the higher the amperage the thicker metal u can weld in a single pass.13 amp fuse is fine for 185 amps

anything above 180-200 is pro use imo.... 130-180 is a very handy bit of kit for home..... 90-130 is very basic diy use once every 12 months or so.

like i said use 0.6 wire on cars and 0.8 on diy jobs like car trailers, bbq's andanything like that realy a 180 amp machine wil burn 0.8 all day a less powerful machine will strugle due to the duty cycle shown as a percentage on the side of the machine which in lay mans terms how long u can run the set at a perticular power rating for.

sometimes u can find a very good cheap set, come across a few but when the break or go wrong they cost just as much to buy a new one as it is to fix it.

the main reason i bought a bigger set is i can get 0.6 on 15kg spools where u would noramly use 5kg and i get these very cheap (free)
and if i ever have a problem with the torch its just a basic euro torch connecting gun from any welding supplys shop, instead of waiting weeks for replacement clarke parts etc.

any one can weld, my mum can weld but the quality of the welding is down to practice and who teachs u, not some muppet down the pub whos been there done it got the tee shirt.
alot of collages do evening classes for studants, best bet is give teh collage a bell and ask if u can learn etc.the tutor will tell you all the basics and help u wih problems give advice on maintaning the machine etc.
u may even pick up a few fabricating tips too that will come in handy when doing cars and the advice u get is correct not hear say or bollox.


the fire extinguser is a good buy may save your life or your car. co2 is betters as powder and foam makes a real mess,and i think it costs £40 to refill a co2 extingisher 5 litre.