MMA/Stick Welder Recommendations

[TheJay]

Hey everyone, I want to make some jigs out of aluminium and steel. I'm planning on building some metal tube frames too.

I'm overwhelmed by the choice. My priorities are that it's 230/240v and has a decent duty cycle. I don't care whether it's new or used, I'm hoping to keep it reasonably cheap (but open to suggestions).

Thanks.

 

[TheJay]

I forgot to mention ideally anti-stick.

 

[tomlad]

I recently bought a rtech mma .
Very happy with it wish id bought one sooner ,looks like a toy , but no issues yet .
Leads bit short , it upsets the radio when its turned on .
I like the machine and definitely makes me a better stick welder.

R Tech Portable Arc Stick MMA Welder Pro 175 (240V)

Arc Welder R-Tech Pro-Arc175

www.r-techwelding.co.uk

I think this is my one , only unsure because there were 2 models, i bought the bigger one, but i could only see one model just now ?

 

[TheJay]

Strangely that's one I came across before posting. I can only see one model on their website. What made you choose this over the other options? What are you using it for and how do you find the duty cycle?

 

[tomlad]

Im sure there was 2 a few weeks ago but one model now .
I chose the bigger one.
I think there streamlining the range as less mig and tig models now .
Double boost ,utube, john mills has been raving about rteck for years.
My previous air cooled tyiang stick wouldn't run in the new shed im working on, trip the mcb after about 10 seconds welding. Works fine in main workshop.
The rteck has i think tripped it once ,i had to run it alot on high for it to trip the mcb in the distribution board , basically i was trying to make it blow , or indeed break it.
The welder has not cut out at all yet .
Running 3.25 rods on 90 amps .
My only faults is the short leads and it upsets my radio . By getting machine close enough or dangling it off stuff ive managed fine .
Would i use it as main welder dunno .
Is it useful to have absolutely
My first go to is mig in workshop.
Have to add , i thought id have to take my mig to this shed job as i couldn't do all the stuff with stick , probably im not good enough .
Done all with stick and enjoying it. Only barsteward is horizontal upside , under a cross member. No idea why so hard to get even penatration or respectable looking weld.
I am happy with the welder, and for the money

Have a youtube search for doubleboost r tech reviews

 

[TheJay]

That's good to know. I can't see anywhere in the specs, is it DC only or AC/DC?

 

[davidroberts30]

If your welding ali you need a A/C machine

 

[TheJay]

That's not offered by the R-Tech?

 

[tomlad]

No idea re the ac
Mines a stick mma welder