Ozito it's ok if you rarely use the Ozito tool but use it flat out for a few hours and it dies.
I can see why people may like Ozito because it's cheaper and probably ok if you never put any stress on the product.
Everything I try that is Ozito I can easily kill it quickly unlike other brands that I use the same way.
I have a sliding compound miter saw that is Ozito and I haven't burnt the motor out yet but haven't used it constantly.
Ozito tools are so cheap a lot of people here that buy them for a job throw them out after, and a lot burn out the first day of use.
I've found the 3.2 ok to weld with but not 4 mm but Norm is right about 2.5 is easier ,depends on what amps you are running.
Yes Arc welders are cheap ,I'd go with a cheap or free second hand CIG welder but some really old welders work fine.
I've seen lots of Arc welders thrown away that still work fine ,the newer welders can be inverter welders and the older are usually transformer welders..
I started with a Arc welder that had a switch with two amp settings ,one position for 2.5 rod and the other position for 3.2 rod.
The arc welders that have a variable adjustment from low to high amps are better.
I've found the transformer welders are easier to learn on as they seem slower to weld and give more time to move the welding rod around but the inverter welders are much faster and took me a lot longer to get used to moving the rod much quicker to get a decent weld.
Welding Process: Transformer welders (often referred to as AC stick welders or arc welders) usually provide a more stable arc at lower amperages, which can make it easier for beginners to control their movements. The slower welding speed allows more time to adjust the electrode angle and travel speed, which can lead to better bead formation for those still learning.
Inverter Welders: Inverter welders are generally more advanced and can provide more features, such as better arc stability, a more efficient power conversion, and the ability to weld at higher speeds. However, this can also mean that they require faster and more precise movements, which can be challenging for beginners. The arc can be more sensitive, and slight adjustments can lead to different results, making it trickier to master.
Learning Curve: Many beginners find that the slower and steadier operation of transformer welders helps them build foundational skills more effectively. Once they feel confident in their technique, transitioning to inverter welders can be easier as they adapt to the faster welding speeds and different characteristics of the equipment.
Personal Preference: Ultimately, personal preference plays a significant role in which welder feels easier to use. Each welder may have its own unique feel, and practice is key to becoming proficient with any equipment.
I've pickup up a few free arc welder to try and one was a big CIG transformer welder ,just seemed like it wouldn't get enough amps to weld properly ,was about to throw it out and I read on the back only use welder with 15 amp plug and I was using 10 amps so that is something to check for when getting a cheap welder as you most likely only have 10 amp power points.
For learning to weld it's easier with better quality rods but costs more like CIG rods ,I think I got Bossweld Electrodes from Sydney tools last time and they were good and fairly cheap from memory.
I'd go for a welder with 120 amps minimum but 140 amp is better.
With the home 10 amp plug you will only use 100 amps so the welder that tops out at 120amps is fine if set at 100 amps.
I just prefer not to run a welder on full amps for any sustained length of time also they have a duty cycle so the higher the amps are set the more rest the welder needs.
