MIG Welder power 230V 16A

[Fearrchair]

Considering getting a MIG welder although some I think can nearly manage using brackets in new setups.
Is it recommonded to get one rated to 180A which should cover most general work and thickness that I ever see.

I have noticed that a lot seem to be 230V 16A so it looks like I would need to get a new AC power socket.
Would it be a mistake to get a unit with less input current, probably would.

Then again I need to build a bigger garage so I should factor it in

[MrFlibble]

Not MIG, but I've run an Arc/TIG inverter off a standard UK socket for short periods successfully. That was a max 130A unit with an input max of 18.3A, and good up to about a 3mm rod. I've mainly had the output cranked up to about a max of 80-90A for stick welding 25mm box sections without issues, though I felt I was lacking some power when I tried welding some thick stuff (10mm or so).

I've concluded it's worth having more power available - you can always turn it down, and you'll have a better duty cycle.

I am also planning a garage and will certainly be asking the electrician to put in a 32A 'commando' socket to future proof it.
3 phase would be great but I think it will be ££££...

[Fearrchair]

The reason I was leaning towards MIG was that it supposed to be the easier of the 3 to learn. I came across old posts on other forums where people were saying it cost a lot to get three phase. Probably wouldnt be worth it.

I was aslking a relation who has done a bit of welding he has two arc welders, a gasless and a self feeding. Was saying it takes practice and the stick can stick at times ...thought the MIG self feeding all in one etc could be easier. I must look again at the prices and power ratings ...I guess you can learn with enough practice. It might be good to have two hands at it too.

Regarding the rating they were saying some people get one too large as it they were ship building ...that for the small DIY or automotive bodywork less would do. It would be less cost as well...

A single phase with the blue plug would probably runs a 16A one, that probably easier to install you would think just have a larger breaker on it.

[EVSwap]

That should be plenty for you to do most automotive and EV conversion stuff with. I suggest just getting a quality welder like Miller and taking a class.

[MattsAwesomeStuff]

I would get whatever is in the cheapest range, and works in the most common outlet in your area.

You'll end up slinging it around to different places, I wouldn't invest in anything that needs special outlets.

Higher power is nicer for production work, where time is money and you don't want to just lay down another stringer. For hobby use, I'd get whatever's small and universal. Extra passes and more time is beneficial, because you won't be good at it. An expert can lay down a huge amount of material quickly because they're an expert at reading the situation. A hobbyist benefits from taking their time, it's more forgiving. Think of it like a racecar driver.

A friend of mine who was a professional specialized welder used to say that the smallest 120v 15A welder can weld anything, just takes more time.

MIG is nicer, but less portable. You can do bodywork with it. Flux-core is the most portable (no bottle to drag around or refill), and is fine for bracketry, but ugly for bodywork.

TIG is if you're fancy. Stick is... no one should use stick anymore, it's antiquated in a bad way. Anyone who can stick could use flux-core instead.

[Fearrchair]

Thanks l think l didn't fully realise there was so many kinds of welding processes, as l discovered when l was looking up flux core, l had heard of it but thought it was a method used. It's good to know less A just means slower or you haven't the same power. I think l was concerned that l could end up with a machine that wouldn't cover what l might need it to do.

[arber333]

Considering getting a MIG welder although some I think can nearly manage using brackets in new setups.
Is it recommonded to get one rated to 180A which should cover most general work and thickness that I ever see.

I have noticed that a lot seem to be 230V 16A so it looks like I would need to get a new AC power socket.
Would it be a mistake to get a unit with less input current, probably would.

Then again I need to build a bigger garage so I should factor it in

I would recommend you get one MIG welder which has ability to use FLUX wire without gas.
You will like it immediately... no fussing about with gas bottles and leaking valves...

The welding surface is a bit more dull, but you can clean it easily with a brush unlike MMA when you must hammer the slag out.
https://leafdriveblog.wordpress.com/201 ... flux-wire/

You will also need a good ammount of silicon nozzle spray to protect your work from slag balls. A lot may pop up on your surface and if you spray it with nozzle spray beforehand you can just brush those balls off...

MIG is nicer, but less portable. You can do bodywork with it. Flux-core is the most portable (no bottle to drag around or refill), and is fine for bracketry, but ugly for bodywork.

Very true, but difference is Flux can be used outside where wind can blow off your Co2 mixture

TIG is if you're fancy. Stick is... no one should use stick anymore, it's antiquated in a bad way. Anyone who can stick could use flux-core instead.

I liked TIG, really great process. You need to get the one with HF start. No rubbish like Lift-ARC.
I hated the lengthy preparation for work. Dont mention the expensive Argon gas. And you need to have almost lab enviroment which is not allowed by my OCD...

But...but... true experts can weld stick just as good as any other welding machine... in any position... just takes a lot of practice which i dont have time for...

Here you see only FLUX no gas
https://www.ebay.de/itm/285766137743?it ... R6ag0cf_Yw

I use something like this mostly for Flux
https://www.ebay.de/itm/166227377633?ep ... R7ztgsj_Yw

[MrFlibble]

My basic inverter used for arc welding does stick itself to the workpiece from time to time, but then I don't weld regularly enough to get highly skilled with it. One of the benefits is that it is very compact and easy to store / lug around, though I've also seen compact, flux-core MIG machines which are a tempting upgrade.

I've tried TIG with my inverter, and did some very thin autogenous (no filler material) welds on stainless steel successfully, though it is a trickier technique and I found I had a lot to learn with it as a welding novice.

I spoke to colleague at work that does welding as part of his job role. He prefers a gas MIG - he said the flux core is rather messy and he doesn't like it. He is doing it for a living however, so is supplied with large gas cylinders by our employer, and has to get the job done on the clock, so you might not mind the cleanup time if it means not messing with gas bottles and their associated cost.

Make sure you have goggles for hammering slag off - it likes to fly into your eyes. Same with arc (stick) welding.

If you can get a gas/no-gas combination MIG unit then you would have the option of experimenting with both types and see what suits you:
Since you are in Ireland, see for example:
https://www.clarkedistributors.ie/index ... ct_id=2659

I agree that if you do go for a specialised socket you will be limited to where that is installed, but if you are only working in your garage then there are always extension cables rated for continuous use, e.g.:
https://www.essentialsupplies.co.uk/pow ... cable.html

I also plan to add MIG and/or a decent TIG (with the HF start!) to my tools when I have my garage sorted, so I'll be interested in hearing how you get on with whatever technique you decide on.