Thread: GMC Welder

thanks for the headsup stu

Hi guys,

I'm new to this forum and haven't seen the discussion on the welder and haven't seen the discussion on the welder, however I have one and can confirm it is Italian made (made by Telwin).

I paid approx $100 about 18 months ago and used it mainly to weld some 8mm cleats and baseplates to 89x89 SHS posts. The duty cycle is woefull however, and i found myself taking forever just waiting for the machine to cool down.

Next time I'll go for a heavier duty machine that can keep up with me, but for $75 I guess you cant complain.

Cheers,

Steve

Originally Posted by stephenianjames

....d haven't seen the discussion on the welder, .... The duty cycle is woefull however, and i found myself taking forever just waiting for the machine to cool down.....

That was mentioned in the discussions that you missed, some people have modified their small welders to include a PC fan to help keep them cooler.

Now 34 (got one winging it's way to Stu's Shed)

Like the fan idea - I have 2x 12V ones sitting in my shed from an old anemometer I made to test 4" dust system flow rates (running the fans backwards to generate a voltage which gave me the flowrate) they'd be perfect for it. I knew there was a reason I don't throw anything away!

Make it 33.

Not really sure at this point why I need a welder, but at that price it's too good to pass up (at least that's what I'm planning to tell my dear understanding wife).

Originally Posted by Stuart

Now 34 (got one winging it's way to Stu's Shed)

Like the fan idea - I have 2x 12V ones sitting in my shed from an old anemometer I made to test 4" dust system flow rates (running the fans backwards to generate a voltage which gave me the flowrate) they'd be perfect for it. I knew there was a reason I don't throw anything away!

I have one of those welders and I found I could weld four 3 mm rods continuously before it tripped out - so ok for small jobs. I fitted some large ally heatsinks to the transformer which increased the number of rods I can weld continuously to 4.5! I have also bought a 240V 4" fan but haven't fitted it yet.

The other thing that is below par on those welders are the cables are too short and the handpiece and clamp are too flimsy. I eventually fitted 3.5 m long heavier duty cables and a new handpiece and clamp - much better.

I'm going to chat to MagSwitch when it comes, see if I can upgrade the clamp to one of their switchable ones

Another gone: ..........32.........

Originally Posted by Stuart

Anyway, they are getting rid of their last stock through eBay for $75.

...plus $20 postage which takes them back to about the price that I paid at Bunnings a few months ago.

Nonetheless, They are a terrific little welder and I have used mine a lot since getting it. I recommend them for the home handyman without any hesitation at all as the duty cycle is perfectly Ok unless you are doing lots of continuous heavy welding or are suffering lots of sticking due to inexperience in striking an arc.

Magnets & heat don't get along, so if the earth clamp gets some arcing the heat will eventually kill the magnet, ditto if the job gets very hot - which is why most welders use mechanical earth clamps.

MagSwitch don't seem to think that is a problem - magnetic earth clamps are definitely part of their product range. Not contradicting you, just basing it on MagSwitch's inherent brand protection concepts and expecting they wouldn't sell this sort of product if it would give their brand a bad name, so I'm sure they have done rigorous testing.

Originally Posted by Stuart

Just thought I'd mention it - there was a discussion recently about the GMC Welder, which GMC pointed out was actually made in Italy (hope I got my facts straight there),


Link here.

Hey Stu

I have studied my atlas. Whereabouts in China is that place called Italy?

Cheers

Graeme

I nearly bought one but I thought I would go into Bunnings to check to see what welders they sell. They were selling the Ozito one for $99. Don't know what they are like but for another $9.00 you get an elcheapo welding helmet, wire brush/slag hammer and 3 years replacement warranty and it's fan cooled. The duty cycle is better also 25% @ 80 amps compared to 25% @ 45 amps.

So by the time you pay the postage for the GMC and only get one month replacement warranty the GMC isn't really worth it by comparison.


http://www.ozito.com.au/productinfo.aspx?prodid=AWG-964

I see the OZITO is also fan cooled (not found in the GMC). Maybe this results in a better duty cycle. The 3 year warranty is also appealing.
Les

I had ordered one from our local Stratco Store. After some horse trading, and telling them I am a potential big time buyer they ordered in one for me, however when I asked how much again the price had gone up considerably and I advised them that they retail for $99 and I can get them at that price then after some deliberation they said i can have it for their original quote of $78 which I felt was to cheap.

Hopefully it stays at the same quote tomorrow when I go into pick it up