Buying a mig welder

[Shedman]

Hi i'm thinking of buying a clarke 100E mig for body/ inner sill repairs to my van would this welder do the job ok ?

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

Shedman

Welcome To The Forum.

One Of The Experts Will Be Along Shortly.

Mick

 

[Country Joe]

Welcome to the Forum, Shedman.
Should be ok for the bodywork/sills. Might struggle a bit on chassis work, though.
All the Best,
CJ

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

Shedman

There You Go.

I've Just Bought A Clarke 160en (Off A Car Welder On Here) So I Can Weld Car Tin.

A Bit More In The Amps Department Always Better I Believe.

Mick

 

[Country Joe]

A Bit More In The Amps Department Always Better I Believe.

He's quite right, there! You'll probably wish you'd gone for more amps, especially when you find all the other things you want to use it for. And there will be other "stuff" you'll find to weld - whether it needs it or not!
All the Best,
CJ

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

Wow I Gave Some Advise And Wasn't Shouted At - I Must Be Learning.

CJ's Post Above Is Exactly The Reason I Was Looking At A 151 Or 160 Amp.

Keep Searching About On Here Plenty Of Advise And Don't Be Afraid To Ask.

My Eyes Were Square Before I Joined - So Much Info Available.

Good Luck

Mick

 

[Shedman]

Thanks Mick and CJ and thanks for the welcome.

Am I right in thinking no more than 30 amps for min amps but can go higher than 100 amps max.

And does it matter if its gas or gasless ? as the repairs will be done outside.

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

Clarke Manual Claims 100e Range As 24 - 90 Amps. See Operating Manuals On The Useful Info On The Mig Tutorial.

Lowest Amp Setting Required For Car Tin But You WILL Start Playing With Thicker Bits Of Metal So More Amps The Better For Those Situations.

All Of Course Depends On Your Budget.

Mick

 

[Country Joe]

Well, the sky's the limit, but a 30 amp minimum makes life much easier on thin sheet, or bodywork thicknesses. Some go even lower than 30A, which, I guess, makes it even "easier" - if thin sheet can ever be thought of as easy!
All the Best,
CJ
PS - Mick, I don't ever shout at people! - Honest!
PPS - Mick beat me to it!

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

Cheers CJ

It Was My First "Welding" Advise And Took A While Before I Pressed Go

Just Trying To Help A Fellow Noob As All Of You Have.

Cracking Place This.

Mick

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

Missed The Gas Bit

Gas Inside And Gasless Outside Is The General Rule As Wind Will Affect The Shielding Effect Of The Gas Unless Well Sheltered.

Mick

 

[Norm]

Cheers CJ

It Was My First "Welding" Advise And Took A While Before I Pressed Go

Just Trying To Help A Fellow Noob As All Of You Have.

Cracking Place This.

Mick

Exactly how I feel Mick, should I shouldn't I, theres so many more knowledgable guys on here but you want to help someone in the same boat as yourself thoroughly agree on the cracking place.
Regards Norm

 

[Shedman]

And does it matter if its gas or gasless ? as the repairs will be done outside as its a luton body and can't get it in my workshop.

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

Cheers Norm

I've Learnt (I Believe) So Much By Reading A Million Pages On Here And I Haven't Welded (Badly I May Add) In Months.

Must Practice This Weekend.

Mick

 

[Country Joe]

Exactly how I feel Mick, should I shouldn't I, theres so many more knowledgable guys on here but you want to help someone in the same boat as yourself thoroughly agree on the cracking place.
Regards Norm

I know how you feel! I feel the same way, too - and I've been here for ages!
CJ

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

Shedman

See Above Post #11

Mick

 

[Norm]

And does it matter if its gas or gasless ? as the repairs will be done outside as its a luton body and can't get it in my workshop.

see the post above mine by mick gasless outside but gas is better if you can set up a screen to shield you from the wind, gas is nicer for inside work
Norm

 

[Country Joe]

And does it matter if its gas or gasless ? as the repairs will be done outside as its a luton body and can't get it in my workshop.

As far as I know, the EN versions can be used with or without gas.
Best wait for the confirmation from a real expert, as I may be completely wrong, there!
All the Best,
CJ

 

[Mick - Ford Focus]

Best wait for the confirmation from a real expert

Where Are They

Mick

 

[Norm]

Best wait for the confirmation from a real expert

Where Are They

Mick

yeah lets quit quick while were winning