Is it worth buying a cheap £90 KD1879 welder? My impressions and tests

The discussion evaluates the KD1879 welder priced under £90, highlighting that its claimed 330 A output is significantly overstated, with real maximum currents around 120-150 A. Users confirm the presence of inflated "Chinese amps" ratings, often doubled on displays via adjustable potentiometers, misleading buyers. Despite this, the welder is considered adequate for amateur and occasional household welding tasks, such as welding small metal bars or garden structures, where high amperage is rarely needed. Modifications like paralleling two units with added diodes can increase current output to about 280 A, but practical use remains limited by power supply constraints. The device features minimalist design with IGBT technology, basic electronics including STM8S003 microcontroller and SG3525A-based motherboard, and low-quality cables often made of aluminum or copper-plated wire, which users recommend replacing with proper copper leads for better performance. The welder includes a soft start circuit to prevent fuse blowing, but the supplied mask is generally inadequate. Comparisons with other budget welders such as KD836, KraftDele, Majster Polska MP-0102, and Red Technik reveal similar compromises between price and performance. The discussion also touches on market practices of overstating parameters, the economic impact of cheap Chinese imports, and the difficulty of enforcing accurate specifications. For occasional use, the KD1879 and similar models offer acceptable value, but for frequent or professional welding, higher-quality European or American brands like Kemppi or Fronius are recommended despite much higher costs. Additional technical notes include suggestions for voltage regulation modifications using Zener diodes and resistors, and the feasibility of connecting welders in parallel or across different phases to increase capacity.
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