MIG Power?

[Gaaz]

Hi Guys

 

Sorry in advance if this is a numpty question.

 

But what Power/Amps do you need to run a MIG welder in a domestic garage. One that would be good enough to do decent enough bodywork panels.

 

I've done Gas and Arc Welding before, all be it a long time ago. But never MIG welded and I'll need to learn/practice.

 

At the moment I know next to nothing about the kit or how much to pay?

 

But I'm also concerned, that when I go to buy one and come to use it, I dont pop a fuse or two.

 

Cheers Any advice would be really appreciated.

[mk2dk]

Hi Gaaz

The one I use is an old ESAB 380 volts (perhaps you call it 400 volt in UK) with 200 Amps, which is more than enough for welding panels. But it`s nice to have some extra power for bigger jobs.

[Gaaz]

Cheers

 

But would that not need a 3 phase main supply? Which isn't possible from a domestic house.

 

Or am I being thick

[Jiffer]

hi m8, mines a clarke 110e which i got from machine mart, its 240 volt and runs easily runs of a domestic supply, i know its proberly a budget make but its allways worked well for me and the amount of welding i do.

[Gaaz]

hi m8, mines a clarke 110e which i got from machine mart, its 240 volt and runs easily runs of a domestic supply, i know its proberly a budget make but its allways worked well for me and the amount of welding i do.

 

Thanks.

So does that run off a standard 3 pin plug top in a 30 Amp Ring Main?

 

When you say "the amount of welding you do" I take it that a machine any bigger, the difference would be it could weld thicker metal over long periods?

[Jiffer]

i have a 40amp main breaker with a 16amp breaker on the socket ring main in my workshop, mine will weld easily up to 4mm for as long as ive needed to, but for longer periods get a turbo one i'm told they can weld for longer, before this i had never done any mig welding, but have done a lot of arc welding on structeral steelwork with old oxfords and now with kempi invertors so any bigger stuff i preffer to stick weld. yes does work of standard 3 pin.

hope this helps m8

[Gaaz]

That helps alot thanks

 

So your machine must be pulling less than 16 amp on use. That answers my concerns, Cheers.

 

I haven't welded for a good few years, passed C & G in Gas & Arc for pipefitting, but worked mainly on maintenance since and any pipework I fit is usually small enough to thread.

 

So it should be interesting to see if I can get back into the saddle so to speak

 

Nice dog by the way. Yours or just random photo?

 

Thank Again

[Jiffer]

thanks m8 yeps shes mine, mad as a box of frogs

best of luck with the welding.

[capri71]

You needn't worry too much mate - you will be using lowish amps on thin panels. You can get 200 amp machines that run off a domsestic supply so 25 to 45 amps or so isn't a problem.

[Gaaz]

Cheers Mate

 

Thanks for the input.

 

I was just a bit worried that the welding and my lads stereo on together might take out the house 100 amp fuse

[gpcmatric]

you would have to have a big fault current to blow the main fuse at the meter.