Starting from scratch.

[Stree]

Thanks for that Sloderby, another MMart expensive consumable !
I had a look on ebay for autodarkening headsets and there is one for £22 that actually seems OK and gets at least one decent feedback remark.
That will probably do for me for now, but if I can ask another question that you might be able to answer:
This 160e comes with a domestic 13amp plug. I know lots of the more lightweight welders do, but some around the 150 amp + mark need a 16 amp or 32 amp supply ( just talking about hobby /light trade units here, ) and that would mean a commando socket, would I be better rewiring it with a commando or do you reckon the 3 pin plug is OK?
I am a joiner/woodworker and my workshop is all single phase but I have dedicated 16 amp rings and spurs from the consumer unit for the machines, table saw planer thicknesser etc so no problem doing it, but would it be a benefit or a waste of a good commando socket?

 

[sloderby]

If you've got a 16A or 32A circuit then you're better to fit the 16A or 32A plug to the MIG. You'll see numerous postings here from people like myself who do not have a dedicated 16 or 32A circuit asking if we can run off a standard 13A 3 pin outlet.
The correct answer for machines with grater than about 130A output is that a 16A or greater circuit is required, but as most of us do not actually use the welder at full output for extended periods then we can just about get away with it.
But seeing as you've got the recommended supply available you would certainly benefit from using it.
Besides, the 16A or 32A plugs are really cheap anyway!

 

[Stree]

Thanks for that Sloderby, I will put the commando plug and and run it on the 16 amp circuit. Glad I asked !
Just got to find something that I need to weld now ! although I ought to practice first..
I have welded before, used to use oxy acetylene though, loved doing that, but not used a tig or mig or anything like, and only ever arc welded a coffee table frame at school!