hi im new here.

[m^ke]

well i must have had a account years ago as i mannaged to log in.

im seeking advice on welders, ie arc & mig, & also if i need larger sockets fitting for my unit, as i know it has standard 13A plug sockets.

to start with im looking at clarke models, as they seem quite rated around here, good bang for buck.

im thinking a arc welder for outside work, ie, i know i need to weld more security to my unit door etc.

plus also a mig welder for inside use.

if i run them off the normal 13a plugs can i do light & heavy work on 13a?

also i have googles around for a electrician to fit me a larger outlet for welding, but carnt seem to find anywhere online in leicester that can do this.

 

[skotl]

Welcome (back) to the forum!

Clarke are decent enough hobby welders so do keep looking at them. Also, don't be afraid of buying second hand (as long as you can see it working, first) as you'll get a far better machine for your money.

Regarding the electrics, in theory 13A is "only" good for around 100A but many people can happily run a 150A welder at full blast on a 13A circuit. If you can get a 16A or 32A line and socket fitted then so much the better.
I'm surprised you couldn't find an electrician on google - are you searching specifically for someone with welder experience cos there's nowt complex about fitting a new 16A or 32A socket so you just need "an electrician". Word of mouth tends to be best, but I'd think Google or the Yellow Pages would find you plenty of options.

 

[m^ke]

heres some pics: i have been busy painting etc.

 

[skotl]

Looks like a decent space. What's that box in the second pic?

And any chance of a closer look at the distribution board?

 

[m^ke]

i do know i have plenty of spaces on the fuse box.

i have googles for electricians in leicester etc.

 

[m^ke]

thats the actuals elec meter, the one that you read to give meter readings etc.

yeh, its just under 400 square foot, its partitioned half way, toilet, water etc.

 

[m^ke]

Looks like a decent space. What's that box in the second pic?

And any chance of a closer look at the distribution board?

ill have to take more pics of it when i next go down to it.

aparently its single phase? but i have plug sockets all over the place.

 

[skotl]

i do know i have plenty of spaces on the fuse box.

i have googles for electricians in leicester etc.

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=leicester electrician

 

[normspanners]

I have a180 r tech mig and can run that at max on 13amp plug, I have an adapter to 16 amp but I dont do long runs like that.

 

[m^ke]

cheers. for the link, i think i was searching for electrician for welder etc, lol

im mind boggled now about what welder to get, i was original thinking about the clark 145nt arc welder for the rough stuff & a mig, but i have just been looking at migs & now im confused, lol

 

[skotl]

r-tech do a combined mig & arc machine - it's a bit more money than a Clarke but they do interest free credit.

What is it you're looking to weld (other than the door!)

Oh - and you'll need gloves, mask, gas, regulator, etc... Or just start with a cheaper arc welder, so you don't need to spend money on gas.

P.S. you may want to post these questions in the "Buying a Welder" section as you may get more responses there.

 

[m^ke]

well my unit is my "man cave" i am a born petrol head! i have a raptor 700, gsxr 750, etc, i love my toys & gadgets.

just play with them lol, on a more serious note. engines to things, ie after quite some time ild like to stretch the raptor frame, & also a kart project, i know its abit "fantasy" but thats why i have a man cave..

 

[normspanners]

I have a180 r tech mig and can run that at max on 13amp plug, I have an adapter to 16 amp but I dont do long runs like that.

r-tech do a combined mig & arc machine - it's a bit more money than a Clarke but they do interest free credit.

Thats the one cracking bit of kit plenty of power etc