Screwfix one day offer on inverter

Today's Screwfix offer is a Stanley Max 160/SW61565 140 MMA Inverter Arc Welder 240v priced at £179-99 - a reduction off £80.

Deal ends Wednesday 6th at 23-99hrs.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/stanley-max160-sw61565-140a-mma-inverter-arc-welder-240v/7946f

I have seen posts about these inverter arc welders. I have an oil filled, Oxford welder, which used to be about the best going (again according to people who knew) So what is the advantage of the newer breed?

Thanks,

Andrew.

Andrew,

they are much lighter in weight and guess they are not so heavy on the electrical loading........

had my oil cooled Oxford for forty years, mine's a 180amp, 240/440v......only ever used on 440v.........

to heavy to do mobile welding, ie gates etc.....so have a 180amp buzz box that runs from a genny.......

if u don't need to work mobile keep the Oxford........just bought a used 220-240amp Oxford with a battery charger/starter facility also 240-440volt.......will be selling the old one now, no room.......

Clogs

The inverter type might be 'smart' too. Electronics can be used to detect and manage the condition of the arc making the welder easier to use. Older welders of the better class attempt the same with heavy passive components : not cheap, or particularly flexible, but they work well.

I'd say the difference in practice is like comparing the performance of an older petrol engine with vacuum distributor, carburetor, and coil ignition with a modern engine fitted with an EMU. The EMU delivers worthwhile improvements in mileage, emission control, starting, power, torque & self diagnosis and the engine is cheaper to make, but that doesn't mean older engines are rubbish. Far from it.

Dave

Believe some don't work from a genny