Mike
Part of things
Posts: 352
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Jun 10, 2013 17:00:59 GMT
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After buying a very rusty mini and borrowing my mates mig welder alot I'm Going to invest in a MIG welder this week at somepoint. I will be using it for steel bodywork mainly but nothing more than 2 to 3 mm. I have a budget of around 300 would rather pay a bit more for somethig that will last. Theres a mahine mart close by so been looking at there range as i don't really know anuwere else that sells them? I'm in west yorkshire... I was just wondering if anyone could reccomend me one as I'm a bit of a newbie in this area! Pics of the mini coming soon! Thanks  mikei |
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grumpy
Part of things
Posts: 557
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Jun 10, 2013 17:29:16 GMT
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I would bite the bullet , and skip the learner diy clarke /sealey/sip sets which are around and get a 2nd hand but good nick Murex tradesmig off ebay for 250-300£ .Something over 150 amps . Might seem scary or o.t.t but you would get a number of benefits .
1. The bigger , better , more professional machines will hold there 2nd hand value - you will not lose money.
2. You will find it can always be fixed and spares are easy to get
3. Learning to weld and welding be easyier due to it having more settings.
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Jun 10, 2013 18:40:26 GMT
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A lot of pro welders and mechs put down on Clarke stuff, I guess cos pro stuff is a lot better. I am an amateur mechanic and general car fixer like most people on here, and I think my second hand Clarke 160en is great! I paid £130 + gas iirc. I splashed out on some (perhaps overpriced) argon-co2 mix which I think helps a lot. Grumpy does raise good points though: 1: true, which is why I bought second hand. 2: true again, clarke looses points for no 'euro torch' etc... 3: my clarke has 6 setting 30-160 amps, which is about as good as a £300 murex I think? edit to say: There's an absolutely fantastic welding forum with loads of information and tutorials, as well as knowledgeable people to ask: Click here for link to tutorials. |
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Last Edit: Jun 10, 2013 18:45:20 GMT by SamR380
I've got Rovers.
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Jun 10, 2013 19:06:09 GMT
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I qualified as an industrial welder in 1981. When I therefore attended college for an engineering course a few years ago I was allowed into the welding shop and use the equipment. What surprised me was they had probably 10 or more Clarke 100E Mig's. Tutor told me they are a great starter MIG and saves students having to wait for access to the larger machines when there was a full class. Personally my first MIG was a Clarke 100E and rated it highly but to have an engineering college also endorse them must be worth something.
Paul h
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Jun 10, 2013 19:19:23 GMT
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If your budget can stretch a little go for a larger machine like the murex, or cebora 180amp welders. These size welders are very controllable, and will give a lovely neat weld. The smaller beginer welders like the sealy, clarke, 100 - 130 amp welders are not nice to use. If you do go for a small welder, avoid anything made by sip. As an idea of whats out there, I bought this a few weeks ago: link  |
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Last Edit: Jun 10, 2013 19:22:07 GMT by carat 3.6
1988 Mercedes w124 superturbo diesel 508hp
1996 Mercedes s124 e300 diesel wagon
1990 BMW E30 V8 M60 powered!
1999 BMW E46 323ci project car
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Mike
Part of things
Posts: 352
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Jun 11, 2013 13:17:06 GMT
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Okay hanks alot for he advice guys! Defo going to look at second hand stuff i think! Has anyone got any thought on cebora stuff? Believe they make snap on stuff. Been offered a 130turbo wih gas wire ect at a fair price so thinking of picking that up. Should be okay for thin stuff right? I very very rarely weld metal over 2-3mm so would just get the arc welder out for thicker stuff.... Thanks.again dor he help much apreciated |
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Jun 11, 2013 14:21:38 GMT
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Most half decent welders will go down to 30 amps which is low enough for 0.8mm panels. You'll probably need to use the spot-wait-spot technique (might have a proper name!) to avoid blowing through or warping the panel:  |
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I've got Rovers.
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mikei
