cortinamatt
New Member
- Messages
- 12
- Location
- West Midlands UK
Just thought I'd say hello to everyone.
I've looked in on this forum many times in the past but only registered today. I've done a bit of welding in the past but not for many years so like my vehicles I'm a bit rusty
I spent a good 12 months welding up an old Cortina which I originally owned and sold but acquired back after several more owners in a sorry state back in 2000. I borrowed a Snap Mig 130 off my mate which had seen a fair amount of work from the look of it but I always seemed to get on with it. I finished the Cortina and eventually my mate had the welder back (I was hoping to keep it as I'd had it so long) so then in 2004 I bought a Clarke 105EN mig from Machine Mart. I bought this because my other mate had a Pro 90 and he said it was pretty good. To be honest I found mine isn't as good as the Snap On.
I still have the Clarke machine today and I'm thinking about doing some repairs to my VW van which need to be done this year. I was going to pay someone to do it but I have the welder and most of the tools needed to do it myself. My big problem is confidence. Yes, I welded up a rotten Cortina but it wouldn't have won any prizes for looks but It was strong. The other big part is the fabrication side of things.
I've always found with the Clarke I've had wire feed problems. I've changed most things connected with wire feed except the motor itself (which seems fine) but I always have to clamp down the roller more or less fully otherwise the wire slips. It feeds up through the liner by hand no problem. I had a play with it last year and bought some spares from Weldequip which I learned about from this Forum. I've not touched it since last year though because of one reason or another but this year I do need to sort my van out, I can't leave it any longer.
So, Should I have a go myself or pay someone else ? Finding someone could be difficult as I don't really just want a patch welding over the top. I'd like it done properly but can I do it properly ? The bit I need doing will be seen
Another thing I should mention is I have always used C02 gas. I Started off with pub gas all those years ago until I couldn't get re fills so then I bought a Cylinder from the local Fire extinguisher agent. I had it re filled last year and cost a tenner I think.
I had thought about buying a new machine but for the amount of welding I do I'm not sure it's worth it but I will have more future welding to do.
That's a bit about me anyway, more or less a beginner
Matt
I've looked in on this forum many times in the past but only registered today. I've done a bit of welding in the past but not for many years so like my vehicles I'm a bit rusty
I spent a good 12 months welding up an old Cortina which I originally owned and sold but acquired back after several more owners in a sorry state back in 2000. I borrowed a Snap Mig 130 off my mate which had seen a fair amount of work from the look of it but I always seemed to get on with it. I finished the Cortina and eventually my mate had the welder back (I was hoping to keep it as I'd had it so long) so then in 2004 I bought a Clarke 105EN mig from Machine Mart. I bought this because my other mate had a Pro 90 and he said it was pretty good. To be honest I found mine isn't as good as the Snap On.
I still have the Clarke machine today and I'm thinking about doing some repairs to my VW van which need to be done this year. I was going to pay someone to do it but I have the welder and most of the tools needed to do it myself. My big problem is confidence. Yes, I welded up a rotten Cortina but it wouldn't have won any prizes for looks but It was strong. The other big part is the fabrication side of things.
I've always found with the Clarke I've had wire feed problems. I've changed most things connected with wire feed except the motor itself (which seems fine) but I always have to clamp down the roller more or less fully otherwise the wire slips. It feeds up through the liner by hand no problem. I had a play with it last year and bought some spares from Weldequip which I learned about from this Forum. I've not touched it since last year though because of one reason or another but this year I do need to sort my van out, I can't leave it any longer.
So, Should I have a go myself or pay someone else ? Finding someone could be difficult as I don't really just want a patch welding over the top. I'd like it done properly but can I do it properly ? The bit I need doing will be seen
Another thing I should mention is I have always used C02 gas. I Started off with pub gas all those years ago until I couldn't get re fills so then I bought a Cylinder from the local Fire extinguisher agent. I had it re filled last year and cost a tenner I think.
I had thought about buying a new machine but for the amount of welding I do I'm not sure it's worth it but I will have more future welding to do.
That's a bit about me anyway, more or less a beginner
Matt