What Would You Go For

[the_big_1]

Hi Guys,

Currently using an old Clarke 90 Mig but just not getting on with it.
Set it on bench, works ok, then issues etc.
Changed loads, wire, wire sizes, liner, tips, swan neck, the lot.
So I was thinkiing of getting a different one.

I am welding 2.00mm and 2.5mm box section. 3mm plate, 2mm plate etc.

What mig would you go for thats easy to dial in etc?


Cheers!!!

 

[BrokenBiker]

GYS smartmig 162 is easy to dial in, so is the weldteam Magizzy 170...they both have a fool proof front panel, just match the colours to what you are wleding and away you go...

or theres the CWS best mig, i have one, the instructions book has atable of set up info that is pretty much bang on right up to 4mm

whats your budget? that will play a large part in whether you go new, second hand, transofrmer or inerter etc

 

[the_big_1]

Hi ya.
Looking spend around the £300 mark or so. Happy to go second hand if known good.

 

[Parm]

Hi Guys,

Currently using an old Clarke 90 Mig but just not getting on with it.
Set it on bench, works ok, then issues etc.
Changed loads, wire, wire sizes, liner, tips, swan neck, the lot.
So I was thinkiing of getting a different one.

I am welding 2.00mm and 2.5mm box section. 3mm plate, 2mm plate etc.

What mig would you go for thats easy to dial in etc?


Cheers!!!

Not too sure but I think you might be on the limit for such a small machine, don't be misled by what the instructions say

 

[the_big_1]

Hi,

Yeah I had the same thoughts, hence why going for a different mig.

 

[Tom Orrow L]

£300 will get you good secondhand mig set. Scour ebay, post what you find here and i'm sure someone will let you know if it'll suit your needs:]

 

[the_big_1]

Hi guys,

How does this look??

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blackline...012957?hash=item35f07d579d:g:y3IAAOSwMmBV3ywd

 

[cumbriasteve]

Hi guys,

How does this look??

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Blackline...012957?hash=item35f07d579d:g:y3IAAOSwMmBV3ywd

The second person today to ask about that machine, perhaps worth reading this thread.

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/what-do-you-think-of-this-welder.65556/#post-848676

 

[the_big_1]

Hi ya,

Yeah just looking to see whats out there and posting as I see.
A second hand unit is fine if its up to the job.
The easier the setup the bettwer but not at the loss of ability.

Cheers!!!

 

[the_big_1]

Hi,

Is there any brands you would look for or ones that you would avoid?I find ones like the following:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SWP-Redli...145667?hash=item20f5c2eb83:g:WvAAAOSwPcVVr1LI

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Pr...313527?hash=item2357f1b477:g:tTUAAMXQLoZR29fy

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160A-MIG-...493760?hash=item25acc6b5c0:g:Rs4AAOSwjVVV5cgD

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DJM-180am...060532?hash=item232e5335b4:g:KsAAAOSwHnFVgYh3

 

[norlander]

1. what are the actual problems you are getting?

2. I would think a 90 amp MIG is undergunned for what you are attempting?

3. How much welding do you intend doing?

4. you can get a decent set on easy terms from a bloke that sells nowt but welding kit, the after sales service and advice you get is worth the extra in my view.

Support the independent specialist welding suppliers and get support and advice after you have bought from people that know the kit .

The CWS looks the best out of that bunch, but its an inverter, and I see no advantage in that for a MIG??, mines a trannie and does a cracking job.
I think the inverters have some neat features over trannie sets but I haven't found my trannie set lacking to be honest.

 

[the_big_1]

Hi,

New at buying, last time was ten years ago.

Welding a kit car so things like 25 x 25 2.5mm box section to 25 x 25 x 2.5mm. Welding 3mm plate to 25 x 25 x 2.5mm. and then 1mm plate, 2mm plate to various. Also the odd 3mm plate. all steel.

When weldong with current Clarke 90, seems to go hit and miss. Some weld goods, others start to pulse and just genrally bad.
Kit is ten years old, replaced liner, swan neck, wire, wire size but no joy. I think its just had it, feed motor sounds off etc so at end of life?

Cheers!

 

[norlander]

you could possibly be right about the feed drive gone , I think you can get replacements https://www.weldequip.com/clarke-wire-feed.htm if you think its worth it.

One check often overlooked is, if you have connections- nuts and tabs on the cables to swap them over to change polarity, check all is tight and not corroded, if a connection is loose or bad there it can have you hunting all over for the problem.
Good luck, hope you get something sorted.

 

[Kent]

Something about 180 this could do a tad more but you should never use a set on its Limits too much.
Just like some of these little city cars can travel at motorway legal speeds - far better off if you have that to do a lot you buy something bigger than a pizza delivery car

 

[the_big_1]

I checked all the cables recently and soldered them to make sure. And being a small unit, old, spending more money on it could just be a money pit where it could be time to upgrade?

 

[norlander]

And being a small unit, old, spending more money on it could just be a money pit where it could be time to upgrade?

its a good excuse to buy nice new shiny kit , but I think you are right, a set with a tad more clout maybe?.