Thread: Spot welder question

I would like to buy a portable spot welder. I have used an italian made unit that worked good.( like those sold by the larger machinery stores that sell for approx $1000) looking at using it on metal duct work for dust extraction and light home workshop use.

does anyone have experience with the units that are sold on ebay? for about $350
I am guessing they are made in china etc? do they last? and do the tips need replacing often? is their duty cycle reasonable?

any information would be greatly appreciated.

Could you paste a link to the one you like. Have used a Toolmac unit that worked quite well, about the same quality as the ones listed on Ebay. The duty cycle of 30% worries me a little, but I suppose that by the time you assemble the various components, it will have cooled down enough to continue. Just remember they are not a production unit.
Kryn

I have an old Dorman unit which I use occasionally. Thinking about it, a 30% duty cycle is not too bad (say 1 second on, 2 seconds off - sounds reasonable). Tips and regrinding is really a matter of use - if they get too hot they will suffer but used sensibly on a 'portable' unit like you are suggesting should last for some time.

Michael

thanks for the info. the italian made units that I have used before had a timer. the units on ebay seem to only have a switch, so I am guessing there is not a lot to go wrong with them? as mentioned, yes I am use to keeping the tips in good order and not over doing the duty cycle. for memory the units I have used before had only a small duty cycle. eg: waiting between each spot.