Well I was originally looking at one from China, but there listings are funny like, for instance they will list machines at 400 for a name yet it's only a 250 amp machine and than I noticed there power is at 380 volts, wondered if they some how scaled differently. I not overly electrical inclined, in searching I came came across this older thread. The machine is listed for $999 US Time I convert to Canadian and shipping duties yea I'm better off buying from here, plus they always supply cheaply missing items, or it's just poor quality items, like a 5 foot ground clamp, no foot pedal no water cooler options than it comes to what about the consumables for the torch they provide. It losses it attraction. When they demonstrate the machines in question on aluminum - either they are really bad at welding, or the machine is not capable as described.
The gambler said it best know when walk know when to run... Than I got to thinking of the old Hobart I use to run bigger, heavier, but long lasting and still welding being able to produce butter welds, when there maintained, so I started looking at older one's, cheaper in price and some times they come with all the gear necessary like a cart even, to start welding. when you get into welding aluminum it's nice to have water cooled, you don't want to cook your hand even slightly, you might pay for when you get older. Same for grinding to much.
I'm older and I don't need that either.
So as a hobbyist playing with Stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper, bronze, trying to not to get into the steel so much, unless it's small pieces and toss everything into a tumbler and see you in a few hours. Sitting at a table is more my speed now a days.
TIG Brush is more ideal, electrolytic weld cleaner, simple fast vs grinding, sanding, polishing, using primers and painting.
I also don't need the excess of dirt involved as well.
Had an ole Lincoln antique, 1948 stick machine that had a hand crank on it than I put a starter on it, small hobbyist model, upgrading it as it broke down showing its age, was in the period of mechanic's illustrated, it just was not overly designed well, it required Loctite, the engine shock the **** of it lol, learning lesson that was. when it was running it ran great. Than I got old and sickness appeared.
Starting over again been out of the loop for a number of years, I don't mind solving problems in older pieces or making them last longer, the machine I get will be a hobby as well, upgrading it. Putting gauges on it, if it does not have any, I'm in no rush really, but looking for a welder that is smooth in it's operating ranges has some sweet spots settings. Has some decent range to it. I really can't do heavy anymore, requiring a crane, plus I'm working out of a single car garage, for most stuff it will be DIY jigs. but I need the welder first.
