Harry Worth
Member
- Messages
- 42
I'm a complete welding newby probably asking the same old questions.
I'm starting a restoration on an old MG Midget. The metalwork all seems circa 1.0 - 1.2mm in thickness - sill, floorpans etc.
I've spoken to a few welding pro's who've all said - don't buy a cheap mig you won't be able to use it. Even they find them far more difficult! At the beginning of this site there's a statement that says pretty much the same.
The Clarke Pro90 seems popular and offers the low amps (25A) for thin bodywork but seems to be the cheap type of machine I'm being warned against. The Kempi 180 Adaptive goes down to 20A and by comparison is fairly expensive. Will the Kempi be a much easier welder to use as an amateur (for which read complete novice).
I've also read an article in Practical Classics magazine assessing TIG welders. I spoke to BOC people they have suggested that even as a beginner I would achieve neater welds. I'm not interested in speed and don't mind taking my time. I understand that there is less smoke when using a TIG so it's easier to see what you're doing plus you can get closer due to the heat being less intense. I appreciate it's considered more of a bench device but at present my project is stripped and ready to be rolled over so access will be easy with no lying on my back to weld from underneath. They've also suggested it's a more pleasant device to work with and I'm all for that.
I'm airing towards the Kempi TIG (wife probably airing towards the Clarke Pro90)
Any thoughts or anybody out there that uses either the Kempi Minarc Mig 180 or Minarc Tig 180 that can advise from their own experiences.
I'm starting a restoration on an old MG Midget. The metalwork all seems circa 1.0 - 1.2mm in thickness - sill, floorpans etc.
I've spoken to a few welding pro's who've all said - don't buy a cheap mig you won't be able to use it. Even they find them far more difficult! At the beginning of this site there's a statement that says pretty much the same.
The Clarke Pro90 seems popular and offers the low amps (25A) for thin bodywork but seems to be the cheap type of machine I'm being warned against. The Kempi 180 Adaptive goes down to 20A and by comparison is fairly expensive. Will the Kempi be a much easier welder to use as an amateur (for which read complete novice).
I've also read an article in Practical Classics magazine assessing TIG welders. I spoke to BOC people they have suggested that even as a beginner I would achieve neater welds. I'm not interested in speed and don't mind taking my time. I understand that there is less smoke when using a TIG so it's easier to see what you're doing plus you can get closer due to the heat being less intense. I appreciate it's considered more of a bench device but at present my project is stripped and ready to be rolled over so access will be easy with no lying on my back to weld from underneath. They've also suggested it's a more pleasant device to work with and I'm all for that.
I'm airing towards the Kempi TIG (wife probably airing towards the Clarke Pro90)
Any thoughts or anybody out there that uses either the Kempi Minarc Mig 180 or Minarc Tig 180 that can advise from their own experiences.