11 replies to this topic

[Msmith3327]

Can any one tell me the difference between a clarke 150 EN and a 151EN Mig welder?

[dklawson]

I did some Googling and I suggest you do more than I did to research this.

It appears the 151EN is the "newer" model of the 150 EN. According to the thread linked below, Clarke is in bankruptcy at the moment and is not selling parts for the older model.

http://72.46.236.188...50EN-Mig-Welder

As far as I can tell by product description, the 151 EN is an introductory level flux core MIG welder that can be converted to use a gas bottle for "regular" MIG welding. There were several threads where people discuss the quality of Clarke welders relative to other brands so again, I encourage you to do a bit of Googling.

[Msmith3327]

Cheers DKlawson

[lrostoke]

Is the Clarke in the USA, the same Clarke we have in the UK though selling mainly through Machinemart ??

[dklawson]

We don't have Machinemart over here. Clarke in the U.S. has been sold through various distributors but their products are not common. I own a set of their gear-wrenches and an electric sheet metal shear/scissors.

The metal shears were a Christmas gift about 2 years ago. The blades broke almost immediately and the U.S. service center replaced them for free. When they broke a second time (6 months later) I called the service center and found they were closed as the company was in bankruptcy. Since then I have seen almost no Clarke products in the U.S.

Regardless, I believe the two companies are the same... they use (used?) the same "blue" color on everything and the same "text" logo.

[Msmith3327]

Ooooh new toy, Got it for £90.

[Msmith3327]

It has also come with a roll of wire, but how do i tell if its gassless or gas wire?

[Carlos W]

Is that a thin white tube wrapped around the handle?

[Msmith3327]

Is that a thin white tube wrapped around the handle?

Yup its for the gass bottle, but then looking at the front and how the gun and clip are plugged in its set for gassless, so not sure which wire it has, is there an easy way to find out?

[Carlos W]

if the welder has stood for a while you will probably want to replace the wire anyway, the wire tarnishes and can cause problems! (or it caused me problems)

Set it up for gas and replace the wire!

[Msmith3327]

I will be replacing the wire at some point but for the learning stage I cant justify buying a new reel just to throw it away so to speak on learning.

[Carlos W]

I found it impossible to weld with old wire, and a new reel of wire for gas welders is only a fiver!