Hi all,
This looks like a great site and I apologise for diving straight in with my first post asking for help, but this certainly looks like I have found the right place to get some answers.
I am looking to make a gig out of mild steel for overhauling a 1100cc motorcycle engine, the picture below is what I am trying to build, or very close to it...
To give you some back ground on my welding experience which may help in a recommendation...I started my career as a sea going Marine engineer and have done lots of arc welding of pipe work and flanges... but with heavy duty / professional equipment. but I have only ever used a MIG welder on a welding course. The last time I used a welding machine must be about 15 years ago.... I just want to ensure the machine I end up buying with be able to cover a wide range of jobs....
Anyway on to my queries:
1) The machine a friend has recommended the Clarke MIG160TM and directed me to this site. The price at just over £300 is at the top end of my budget and I do not really want to pay more if I do not have to. Does anyone have a view on this model or suggest an alternative? Initially I will be welding mild steel but I will may wish to do aluminium and stainless steel at a later date
2) I note that using the disposable gas canisters can prove expensive if you are doing a lot of welding.. For the picture below, would one canister be sufficient to do the job? Reading some of the threads they do not last long.
3) I would consider buying a refillable bottle, but I understand you have to rent a bottle... this can be around £40 a month and the refills around £30.. can anyone confirm what the charges might be and is there a one off fee to get your first bottle? Also what is involved with registering as a user?
4) I have a 32 amp supply to my garage, what is the max amp consumption of the 160?
What I wish to make, the metal will be box setion, 40-50mm with a wall thickness of 3mm
Then I also wish to weld this, 10 mm stud bar, to nut and 20mm outer nut
This looks like a great site and I apologise for diving straight in with my first post asking for help, but this certainly looks like I have found the right place to get some answers.
I am looking to make a gig out of mild steel for overhauling a 1100cc motorcycle engine, the picture below is what I am trying to build, or very close to it...
To give you some back ground on my welding experience which may help in a recommendation...I started my career as a sea going Marine engineer and have done lots of arc welding of pipe work and flanges... but with heavy duty / professional equipment. but I have only ever used a MIG welder on a welding course. The last time I used a welding machine must be about 15 years ago.... I just want to ensure the machine I end up buying with be able to cover a wide range of jobs....
Anyway on to my queries:
1) The machine a friend has recommended the Clarke MIG160TM and directed me to this site. The price at just over £300 is at the top end of my budget and I do not really want to pay more if I do not have to. Does anyone have a view on this model or suggest an alternative? Initially I will be welding mild steel but I will may wish to do aluminium and stainless steel at a later date
2) I note that using the disposable gas canisters can prove expensive if you are doing a lot of welding.. For the picture below, would one canister be sufficient to do the job? Reading some of the threads they do not last long.
3) I would consider buying a refillable bottle, but I understand you have to rent a bottle... this can be around £40 a month and the refills around £30.. can anyone confirm what the charges might be and is there a one off fee to get your first bottle? Also what is involved with registering as a user?
4) I have a 32 amp supply to my garage, what is the max amp consumption of the 160?
What I wish to make, the metal will be box setion, 40-50mm with a wall thickness of 3mm
Then I also wish to weld this, 10 mm stud bar, to nut and 20mm outer nut