Aldi Arc Welder £34.99 Is it worth it?

[Grumps]

From this Thursday, 27th October 2011.

Adjustable Current Range 55-160 amps
230v/50Hz
Electrode sizes 1.6-4mm
Etc.

I'm looking to join some pieces of 1" angle iron, along with other things. Would it be suitable?

Thanks.

[dewaltdisney]

I got one last time they were on offer and it looks the same http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/sp ... _21512.htm

I have used it a couple of times to do small welds and it worked ok but I am not a welder and there is clearly a basic level of skill needed. I am sure with a bit of practice you could turn out a fair job with this kit.

DWD

[TheApprentice2011]

Shame I would like a mig as thats the only type of welding I have had basic training in (city and guilds)

[Hitch]

If you do get it, dont bother with the Aldi rods, buy some proper branded ones, youll have half a chance then, and probably cheaper than Aldi anyway.

Dont epect it to run for long before it gets too hot and over heats, especially if you get a sticker...which is quite likely with that machine.

Be alright if you only want to use it a couple of times a year....

[Megaross]

I'm tempted to buy one to sling in the back of the car, I've got one to borrow any time but it'd be useful.

Although I wouldn't use a piece of safety equipment thats supposed to cost as much as the machine. Think I'll use my own mask

[Grumps]

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll pass on it.

[BRUNO]

Went up to take a punt on one of these today, but couldn't manage it as I had the baby stroller and these things weigh a ton! As well they need a dedicated 30amp fused spur, they dont come with a 3 pin plug. How am I going to use it out on the patio now...

[Hitch]

30a fused spur?

Just put a 13a plug on it.

[BRUNO]

yeah? pretty big warning on the side of the box saying do not do any such thing..

cant wait to get it going and start blowing holes in angle iron and the rod sticking!

hey Hitch if I wanted to make a set of pull up bars with a hook for a punchbag would you make it out of box section or something stronger?

[Grumps]

Just put a 13a plug on it.

Preferably when the missus hasn't got a soufle 'rising' in the oven.

[sam.t84]

I just bought one of these, will putting a 13 amp plug on this kill me and destoy the electrics in my house? Fun as that would be, i need my electrics for my tv!

[ultimatehandyman]

I just bought one of these, will putting a 13 amp plug on this kill me and destoy the electrics in my house? Fun as that would be, i need my electrics for my tv!

No, it will just keep blowing the fuse in the plug

When I bought my arc welder about 15 years ago the guy in the shop said I needed a dedicated 30A supply for it, so I bought the model just below it which is wired to a plug, but the fuse blows all the time, I just keep a pack of 13a fuses next to the welder!

[Hitch]

It wont be running at that current for most of the time, that is probably maximum possible draw, for arc starting etc.
I have a 200amp welder i run from a 13a plug, it blows the fuse as UHM has said before any damage to anything else is caused.
On mine, it goes up about 75% power, before it starts blowing fuses quickly.


Modern inverter technology used now in high end machines will happily run a 180a machine on a 13a plug without bother.


If you want to use it to its full capacity without blowing fuses, fit a 32a ceeform plug, and the relevant sockets and rcds.... but that will obviously cost more than the Aldi machine itself.

[Hitch]

yeah? pretty big warning on the side of the box saying do not do any such thing..

cant wait to get it going and start blowing holes in angle iron and the rod sticking!

hey Hitch if I wanted to make a set of pull up bars with a hook for a punchbag would you make it out of box section or something stronger?

Box section is pretty strong, easiest way to design things, is look at an off the shelf one, then up the sizes of the material to the next readily available size. I'd think a bit of 30x30x3 box would be plenty strong enough, but how the hook is fitted could be an issue, chances are, you just weld round the diameter of the hook, it will break off. Best bet is tou have a reasonable hook, either welded on the face, or going through and welded either side of the box, if you se what i mean.....

[BRUNO]

think I get you alright. so drill a hole in the box, put the body of the hook through and eld it in place? i think i will need a good bit of practice before i get to that.

just on the ceeform you mentioned , i looked them up , they are not expensive, a tenner for the plug and socket. ..but i presume you would need a dedicated circuit from the CU, just as a shower, cooker etc does.

i will see how i get on with the 13amp 3 pin, and if blown too many fuses ill talk to my electrician.. sure its probably only an hour work for him...