12 replies to this topic

[J_1275_O]

Hi all,

Are these welders any good? I'm new to welding,was going to get one to learn with, but would it weld OK ?

or are they crap?


Cheers

[dhende84]

Should be plenty good enough for bodywork repairs.

[Bungle]

it's not what you would buy if you were a welder for a living but it's fine for home use

i'm borrowing the next size up

[Jamez26]

nice toolbox bungle

[J_1275_O]

Ok Ill give it a go and see what its like

[frog998]

I use a Clarke 135, which i find to be a good welder and was recommended off the mig welding forum.
Bought it for use on the camper incase i need to do any chassis work but think the 100 will be fine for general bodywork

[danie garry]

i bought a clarke 150, i'm a first time welder too and i like how it works. i got it from tool-net, they seemed to be cheapest

[steve26-2008]

Don't do it, I have a sip 105 and they have really bad wire feed problems. Just do a search on www.mig-welding.co.uk and you will see how bad they really are. It's Just my personal view, I'm only trying to save you money.

[DAVEY_C]

above x2.... i use a migmate 130 and also have bad wire feed problems... had to modify the welder too get half decent welds.... so not beginner friendly.

go for a clarke, i previousy had a clarke 135 and it was a much better machine and sorry i ever sold it...

[kalkat]

Some of these welders can be improved no end by adding a 'support' to the wire feed.

This takes the form of a strap across the two parts of the plastic moulding - stopping the whole shebang flexing.

I used a piece of Meccano, no more problems - mind you I also changed the hose and gun too!


Emma

[Flat-out]

Don't do it, I have a sip 105 and they have really bad wire feed problems. Just do a search on www.mig-welding.co.uk and you will see how bad they really are. It's Just my personal view, I'm only trying to save you money.

Ditto

I bought a Sip Migmate 100, and I found it hopeless to use. As already said, the wire feed was rubbish. If you want a good low priced mig then try this Clarke 90EN Mig It's brillant for welding bodywork gas or gasless, but may struggle if you are welding a subframe.

[J_1275_O]

OK Guys, Doesn't look like i will get one then from the response!

Looking at a Clarke 100E on the net, they look alright.

Cheers for the info anyway. I will probably post up pictures of my welding skills sometime in the future. Haha.

[Kerrin]

Some of these welders can be improved no end by adding a 'support' to the wire feed.

This takes the form of a strap across the two parts of the plastic moulding - stopping the whole shebang flexing.

I used a piece of Meccano, no more problems - mind you I also changed the hose and gun too!


Emma

My previous welder was a cosmo which is exactly the same as the sip.

The wire feed gradually got worse as the plastic mount for the tensioner gave way under tension.

I tried the mod above after reading the mig welding forum and it did help. But rather than go to all that trouble just buy a better one to start with. The Clarke welders appear to be better quality and easier to weld with.

Friends of mine who have Clarke keep them, friends with SIP sell them on.