I have purchased a small solid state arc welder off ebay, specifically for emerg repairs whilst travelling. It is a Lumix brand, circa $120, 0 - 160amp variable, 10 AMP plug. Its a cheapie but the first low cost. once in a lifetime use welder in this bracket.

I have a 3000W pure sine wave inverter, 6000w surge for 20 secs. I tried the welder this weekend and it barely raises a spark from even a 1.6mm rod running off the inverter. If I plug it into the mains, running off a 10amp fuse, welds beautifully.

Whats going on here? I know there is a temp amp rise at strike, however the inverter is not tripping out, simply appears to not have the 'power' to let this operate.

Appreciate any technical help I can get on this, and any alternate units that have been run off inverters. I have a 24-35V gasless mig welder already but its a handful getting the batteries connected etc and its large in size. this unit is not much bigger than a tissue box.