Cheap MMA inverter (aka stick welder)?

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

I’m giving up on my crappy MAG welder and looking for something simple for welding 5-10mm mild steel. I can get a 120A inverter with Hot Start, Arc Force and Anti-Stick for an acceptable price, what can I expect from this device?

https://www.biltema.no/en-no/tools/welding/welding-machines/welding-inverter-wi-120-2000058523

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

22A input on a recommended 16 fuse ? 5KVa on 1.5 cable ? Whats the duty cycle ? 3.2 rod on 120A I doubt it. 2.5 would be the best option. Fine for light work but as you have mentioned 10mm, you will struggle. The numbers do not add up.  A cheap inverter of this power should be about 100euros. Noel.

[duncan webster 1Participant @duncanwebster1]

120A is a bit limiting, and even then it has 20% duty cycle,which could get very tedious if you’re on a big job.

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

Actually it’s 85Eur so cheap is the magic word. The next bigger (160A) is almost twice as expensive, and I don’t know if it will be used enough to justify the expense.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

I have one a bit like this, and it has worked well when used for light, small work say up to 3mm and a 2.5 rod, 6013 type, BUT a box of good rods will cost as much as the welder at that price. IF you want/need to do 10mm material then the bigger machine is what you need with 3.2 rods. Check the duty cycle – Hot semi conductors will soon fail.

Remember the old adage, Buy cheap, buy twice ! Good luck. Noel.

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

Stop being so sensible  😉

It’s cheap, but the vendor is reliable and there is a 5year warranty. So it really boils down to capacity. I will take a long hard look at the next size up:
https://www.biltema.no/en-no/tools/welding/welding-machines/welding-inverter-wi-160-2000046651

This one even has the manual available, and gives the following data for duty cycle:

Intermittensfaktor MMA 20 %: .160 A
Intermittensfaktor MMA 60 %: .92 A
Intermittensfaktor MMA 100 %: .71 A

[Wade BeattyParticipant @wadebeatty78296]

The larger model looks to be a ESAB Caddy clone, these are good machines. Better to be in the middle of a welders range than right at the top. Finn.no has great deals on welders too, but not with the warranty and ease of replacement that Biltema has.

Wade

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

That’s my sentiment as well. I can find brand new or barely used no-brand welders on Finn but if they break I’m up a certain creek without a paddle. So new it is unless I come across a golden deal.

[FulmenParticipant @fulmen]

I ended up with the 160A machine, and first impressions are very promising. I ran 3.2 rutile @130A or so like a breeze, easy ignition, stable arcs under wildly varying gaps and no stuck electrodes.

Welds still look like crap but that’s on me.

[noel shelleyParticipant @noelshelley55608]

My opinion is you have done the right thing ! But the welder ONLY produces the power – it’s up to you HOW you use it. Practice is all you need. Good Luck. Noel.

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