Inverter stick welders

[turbomart]

The amps is more to do with rod thickness, 3.2mm rod you'd go 90-110 amps unless you really want real deep penetration.
The thing Ive found with inverters is the ability to strike an arc ,with normal arc you sometimes need higher amps than ideal just to get arc started.

[murray]

as i said its all about duty cycle

[xjrob]

Steve, i notice the only place they mention DC is on the title of the ad.

Does this inverter welder, weld using DC, so it obviously has a rectifier or something in the inverter (or is that one and the same - excuse my ignorance)

Wanting to start doing my own fab and have been watching the video links you set up.

they seem to favour DC

[Steve F]

I think the fact that they are an inverter welder by default means it takes AC current and changes it to DC

Cheers
Steve

[carvesdodo]

Originally Posted by jenzo

hey guys, after doing even more researech i have found out that the 170 amp cigweld even though its single phase, needs a 15A powerpoint, which is more than standard i believe, so im thinking that although its really portable and light, yet not much good if you cant power it. perhaps will be looking at the 130amp which is standard 10A.

Got a mate whos an electrician ???? or .... it doesnt cost that much to get a leccy to fit up a 15a power point anyway. Handy power outlet to have for any number of items ... means you can borrow other peoples big electrical tools, compressors / sawbenches etc.

Dont forget to check your ext cord ratings either ... if you go for the bigger power draw unit.

[XJKEE]

Some of them are capable of AC/DC. I think more important for AC if TIG welding aluminium? They are more expensive though.

[XJKEE]

Originally Posted by carvesdodo

Got a mate whos an electrician ???? or .... it doesnt cost that much to get a leccy to fit up a 15a power point anyway. Handy power outlet to have for any number of items ... means you can borrow other peoples big electrical tools, compressors / sawbenches etc.

Dont forget to check your ext cord ratings either ... if you go for the bigger power draw unit.

I believe the household wiring is the same - just a different plug/outlet for 15A.