Inverter welders Tradeweld versus Stramm

[Kaspaas]

I received a Game voucher with my mobile contract and as I want to upgrade to a Inverter welder from my old 1942 ark welder, these are the two 200Amp options.
They are more or less the in the same price range @ R1800 each.

Yes I know its not a Mat-weld or Miller, but I only do DIY projects and normally use 2.5mm electrodes.
So I struggle to justify a cash R3500 alternative, and would rather use the voucher.

Is one better than the other or can I go on the colour preference?
Thanks

[niclemaitre]

Check which one has a longer duty cycle?

[ChrisF]

Cobus the classic DIY guy will hardly ever push these machines to their limits.


I have one of these 200A no-name models. It works very well !!!!


Few months back we made two off 3x1,8m spanish burglar bars. Once the jig was sorted I just welded and welded and welded ... as the rods ran out my neighbour passed on new rods .... forget duty cycle, this was virtually non stop.



not once did the welder moan. It just kept on welding.

and SO much nicer than the old arch welder !!

[Kaspaas]

Thanks guys,

Nic, can you explain the duty cycle saga to me in normal "boere" English please?

[niclemaitre]

"Duty cycle is the amount of time a welder will weld or a cutter will cut in a given time frame at given amperage. Simple explanation is, 20% duty cycle means it can be used for 2 minutes out of 10 at a given amperage setting, 30% -3 minurtes etc." http://www.zena.net/htdocs/FAQ/dutycycle.shtml

[ChrisF]

duty cycle is very important for "production work" ... where the welder must WELD ...


For DIY application it is very seldom that we weld more than 1 or 2 sticks, then it is time to change the jig, and get ready for the next part of the project. Thus the typical DIY guy would seldom push a machine anywhere near its duty cycle.


That said, the better the duty cycle, the less we will "push" the machine, and thus it should last a bit longer ....

[Kaspaas]

Thanks Nic,

Now I definitely owe you a draft at the Thirsty Scarecrow!

[Stef]

I have the Mat-weld 160A version; works brilliantly

[ChrisF]

back at home, just checked, mine is also the MatWeld 200 model

VERY happy with it :)

[niclemaitre]

I have the MatWeld 200 amp one, got a great deal because of a mix up at Midas. It's done two canopies and a bumper as well as taught several people how to weld as well...