15 replies to this topic

[Chance]

http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_2813wt_1270

Now on the market for my first welder so i can start practicing, will be learning the basics in MIG at college (i do an apprenticeship), but want to start repairing the mini so need my own welder

Will this be OK for a starter package? I am looking to spend as little as possible but if it means i will have a crappy time welding then i will spend some more and get a Clarke etc.

Also what gas do you use for MIG? just CO2?

Really appreciate all advice :)

[ukcooper]

Crap at welding but heres my 10p worth

First get your self a auto dim helmet, even before you buy a welder there that good and your eyes are worth it.

To gas or not - gas is a better option as it seems to make the weld look better, but then you have to buy gas at 10 quid a bottle welder size or pub set up at 60 quid for bottle and regulator, but then you only pay for a refill about 15 quid and also
It's a bloody heavy bottle to lug about and the small pub ones must weigh 30 pounds so you lose the mobility of the mig. trolly might be a option for you.

I use co2 and it's fine for me but then you can go to argon but that's expensive.

Non gas allways seem to splatter to much.

[alex-95]

I'm not too sure on the wolf welder's, I personally would buy a clarke as you know your getting good quality. And definitely get an autodim helmet.
For gas I would use argon co2 mix, and buy the refillable bottle's, You can alway's make a trolley to carry the bottle (like Mine).

Edited by alex-95, 28 July 2012 - 02:34 PM.

[charie t]

Just as a guide look at the price of a simular clarke welder, the clarkes are a cheap starter set up too.
Pay that much and you may find out why its so cheap.

[Chance]

Cheers guys
I thought as much

I've looked on machine Mart and the smaller Clarke's seem to be about 200 nd more but as with all things I suppose you get what you pay for :)

Ill have a search for some Clarkes
Cheers

[SA MINI]

Wolf stuff generally is good quality for the money. They make really good generators & stuff cheap I have two of those.


I have a pretty good wolf arc welder
But the mig I have is the Clarke pro-90 with the same gas bottle in that eBay link you posted.

I Bought it off eBay £50 2 years ago & it's never let me down & easy to use
The Clarke welders are extremely easy to get bits for too
Bit

[Chance]

Theres a Clarke 100e on eBay atm, only down the road from me

Will this handle bodywork repairs?? I dont know how thick the metal is ??

Any views on the 100e?? MachineMart sell it for a little over 200quid

[Chance]

I bid on it anyway and won

So i know own a Clarke 100E mk2 MIG :)

Hopefully you guys approve lol

[alex-95]

Have you got a Link?

[Chance]

Its a little scabby but i can sort that out :)

As long as it works like it says

http://cgi.ebay.co.u...3#ht_500wt_1287

[Chance]

Have you got a Link?

It's not too bad is it?

[mini13]

looks a good deal, especially with some gas too.

also I agree with getting an auto dim mask, maks things a lot easier especially when learning.

[Neildanks]

I had one did all my first mini with it had to replace the liner thou as it kept sticking but after that it was sound. so you should be ok they do cheap auto dim helmets on the bay starting from about £30

[Chance]

I saw one on there for 22quid so even better :)

Just got it home, will get it painted nicely, get it looking great
Hopefully theres some good wire furthur down the reel
Is eBay good for new wire aswell??

Thanks for the replies

[Shifty]

The new welder you linked to looks an ok spec, if it does what it says then it would be cheap welder. Wolf are a cheap and nasty brand though and I think I'd rather spend a bit more and get a clarke.

I had a cheapy auto dim helmet, i kept getting welding flash through it, I think the swp ones are ok.