Lidl arc welders

Post by **MikeNash** » Thu May 14, 2009 8:47 am

Greetings Comrades!

From today Lidl (in Andover at least) are selling arc welders for £34.99. Looks good to me! I bought mine for £35 from Halfords 25 years ago and thought I'd got a bargain!
No good for body work of course (unless you're BRILLIANT with arcs) but for toolaholics like me for whom lifes' not complete without the full range its worth a look.
Regards, MikeN.

Post by **alainmoran** » Thu May 14, 2009 3:59 pm

hehe ... at that price I'm tempted to get one ... I already have a mig, but hey!

Post by **paulk** » Thu May 14, 2009 5:08 pm

S'funny I can MIG , TIG and gas weld but never was any good on Arc.

S'pose I don't need to as I have MIG and TIG sets but always wanted to get the set if you like.
Hope its better than our ancient Clarke set that blows fuses like they are balloons.

Post by **MikeNash** » Thu May 14, 2009 5:26 pm

What transformed my arcing for the better was the modern dimming eye protection. Trying to strike an arc without sticking the rod to the work when all in the dark was so difficlut. MikeN.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu May 14, 2009 5:36 pm

Handy tool for fabricating all sorts of useful brackets and fixings. Well worth having one - this one looks as good as any.

linearaudio · Post by **linearaudio** » Thu May 14, 2009 6:16 pm

Yes, for small work it should be fine. My SIP topweld came from Pride and Clarke at £75 35 years ago, and has been a godsend. I have noticed though that the moderns are about half the weight for the power, and like horsepower, I think the Amps are smaller variety as striking doesn't seem so easy with a newer one. Something to do with the ultimate capacity, because going the other way, striking with an antique oil filled Oxford is much easier than my SIP. The point I'm making is that like most things, if you are a beginner. you find it harder to work with the budget item than if you are more experienced, and can easily give up!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu May 14, 2009 10:14 pm

Just noticed - you say £34.99 - but up here the price is £39.99. Do Lidl have different price structure for different areas ??
Their website also says £39.99 ?

Post by **MikeNash** » Thu May 14, 2009 10:15 pm

ERROR!!!
Just seen an advrt in the Mail and the welder is £39.99 - not £35.
Sorry, MikeN.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Thu May 14, 2009 10:19 pm

Ahh - thanks !

Post by **alanworland** » Thu May 14, 2009 10:50 pm

I used to have a 180 Amp Oxford arc welder, beutifully made, oil filled weighed about 2 cwt! (on wheels) made some good bits with that but it had to go - took up too much space, I do miss it though

Post by **mckenzie** » Fri May 15, 2009 8:00 am

I`ve seen attachments to use on arc welders for spot welding would this welder be suitable for these and are the spot welding kits any good.

Tony

Post by **rayofleamington** » Fri May 15, 2009 2:33 pm

I`ve seen attachments to use on arc welders for spot welding would this welder be suitable for these and are the spot welding kits any good.

Tony

I was going to ask the same question...

Post by **Furrtiv** » Fri May 15, 2009 7:32 pm

I wish I hadn't told the other half about this, he now wants to find a nearby Lidl and get himself an arc welder, dammit, there's no Lidl near us that I know of!

Post by **bmcecosse** » Fri May 15, 2009 8:51 pm

Just look their website!
Not aware of 'spot-weld' attachment for arc welder - are you sure ?? There is a system of carbon rods for use when brazing - but that's all I know of!

Post by **stiguk** » Fri May 15, 2009 9:43 pm

i hope to get one next wk
and then a mig in time from clarks
or anyone off here at the right price lol