46 replies to this topic

[minidream94]

am looking for a first time welder to work with when i start the resto on my clubman estate. I am doing welding at college every friday so am getting good at it, but obviously there much better machines. So i take it this welder would be ample for bodywork on my estate?

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...e=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Thanks

Nick

[Ethel]

Sounds ideal, you could ask on mig-welding.co.uk if anyone has any actual experience.

[sonikk4]

Thought i read something about these welders being a bit poo but like Ethel said have a look at the mig welding forum they will give you the low down on this make.

[Guess-Works.com]

But spec wise is a good starter for 10... but you need to find out is the duty cycle figure, this tell you how what percentage of time you can use the welder before it needs to cool down... and ultimately how good the welder is.

[wolfie]

Wolf are supposed to be gash however thats hearsay i have never used one, duty cycle wont be an issue on bodywork as you wont be doing long runs and you should be only using 30 amps.

Personally i would not bother, the mask is c**p and you will need to spend out on a new one, for £150 you can get a decent second hand welder.

[WiredbyWilson]

I looked at buying that, but Shifty (resident welding god) said not to waste my money as it was poo!

Apparently it is much wiser to pay a little more and get a Clarke one...

[minidream94]

alright guys and girl, cheers, think ill look out for a more decent one then

so you recomend clarke?

[Shifty]

I looked at buying that, but Shifty (resident welding god) said not to waste my money as it was poo!

Apparently it is much wiser to pay a little more and get a Clarke one...

I don't think I've ever had a tool that was made by wolf that wasn't crap!!

Spend a bit more, a welder is an investment for a mini owner!!

[minidream94]

lol thats too true shifty, along with a welder. If you got them two your sorted :L so do you recomend a clarke then shifty?

[Shifty]

Yup, clarke stuff is quite nice to use. I had a 150 amp one a while back, nice enough little thing.

[xBR4DLEY]

I got a clarke

[minidream94]

alright ill save up and get a clarke one then cheers for that guys

[ANON]

if you're using a decent welder to learn on when you change to a cheap/diy one you will notice quite a difference.
clarke stuff is CHEAP CHINESE JUNK. the mark up on it is massive.

you would be best to buy a decent sized set second hand or cobel welding on fleabay do some decent stuff, it's chinese but decent kit for the price.

[sonikk4]

if you're using a decent welder to learn on when you change to a cheap/diy one you will notice quite a difference.
clarke stuff is CHEAP CHINESE JUNK. the mark up on it is massive.

you would be best to buy a decent sized set second hand or cobel welding on fleabay do some decent stuff, it's chinese but decent kit for the price.

For CHEAP CHINESE JUNK it seems to work very well, for most average DIYers the price range is ideal and considering a lot of forum members use them and rate them they cannot be that bad. Yes there are better makes out there and if people decide to spend serious money on upgrading then fair play but unless i go into full time welding then i for one will stick with Clarke.

[minidream94]

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...=item3f05a682e1

how about this one then? suitable for an ameteur welder doing body work for the first time?

Cheers guys really helpful

Nick