Any thoughts on whether that's worth the extra £30?
Top comments
callum84
7 May 1724#23
Get the inverter model if you can, will be more energy efficient and shouldnt pop 13A fuses at max setting.
Also will have a more stable Arc making it much easier for a beginner and provide a more uniform weld.
Contrary to as said in earlier posts, Inverter sets do provide a better weld.
Duty cycle should also be better so you don't need to let it cool as long between welds or deal with thermal cutout continuously.
Normally Inverter sets have a higher open circuit voltage making it easier to strike an Arc. According to Lidl both have 68v OCV which is fine.
Few tips.
Get decent rods and leave them indoors in a cool dry cupboard, nothing worse than trying to weld with damp electrodes.
Also ditch the face shield and get a proper mask, will make life much easier learning if your not holding a shield.
Get decent gauntlets, UV burns on wrists are no fun.
If using an extension lead fully unwind it as these will definitely overheat it.
Get a pair of safety glasses for when you have finished welding. **** has a habit of pinging off in the direction of your eyes as it cools or as you chip it.
Be prepared for a few burns as sparks find there way down your back, it's almost guaranteed.
Personally I hate Arc welding but if had to chose one of those it would be inverter.
RustySpoons
7 May 1723#30
My dad taught me to weld stick when I was a kid, he said if you can weld with that you can weld anything.
We spent a summer welding a Triumph Herald convertible, Dad got sheet steal from work and cut it with tin snips and made floor panels. He refused to buy ready made panels lol. We got a MIG at some point for welding other cars but we managed to do this car with an Arc. Ahh bless him, miss my pops! Taught me everything.
jasee
7 May 179#34
Whichever way you look at it, it's pretty exciting welding some handlebars to a metal plate
Jonj1611
8 May 178#57
Carrots
Peas
Yorkshires
Arc Welder
Bread
Milk
All comments (84)
Wowhats
7 May 17#1
Whats the difference between this model and the Inverter one at £69.99?
martroy to Wowhats
7 May 17#5
The simple answer, the cheaper one will be bigger and heavier. The technical answer , the cheaper one uses a transformer to generate the electric arc, the expensive one uses electrickery and probably is cheaper to make but more profitable.
MrPuddington to Wowhats
7 May 17#26
It might be worth looking at the specs, but I would expect it to have high frequency ignition. That means you do not have to tap the metal to get the arc started. But I cannot find it in the specs, so I may be wrong.
Like most processes, arc welding is a matter of practice. Make sure you have the right safety equipment before you start.
japes
7 May 178#2
slightly niche. not once have I ever thought I'd nip to my local supermarket for an arc welder
Mikiex to japes
7 May 171#40
Where is your sense of adventure :smiley:
wishihadadonkey
7 May 178#3
Have absolutely no idea what I'd do with this, but I want one :smile:
martroy
7 May 171#4
Uses for a welder.....open a rescue centre for brass monkeys next winter ?
jimjimjeroo
7 May 172#6
same as inverter microwaves. more expensive but weighs less
rvcshart
7 May 17#7
So, this seems like a terrible idea.
Surely anyone who knows how to weld would buy a more reliable brand. I mean I've lots of Lidl/Aldi tools as I'm fed up of my stuff going missing at work.
But a welder? This is not something you should convince hobbyists diy folk to be using.
furiousjammin to rvcshart
7 May 174#8
You could say the same about any tool.
smckirdy to rvcshart
7 May 17#38
Why? It's a tool like any other, and it's a skill as well, so if you want to practice it it's a great entry. As long as you follow the basic safety rules of it you shouldn't be put off from doing welding at home. Worst thing that happens is the thing breaks.
Wowhats
7 May 17#9
So theres no difference in welding performance, I suppose the cheaper model would be more expensive to run in electricity than the Inverter one.
SleepyChris
7 May 172#10
Unless you are welding all day every day I wouldn't worry about it
![Fresh Breakfast Meat Box (Using code) @ Campbells Meat [Haggis / Lorne Sausage / Bacon / Black Pudding & More]](/images/topics/208684_1.jpg)
![[Xbox One] Q. u. b. e: Director's Cut on Deals with Gold](/images/topics/208716_1.jpg)
Opening post
Any thoughts on whether that's worth the extra £30?
Top comments
Also will have a more stable Arc making it much easier for a beginner and provide a more uniform weld.
Contrary to as said in earlier posts, Inverter sets do provide a better weld.
Duty cycle should also be better so you don't need to let it cool as long between welds or deal with thermal cutout continuously.
Normally Inverter sets have a higher open circuit voltage making it easier to strike an Arc. According to Lidl both have 68v OCV which is fine.
Few tips.
Get decent rods and leave them indoors in a cool dry cupboard, nothing worse than trying to weld with damp electrodes.
Also ditch the face shield and get a proper mask, will make life much easier learning if your not holding a shield.
Get decent gauntlets, UV burns on wrists are no fun.
If using an extension lead fully unwind it as these will definitely overheat it.
Get a pair of safety glasses for when you have finished welding. **** has a habit of pinging off in the direction of your eyes as it cools or as you chip it.
Be prepared for a few burns as sparks find there way down your back, it's almost guaranteed.
Personally I hate Arc welding but if had to chose one of those it would be inverter.
We spent a summer welding a Triumph Herald convertible, Dad got sheet steal from work and cut it with tin snips and made floor panels. He refused to buy ready made panels lol. We got a MIG at some point for welding other cars but we managed to do this car with an Arc. Ahh bless him, miss my pops! Taught me everything.
Peas
Yorkshires
Arc Welder
Bread
Milk
All comments (84)
Like most processes, arc welding is a matter of practice. Make sure you have the right safety equipment before you start.
Surely anyone who knows how to weld would buy a more reliable brand. I mean I've lots of Lidl/Aldi tools as I'm fed up of my stuff going missing at work.
But a welder? This is not something you should convince hobbyists diy folk to be using.