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  1. #1
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    Default Aldi inverter welders, any good?

    Aldi will have this welder on special on October 7th, https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-b...lder-140amp-1/and I'm just wondering what the consensus is on its performance and value. Presently my welder is an Arlec 140 ish amp transformer unit, but as I have to use a 70metre extension cord to use it, I have trouble striking an arc, and wonder if an inverter unit may be easier to get going, as well as being much more portable, and if so would this Aldi unit be good buying, or is there better value elsewhere .

  2. #2
    BobL is offline Member: Blue and white apron brigade
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    The so called "high duty cycle" of 15% at its max current (140A) is a good indicator that it is a light duty machine.
    To get something that might last look for something that has about 2x more duty cycle at max amps.

    Few DIY folks need a high duty cycle machine but it is an indicator of how robustly the machine has been made and hence how long term reliable it will be.

    It probably won't like a 70m extension cord any more than your transformer unit.

  3. #3
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    Aldi accept returns pretty easily. I would get one and give it a go.

  4. #4
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    BobL is dead on the money with his comments. Inverters have inbuilt circuitry that shuts them down in either an over or under voltage condition to prevent damage. While Inverters convert electricity more efficiently than transformer based welders and thus stretch the capabilities of a power supply, there reaches a point where extension leads produce sufficient voltage drop and the inverter shuts down. 70M is a long run and you really need top quality leads to be successful when trying to weld. If this is a regular activity, then I would consider buying 4mm three core flex and making a dedicated lead. Assuming a 70m run and 15A full load current, 4mm cable will meet the <5% voltage drop requirement of AS3000 (just). 6mm would be even better, but I doubt you will fit it into a standard 3 pin plug.
    The so called heavy duty leads that hardware stores sell are often only 1.5mm which would produce around 13.5% drop over the same run plus a bit extra for every plug in connection on the run.

  5. #5
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    I welded a couple of hinges to a gate post for a friend a few weeks back. That was about 160m - we did have one extension lead made from old 3-phase bore pump cable with the conductors doubled up, but at least half of the run was with those cheap stripey 30m extension leads you get from Bunnings. Used 2.5mm rods at around 90A on my BOC 130A inverter - only welded 1" stitches and while the behaviour was a bit weird, it got the job done.

  6. #6
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    Given that your power source is so far away from where you want to use your welder, maybe a generator would be a better investment?

    Not sure what size your welder would need, perhaps 3kVA? I'm sure someone else here could advise you on that though.

    Cheers,... Jon.

    Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

  7. #7
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    Thanks everyone for your contributions, and apologies for my tardy response, but am travelling homeward ATM from the top of the big island, and most times at the end of the day I am pretty knackered and if I do get online, it is usually brief, short and sweet before the cot becons and I toddle off. Although most other options cost at least double, I may leave it and save a bit more for a stick/tig machine. Much more expensive I know, but also giving me altogether new capabilities as well as a likely better performance as a stick machine to boot.
    i would still be interested to hear the experiences of anyone who has used an Aldi inverter welder, paticularly if you have used several other inverter welders and can compare their abilities. As BobL suggested I am not likely to be using 140 amps very frequently, but I would lik a machine that doesn't cause me grief when I go to use it. All other things being equal, cheap is good, and yes I know, all other things are hardly ever equal. Thanks again for your comments,
    Rob.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonno_G View Post
    Given that your power source is so far away from where you want to use your welder, maybe a generator would be a better investment?

    Not sure what size your welder would need, perhaps 3kVA? I'm sure someone else here could advise you on that though.

    Cheers,... Jon.

    Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
    3kVa won't even look like doing the job unfortunately, more like 5kVa. The reason I know is that I tried to run an inverter stick with a 2.8kVa Crommelins gennie and I couldn't even run a 2.5@ 70A.
    The generator option is one well worth consideration though.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Karl Robbers View Post
    3kVa won't even look like doing the job unfortunately, more like 5kVa. The reason I know is that I tried to run an inverter stick with a 2.8kVa Crommelins gennie and I couldn't even run a 2.5@ 70A.
    The generator option is one well worth consideration though.
    Maybe a combined generator/welder might be worth looking into?

    Probably not new, as they are not cheap, but occasionally they pop up used at reasonable prices.

    Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

  10. #10
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    I have a similar stick welder but mine is set up for DC TIG and is a Repco brand absolutely love the little thing weighs bugger all and the machine is tiny, but do keep in mind mine doesn't have high frequency and i was working on a job/hobby trying to weld a nut onto a seized and snapped 6mm bolt on a outboard motor and the scratch start got the better of me i accidentally hit the aluminium block trying to initiate the spark and ate away a small part of the aluminium

    so something to think about with the cheaper machines, HF start is like gold on a welder

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by gazza2009au View Post
    ...HF start is like gold on a welder
    Agreed! Now that I have HF start I'd hate to go back to scratch start, but it does add significant to the initial cost.

    Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jonno_G View Post
    Maybe a combined generator/welder might be worth looking into?

    Probably not new, as they are not cheap, but occasionally they pop up used at reasonable prices.

    Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk
    Yep, I know all about that,-a couple of years ago a neighbour was selling up and had a clearing out of odds and ends, and his trailer mounted 350 amp diesel powered welder went for $25! Admittedly it looked a pos,the trailer very rusty, the mudguards almost non existent due to rust, but the welder was in good nick he told me. A bloke I know got it for the motor to power an irrigation pump which afaik has never happened.

  13. #13
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ropetangler View Post
    ...his trailer mounted 350 amp diesel powered welder went for $25!...

    ...A bloke I know got it for the motor to power an irrigation pump which afaik has never happened.
    Might be time to make some enquires. Aldi inverter welders, any good?

    Sent from my Moto G (4) using Tapatalk

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by Ropetangler View Post
    Thanks everyone for your contributions, and apologies for my tardy response, but am travelling homeward ATM from the top of the big island, and most times at the end of the day I am pretty knackered and if I do get online, it is usually brief, short and sweet before the cot becons and I toddle off. Although most other options cost at least double, I may leave it and save a bit more for a stick/tig machine. Much more expensive I know, but also giving me altogether new capabilities as well as a likely better performance as a stick machine to boot.
    i would still be interested to hear the experiences of anyone who has used an Aldi inverter welder, paticularly if you have used several other inverter welders and can compare their abilities. As BobL suggested I am not likely to be using 140 amps very frequently, but I would lik a machine that doesn't cause me grief when I go to use it. All other things being equal, cheap is good, and yes I know, all other things are hardly ever equal. Thanks again for your comments,
    Rob.
    I know it's a bit late but I did buy one of the Aldi inverter welders when they were on special and I love it. Such a handy little light weight welder that's good for quick jobs around the house & farm.

    My local Mens Shed also bought a similar "Bossweld" brand inverter welder with similar specs and it's used more often than the older CIG unit. At present we're making a new driveway gate from 50mm Galv pipe and it handles this with ease.

    Pat

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