Bought a new welder

Daemo · 07-11-2015, 20:18

Ive had my mates welder on a keep it for as long as you like basis since i sold mine before i moved back to the uk..
So, i bought myself a new unit with a new auto helmet, regulator, wire, etc, came to £320 all in.
Its a SWP 170amp turbo mig, it was recommended to me as a very good unit with 2year warrenty etc..They are on ebay but i got mine from an independant supplier locally.
All i can say is that it is epic, wire feed lovely and smooth, full size euro torch, internals seem very good for a budget type unit. Compared to the unit i had on loan which my mate paid £250 for it is far better even though they look very similar and are both 170amp.. I havent tried it on light panel steel yet but i am reasonably confident it will be able to perform at low amps.. Would definatly recommend to anyone looking for a welder whether its your first welder or an upgrade..

SNH · 07-11-2015, 20:48

Good rigs, I've got the swp 150 and it's been great. No euro torch which is the only let down but so far so good

solarman216 · 07-11-2015, 22:24

word of caution re auto helmets some are too quick, ie turn off for a split second when like me you do not keep constant steady run, what i mean is welding heavy on the bench no problem, but awkward places on the motor while contorted = potential arc eye, be warned, Rick

Daemo · 07-11-2015, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarman216

word of caution re auto helmets some are too quick, ie turn off for a split second when like me you do not keep constant steady run, what i mean is welding heavy on the bench no problem, but awkward places on the motor while contorted = potential arc eye, be warned, Rick

Yes, thanks this is my third auto helmet, my first one was like that, havent used the new one yet still using old faithful..

SNH · 07-11-2015, 22:58

I got an auto helmet off eBay £32 and it's awesome, loads of reviews from guys saying they've put there expensive ones away because it's that good. Came with gloves, hat and spare lenses

nemofish2000 · 07-11-2015, 23:28

A lot of the cheaper auto hoods tend to flicker especially with low amp tig welds, you get what you pay for and its got to be a speed glas everytime

terranosaurusdoug · 07-11-2015, 23:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by SNH

I got an auto helmet off eBay £32 and it's awesome, loads of reviews from guys saying they've put there expensive ones away because it's that good. Came with gloves, hat and spare lenses

Any chance of a link bud?

07-11-2015, 20:18	#1
Daemo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Northamptonshire Vehicle: Patrol y61, safari y60. Posts: 466	Bought a new welder Ive had my mates welder on a keep it for as long as you like basis since i sold mine before i moved back to the uk.. So, i bought myself a new unit with a new auto helmet, regulator, wire, etc, came to £320 all in. Its a SWP 170amp turbo mig, it was recommended to me as a very good unit with 2year warrenty etc..They are on ebay but i got mine from an independant supplier locally. All i can say is that it is epic, wire feed lovely and smooth, full size euro torch, internals seem very good for a budget type unit. Compared to the unit i had on loan which my mate paid £250 for it is far better even though they look very similar and are both 170amp.. I havent tried it on light panel steel yet but i am reasonably confident it will be able to perform at low amps.. Would definatly recommend to anyone looking for a welder whether its your first welder or an upgrade..

07-11-2015, 22:24	#3
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,431	word of caution re auto helmets some are too quick, ie turn off for a split second when like me you do not keep constant steady run, what i mean is welding heavy on the bench no problem, but awkward places on the motor while contorted = potential arc eye, be warned, Rick __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

07-11-2015, 20:48	#2
SNH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: East Midlands Vehicle: Ford maverick Posts: 427	Good rigs, I've got the swp 150 and it's been great. No euro torch which is the only let down but so far so good

07-11-2015, 22:58	#5
SNH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: East Midlands Vehicle: Ford maverick Posts: 427	I got an auto helmet off eBay £32 and it's awesome, loads of reviews from guys saying they've put there expensive ones away because it's that good. Came with gloves, hat and spare lenses

07-11-2015, 23:28	#6
nemofish2000 Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: cumbria Vehicle: terrano 3.0 sve Posts: 96	A lot of the cheaper auto hoods tend to flicker especially with low amp tig welds, you get what you pay for and its got to be a speed glas everytime