So, like iffen I dont go to the APF, I got £500.00 to spend on an Inverter welder

[peatff]

You will not weld aluminium with a DC tig. I have tig and mig and would not recommend tig to anyone who is not familiar with the process, it takes a lot of learning and coordination and is expensive on gas and consumables with gas cups, tungstens and rods and you need to be inside out of even the slightest draughts. Arc is sounding like favourite for you, inverters that are designed to run from lower amp supplies are no more prone to breaking than any other machines and will burn 3.2mm rods all day. Old buzz boxes that don't have hot start and anti stick are a pain in the arris at times so make life easier for yourself. After over 40 years of it I like the new machines and welcome any innovations that make life easier. Embrace new technology and don't be a Luddite.

[difflock]

Peatff!

Guess what, this morning I bought a Jefferson 1700/230, with no TIG facilities, cos I reckoned they were only an added complication.

An a sexy (non Luddite) automatic welders mask (I was down to holding the glass containing half of the 20 year old cheapo mask in my "free" hand.)

Pure MMA all the way:lol:

Somewhere about £240.00 + Vat with a better rod holder throwed in.

cheers

m

[Justme]

As there are a few welders on here I will mention the deal that BOC are doing for hobby welders. You can get a cylinder of MIG or TIG gas with a very low yearly rental if you mention the Volkszone deal when you phone them up. They have even dropped the fixed charge they normal charge each time you collect.

 

MIG

Y size argoshield

gas 25.60

Surcharge 1.31p

Rental 37.40 per year

 

TIG

Y size pureshield argon

Gas 31.34

Surcharge 1.31p

Rental 54 per year