised although it comes with a mask, I will absolutely need one of those flash auto-dimming helmet jobbies, and the extra tool purchasing opportunities must be endless!!!

[LoneRider]

pair of gloves,electric helmet,wire brush and a welding hammer and your good to go.
just make sure to knock the slag off before you weld some more.weld dont stick to slag

[Rabbitz]

Yup they're on the list, as well as magnetic clamps but before that I need some scrap metal and some sticks.

[220]

I picked up a 230amp inverter of ebay for $100 the start of the year. Was a bit dubious but for the price took a punt. Havent done a lot with it probably only run 20-30kg electrodes but very happy with it.
No doubt it would run 4mm and probably 6mm but I dont think the lead with a 10amp plug would be up to it.

[LoneRider]

ive been looking at an inverter welder for over 6 months.
but this one is around $480,fully digital and comes with stick/tig leads.
i figure it will last me the rest of my life.
ya just cant go wrong with an inverter.

[Rabbitz]

20 to 30 kg?

Crikey that'd be several lifetimes worth for me!

[220]

20 to 30 kg?

Crikey that'd be several lifetimes worth for me!

Surprising what you can go through once you start a few projects and always a few bits of steel that need sticking together for something or other.
Havent had time to tackle much but some more sheep yard panels and gates, a new crate for the ute, cooking rack for the smoker, trap pegs, it all adds up.

[Camel]

You will need an angle grinder as well Rabz, if you don't already have one, first to grind and gal off where you are going to weld, and then to clean up the pigeon shit and cut things up again when you stuff up. Also get some flappy wheels, small thin cutting discs, don't push these as they can shatter easily. You can buy your rods in small packets if you aren't going to use a lot, they will stay fresher that way.

[Rabbitz]

Angle grinder is under the bench.

Flappy wheels need replacing though - added to the shopping list.