14 replies to this topic

[SurreySprite]

Hello all,

I've been doing some research on here and over on mig welding forum and I'm in the market for my first welder.

I have a small hole in my boot floor and some of my floor pans need doing and I'd like to have a go myself.

Having done the research I am ready to start practicing on steel but can't decide between these welders to buy:

Clarke 90EN
Clarke MIG 145
Clarke PRO90

All are coming in at about £200 from Machine Mart.

Does anyone have advice about what would be best?

Cheers,
James

[scaffers]

I use a sealey mighty mig

Lov it
6mm wire
8mm tip
Gas no gas
150amp



.

[Craig89]

I brought a Clarke 100en off the bay second hand for about £70. Perfect for doing body work. Gas is better than gasless however your better off getting a proper bottle from a gas supplier as the disposable bottles don't last 5 mins

[benjy_18]

General consensus on here is that the Clarke 135te is very suitable for almost anything on a mini. If you can stretch to it that's what I would look for. But if your only looking at minor repairs the 90EN will be suitable. Be sure to get yourself a good gas bottle and you will find the welds come out a lot nicer and are easier aswell

[puggered]

General consensus on here is that the Clarke 135te is very suitable for almost anything on a mini. If you can stretch to it that's what I would look for. But if your only looking at minor repairs the 90EN will be suitable. Be sure to get yourself a good gas bottle and you will find the welds come out a lot nicer and are easier aswell

I second that! 

 

I also use http://www.hobbyweld.co.uk/ for my gas. A £50 deposit gets you a decent size gas bottle and its only £30 per refill. You will own the bottle unlike BOC where you rent it for stupid money then when you decide to hang up your welding gloves you will get your £50 back when you hand the bottle back! 

[Jase]

I went with a gasless Clarke, excellent welder.

[alex-95]

 

General consensus on here is that the Clarke 135te is very suitable for almost anything on a mini. If you can stretch to it that's what I would look for. But if your only looking at minor repairs the 90EN will be suitable. Be sure to get yourself a good gas bottle and you will find the welds come out a lot nicer and are easier aswell

I second that! 

 

I also use http://www.hobbyweld.co.uk/ for my gas. A £50 deposit gets you a decent size gas bottle and its only £30 per refill. You will own the bottle unlike BOC where you rent it for stupid money then when you decide to hang up your welding gloves you will get your £50 back when you hand the bottle back! 

 

Third that

[minikidx14]

I have a Clarke MIG195TEC and it welds everything i need it to. I use co2 that only costs £15 for a full bottle.

[SurreySprite]

Thank you for all your replies.

I think I am going to go with a Clarke 90EN and use any extra cash to get a good mask. I have read they can make a lot of difference.

Great advice about bottles too.

[cradley-heathen]

i should be your first choice of welder lol! mobile welding repairs carried out in the west midlands (shameless plug there i know)

 

good luck with getting to grips ith it all though

[SurreySprite]

i should be your first choice of welder lol! mobile welding repairs carried out in the west midlands (shameless plug there i know)
 
good luck with getting to grips ith it all though

You're a little bit too far from me...I'm based in London now but moving to Scotland

[imvarma]

I recently went from a gassless 90 to a 135te and the quality of my welding went straight from acceptable to excellent. get the best you can afford. as said the clarke 135te is a great bit of kit.

[SurreySprite]

I recently went from a gassless 90 to a 135te and the quality of my welding went straight from acceptable to excellent. get the best you can afford. as said the clarke 135te is a great bit of kit.

Thank you for your comment, I was hoping to compromise and get a 90 with gas. Will see if I can find a good deal on a 135TE. Machine mart seem to be quite competitive on price.

[imvarma]

I bought it from there on one of their vat free days.

[sonikk4]

I have mentioned this several times but i have thrashed my 135TE big time and still doing so. use a 5 kg reel of 0.6mm wire and when you come to set up your gas then a gentle hiss is more than enough.

 

I have welded up to 1/4" very easily and i would thoroughly recommend it. My next one will be one of the larger models but for its size the 135TE punches well.