Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Wizard
Hmm, I’ve taught welding to high school and adult welders for 32 years now so thought I might be qualified to reply. Maybe.
1- most importantly, what is your electrical availability? Voltage AND amperage. Example, 110volt line and 20 amp breaker that runs to multiple outlets or 110 volt line that is dedicated to the power source only with a 30 amp breaker or 220 volt dedicated line.
2- I have purchased hundreds of power sources and for the hobby welders the off brand ones are quite fine. Remember, most of this is old technology. Not much new until you get into the high end range. I will reply later with some cool options.
3- What do you need your duty cycle to be? Duty cycle is the number of minutes a power source can operate at a certain amperage before it overheats. Example, turn your toaster on high, put bread in and as soon as it pops out put more in and do it again and again, eventually it quits working until it cools down OR it catches on fire. Really cheap power sources have very low duty cycles. The typical wire welder ( a person is a welder and they weld with a power source) in a hobby situation will weld about 2-4 minutes out of 10. This would require a 40 percent duty cycle. A professional may need twice that.
4- What thickness range are you going to be welding? Sheet metal up to what?..
5- Are you ok with bottle rental for a wire welder?
6- What is your experience with stick, wire, and tig.
Answer these questions then we will go further "……..
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1. Garage outlets are 110 but the breaker box is just on other side of wall so could run a new 220 if needed.
2. Never going to be a pro and in reality probably just used a handful of times per year so I don’t want to break the bank on one.
3. From what you stated a 40 % duty sounds plenty.
4. Thickest I can think I would be using for now is maybe 3/8 but most likely 3/16.
5. If best for my needs then yes.
6. High school industrial shop class is only experience. Was decent at it if I am remembering correctly.
