Cheap MMA inverter (aka stick welder)?

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Cheap MMA inverter (aka stick welder)?

This topic has 9 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 14 March 2025 at 15:49 by noel shelley.

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10 March 2025 at 20:33 #788150
Fulmen
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@fulmen
I’m giving up on my crappy MAG welder and looking for something simple for welding 5-10mm mild steel. I can get a 120A inverter with Hot Start, Arc Force and Anti-Stick for an acceptable price, what can I expect from this device?

https://www.biltema.no/en-no/tools/welding/welding-machines/welding-inverter-wi-120-2000058523
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10 March 2025 at 23:18 #788183
noel shelley
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@noelshelley55608
22A input on a recommended 16 fuse ? 5KVa on 1.5 cable ? Whats the duty cycle ? 3.2 rod on 120A I doubt it. 2.5 would be the best option. Fine for light work but as you have mentioned 10mm, you will struggle. The numbers do not add up. A cheap inverter of this power should be about 100euros. Noel.
10 March 2025 at 23:54 #788192
duncan webster 1
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@duncanwebster1
120A is a bit limiting, and even then it has 20% duty cycle,which could get very tedious if you’re on a big job.
11 March 2025 at 01:40 #788197
Fulmen
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@fulmen
Actually it’s 85Eur so cheap is the magic word. The next bigger (160A) is almost twice as expensive, and I don’t know if it will be used enough to justify the expense.
11 March 2025 at 09:46 #788236
noel shelley
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@noelshelley55608
I have one a bit like this, and it has worked well when used for light, small work say up to 3mm and a 2.5 rod, 6013 type, BUT a box of good rods will cost as much as the welder at that price. IF you want/need to do 10mm material then the bigger machine is what you need with 3.2 rods. Check the duty cycle – Hot semi conductors will soon fail.

Remember the old adage, Buy cheap, buy twice ! Good luck. Noel.
11 March 2025 at 10:24 #788239
Fulmen
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@fulmen
Stop being so sensible 😉

It’s cheap, but the vendor is reliable and there is a 5year warranty. So it really boils down to capacity. I will take a long hard look at the next size up:
https://www.biltema.no/en-no/tools/welding/welding-machines/welding-inverter-wi-160-2000046651

This one even has the manual available, and gives the following data for duty cycle:

Intermittensfaktor MMA 20 %: .160 A
Intermittensfaktor MMA 60 %: .92 A
Intermittensfaktor MMA 100 %: .71 A
11 March 2025 at 18:32 #788370
Wade Beatty
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@wadebeatty78296
The larger model looks to be a ESAB Caddy clone, these are good machines. Better to be in the middle of a welders range than right at the top. Finn.no has great deals on welders too, but not with the warranty and ease of replacement that Biltema has.

Wade
11 March 2025 at 18:37 #788372
Fulmen
Participant
@fulmen
That’s my sentiment as well. I can find brand new or barely used no-brand welders on Finn but if they break I’m up a certain creek without a paddle. So new it is unless I come across a golden deal.
14 March 2025 at 14:23 #788687
Fulmen
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@fulmen
I ended up with the 160A machine, and first impressions are very promising. I ran 3.2 rutile @130A or so like a breeze, easy ignition, stable arcs under wildly varying gaps and no stuck electrodes.

Welds still look like crap but that’s on me.
14 March 2025 at 15:49 #788708
noel shelley
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@noelshelley55608
My opinion is you have done the right thing ! But the welder ONLY produces the power – it’s up to you HOW you use it. Practice is all you need. Good Luck. Noel.
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