10 replies to this topic

[jonlad]

Hi all

I know welders have been covered a few times but was wondering does anyone have the new style Clarke MIG/TIG/MMA and what are they like please?

 

I have a 90amp clarke MIG, owned for nearly 30 years and its done most of what I've needed in terms of car bodywork. I feel like it could do with a new liner, earth lead, probably a new torch etc though and am looking at new models with a view to replacing it.

 

The new MIG/TIG/MMA seem to offer versatility over what the standard MIG does, but are they any good and do they offer any advantages apart from the obvious?

 

The amount I use it I can't really justify the lovely looking R-Tech models that people recommend unfortunately

Any pointers much appreciated!  

[Cooperman]

I'm sure the latest kit is much more capable than the older MIG sets. However, I have a 150 amp Miller MIG which I've had for almost 30 years and it still works very well. I've lost count of the number of restorations it has done, but I'm currently in the middle of some minor restoration of the Sunbeam Alpine which I recently acquired and my trusty old MIG is doing great. as always.

I started with a 90 amp SIP, but it was not powerful enough and the duty cycle was very short - weld for 5 minutes and stop for 10! That's when I decided to buy something with a bit of welding power. It was worth it.

Edited by Cooperman, 23 December 2025 - 05:52 PM.

[Ethel]

I went from a basic Clarke to an inverter type from Static Arc. It makes noticeably better mig welds, though what twisted my arm in to buying it was a need to stick some thicker walled tube together.

[sonikk4]

I used and abused my old Clarke 135TE Turbo for years and years and it never faltered not once other than me being an arse and damaging the teflon liner. Now if you dont want to the spend the monies on a R-tech then try and find one of those. I have bought one of the R-Tech welders (not used it in anger yet) to give me more flexibilty in welding thicker material. My 135TE sold very quickly.

[MrBounce]

I have a Clarke 135 TE Turbo as well. It was night and day compared to my old SIP. It's completely fine for anything home-related. I would love an R-Tech too, but I simply can't justify one. The Clarke has done me just fine.

[68+86auto]

Most inverter welders probably won't even last 10 years let alone 30 which will basically be none. Even expensive brands have lots of board failures.

 

Using the new inverter machines is nice but they just won't last as long. Unfortunately certain countries have banned transformer welders claiming they are "inefficient". The result is inverter welders which need more frequent replacement.

[Ethel]

At my skill level I expect that will be more than offset by what I save on grinder discs 

[jonlad]

Thanks for the replies folks, helpful input as always on here. I hadn't really considered longevity but now you mention it... yes. With some spare parts I could see the old unit lasting another 30 years.

I like the idea of a 2nd hand unit with a bit more power, will keep an eye open.

Appreciate the help fellas, merry Christmas

[imack]

I was on the point of replacing my 30 year old mig, which had a permanently live torch and was playing about (poor feed). But I ended up replacing the the torch with a removable euro type and fitted a new removable earth lead. The machine is totally transformed, and the torch and earth lead can now be removed and stored carefully, rather than poorly coiled with the welder.

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[jonlad]

Thank you, my mind is made up and I won't be tempted by one of the shiny "does everything" new jobs. I will keep an eye on ebay for a 2nd hand unit with a higher amperage though.

cheers all

[Homersimpson]

I've got a Clark 150TE which I've had for over 20 years and other than a better torch and the occasional new liner its been faultless.

 

I'm sure the newer inverter units are probably better but I've never had a need for any more and I've totally restored the following with it:

 

1962 AH Sprite MK2

1966 S-Type Jag

1958 Frogeye Sprite

1972 VW Camper

1959 MK2 Jag

1967 Mk2 Jag

1960 Frogeye Sprite

 

Plus welding up my daily Fiesta and the many other useful jobs that a welder performs.

Edited by Homersimpson, 16 January 2026 - 10:21 PM.