18 replies to this topic

[leevan42]

Hi, Has anyone got or bought one of these from screwfix, just want to know how well it works for repairing my mini shell. I also want to know what thickness of gasless wire is required....complete novice when it comes to welding thanks for your help.

100 NO-GAS MIG WELDER

[panelbeaterpeter]

They are a waste of time, spend money on a decent gas welder and make your life alot easier.

[Shifty]

Only use for that is as a door step!!

60a to 90a current range!!

Min current needs to be 30amp for welding rusty minis.

Stay well clear and save up for something decent.

[leevan42]

What is the difference between MIG and ARC???

[panelbeaterpeter]

MIG welding is a semi-automatic or automatic welding process that uses an continuous wire feed as an electrode and an inert or semi-inert gas mixture to protect the weld from contamination. Because of the additional equipment, the process is less portable and versatile, than ARC welding. It is the choice to go for when working on car bodywork.

ARC welding uses a power supply to create an electric arc between an electrode and the base material to melt metals at the welding point. They can use either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current, and consumable electrodes. Generally used for heavy duty and agricultural use.

Edited by panelbeaterpeter, 11 March 2010 - 07:06 PM.

[leevan42]

Thanks Panelbeaterpeter sorry to be a pain but will this one be any good becasue you seem to know what your talking about

Welder

[panelbeaterpeter]

No, that's an ARC welder..

If you're on a budget, THIS would be a good start, I wouldn't bother with anything smaller, waste of time in my opinion.

[minidaves]

have to agree gasless is useless, get the best welder you can afford like everything you get what you pay for

dave

[lrostoke]

Not knocking what panelbeater is saying but I've got this one

http://www.machinema...diy-mig-welders

Works a treat, no problems with cutting out after continous use.

Body panels no problem and also recently repaired a subframe again handled the thicker metal

[WiredbyWilson]

Can i ask what is wrong with the Clarke Pro 90, the Clarke 100E or the Clarke 110E - both appear to have a good power range and are cheaper?

Edited by Wilson1330, 11 March 2010 - 09:39 PM.

[BoboGib]

Not knocking what panelbeater is saying but I've got this one

http://www.machinema...diy-mig-welders

Works a treat, no problems with cutting out after continous use.

Body panels no problem and also recently repaired a subframe again handled the thicker metal

I Have the same one and also find it fine. Replaced one floor with it, done a few patches and it will get used to put my new front on.

[mini670]

Buy the best you can afford,

I had very little to spend, but I was lucky enough to borrow a Clarke 90amp Mig to use on my project.
Im no welding expert, but i think this lttle set is serving me well. Ive never used it full current on the body work, its set at 3/4 power most the time (half power when im filling a blow out in, it has 4 power settings).
The only gripe i have with this set is the stupidly high priced disposable bottles. I have used at least 8 up to now, i wish id looked into getting a bigger rental bottle, but since im 3/4 way through the job ill just put up with the cost.
One more thing, i had problems with the wire sticking and jumping in the liner, I replaced it for a wire liner and it sends the mig wire out nice and steady now.

I did get to use a BIG 3 phase mig when we built the spit roast jig up, that was really really nice to use.

[WiredbyWilson]

I admit i learnt to weld with a 3 phase when i built my mini - so easy and smooth. hence why i'm asking questions about wleders etc - will only be for occasional use so can't really justify (or afford) 300 beer tokens on one!

[leevan42]

Cheers you guys really really helps.

[leevan42]

Do you think it would be worth checking out classifieds in say my local paper for a half decent second hander????