Cheapo welder

Twiss · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 2:59 pm Post subject: Cheapo welder

Hi all,

First off I will freely admit I can't weld... Never really tried to be honest.
I've found a cheap 2nd hand kestrel 150A Arc welder local to me...

Do you guys reckon it would be alright to learn on? I think I will just be starting off sticking stuff together rather than taking chassis mounts off Wink

... and its only £15 inc. a box of rods

what do you lot think?

cheers in advance guys

clbarclay · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 4:14 pm Post subject:

If your planning on welding thin stuff like car bodies then a stick welder is not the easiest of options to master. I generally preffer mig for stuff around 2mm or thinner.

We have been using a cheap machine mart stick welder for years at home and its still going well, though the standard cables, clamp and electrode holder have been replaced with more heftier versions. Buying good quality rods and keeping them dry also helps.

Stal1878 · Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 5:39 pm Post subject:

How can you go wrong for £15?

Start with a stick, the basics are the same, and if you can stick, you can mig, seeing its easier. You won't be able to weld thin stuff though.

slowbob · Gate Opener Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Odometer: 16

Yeah a stick welder will burn a hole straight through thin metal but as said, can't go wrng buying it for £15!