15% duty cycle is not very good at all. That means just that: for every 1
minute you weld, it needs to rest 7 minutes. Granted you won't be welding
at 115amps all day, but cheaper welders (and hand held plasmas) with low
duty cycles area a real, real PIA.
Miller makes some good equipment and will last you forever. However, their
real low end junk is, well junk. I've had terrible luck with Hobart and
wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Lincoln makes some good equipment as
well.
Another sign is any welder that comes with a "hand held welding mask"
generally is a sign the welder is not that good. I know nobody that use
that and not a hood. Kinda nice to have both hands available....
If you are going to buy a welder, I would look in the phone book for a
welding supply store and talk to those at the store. You may pay more, but
I bet you will be much less frustrated in the long run.
Also be sure that if it says "for use with or without gas" it does include
solenoid, hoses, regulator, fittings. This one doesn't and by the time you
buy all the parts and pieces, you really didn't save much.
Definitely get a 230V welder if you have the plug in the garage. The 115V
units generally have real low duty cycles as well. Sure 18g sheet metal
doesn't need much power, but if you get a welder, and your friends find out
about it, before long you will be welding up your friend's trailer, the
neighbor's lawn mower frame, etc, etc, and you will need that extra oomph.
Just my 2p worth,
Bill
-----Original Message-----
Ok, I may be ready to take the plunge...is this welder worth bringing home?
DUAL MIG WELDER 151
For use with or without gas. Comes with welding torch, tip, grounding cord
with clamp, brush/hammer, hand held welding mask and manual.
Input: 230V, 60 Hz, single phase; Welding current range: 30-120 amps; Duty
cycle: 15% @ 115 amps; Draws 15 amps @ 230V; Max. open circuit voltage:
36V; Weldable wires: .023", .030", and .035 steel or stainless steel; .030"
and .035" aluminum; .030" flux core
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