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[aaronjb]

Nah - though I could run that size socket (the SWA to the house is rated high enough - I just couldn't use much else at the same time!) I didn't see myself needing anything over 16A..

I'm sure time will prove me wrong, though!

I'm thinking about it, for home brewing purposes.

Crikey Kevin, what are you brewing that you need 32A for? Rocket fuel?

[Kevin Wood]

Crikey Kevin, what are you brewing that you need 32A for? Rocket fuel?

Impatience, mainly - waiting for stuff to boil.

Just wondering how many kettle elements to fit in the boiler and liquor tank, and don't really want to be the architect of a temperature controller that has multiple 13A plugs feeding it. 

[aaronjb]

Crikey Kevin, what are you brewing that you need 32A for? Rocket fuel?

Impatience, mainly - waiting for stuff to boil.

Just wondering how many kettle elements to fit in the boiler and liquor tank, and don't really want to be the architect of a temperature controller that has multiple 13A plugs feeding it. 

  Ahh go for the 13A plugs - what could possibly go wrong?

Surely a small electrical fire will just make the process quicker

[Marks DTM Calib]

Yeh, multiple 13A plus is good.

It should also be easy, your going to need an opto as part of the stat control system so why not just add a few!

[Nick W]

MIG? TIG? MMA(stick)? Can't make any suggestions on make, but the modern inverter TIG/MMA are comparatively cheap these days and you get tow welders in one compact box. 

I don't see much use in TIG for car use. It requires far more attention to fitting up and cleanliness. It's technical qualities aren't necessary for sheetmetal work.
MIG is much more suitable/easier/cheaper/quicker.

And before anyone asks, I do have both! I bought an AC TIG because I wanted one, had the money at the time and wanted the gear to weld aluminium; I've never actually used it on a car.

For automotive use you'd be better with oxy-acetylene; I found that I used mine for heating things as much as I did welding with it; until some theiving git(sorry - underpriviliged unfortunate) stole it.

[hercules]

The one I have is an ancient Cebora pocket mig. Nothing fancy, 4 power settings with variable spool speed. Converted to run full size bottle and full size wire spool and has done many a job over the (probable) 20 years that I have had it plus the time from the previous owner.

Have had a search and closest find is a turbo fan version. This one has no fan but the spares available may mean that I can perhaps breath some life back into it yet rather than spend out on a new one.

Thanks for the info and links. 

ooh a cebora,8 year ago when i was fabricating we had a cebora,it was something like 450 or 480 i cant remember but what a beast i really enjoyed whacking the power up and going for it on that bitch

[Andy B]

....

I don't see much use in TIG for car use. It requires far more attention to fitting up and cleanliness. It's technical qualities aren't necessary for sheetmetal work.
MIG is much more suitable/easier/cheaper/quicker.

And before anyone asks, I do have both! I bought an AC TIG because I wanted one, had the money at the time and wanted the gear to weld aluminium; I've never actually used it on a car.

For automotive use you'd be better with oxy-acetylene; I found that I used mine for heating things as much as I did welding with it; until some theiving git(sorry - underpriviliged unfortunate) stole it.

I agree re oxy/acetylene but not that readily available for home use.
MIG produces a very hard weld which isn't that easy to rework, but doesn't put as much heat into the weld as gas or TIG. And I've never used TIG on a car either. 

[Marks DTM Calib]

I love using TIG on thin sheet steel, it works great.

I find gas pretty awful on thin steel and MIG does work well (although never had any issues with re-working it).

Not a fan of arc but use it when outside if I have to.

[Kevin Wood]

Yeh, multiple 13A plus is good.

It should also be easy, your going to need an opto as part of the stat control system so why not just add a few!

True. Will be switching the elements with SSR modules so they already provide isolation. It's not going to be a proper suicide plug. The garage has its' own ring main too, so the total load on that can be managed.