advice for new mig welder

[martymac 2013]

Hey guys,i need some advice on buying my first mig welder..
I did a course for 28 weeks in college learning mig welding on a good 3 phase machine..Im now looking to buy my own so i can practise on some scrap steel plates. I have around 3-400 to spend.I read the clarke welders were of good quality but have went out of business so it could be difficult to get spare parts if needed..id like to weld steel up to around 4-5mm..Any ideas? many thanks..marty

 

[Exuptoy]

Clarke, going out of business???? First I've heard of this!

Keep an eye on the marketplace on here. Clarke are ok, you can get them new from Machine Mart. Our very own Weldequip (Steve) on here does most brands. I have just bought a Portamig 185 (list price £588) and I have to say it's the bomb. So flexible, 15amp low end and 185 top end. Plenty new kit out there in the £3-400 range though.

 

[madkayaker]

The us side of Clarke have gone bust before but as far as I know are going again

 

[rtbcomp]

Moved to corrrect section

Clarke, going out of business???? First I've heard of this!

That old chestnut. The Clarke we all know and love is Clarke International Ltd, not to be confused with a company of similar name in the USA

Just had a look at Clarke International and their net worth is £14,035,486

http://companycheck.co.uk/company/00972660#accounts-tab

If you want to take a look at the directors and the other companies they're involved with I think you should feel pretty safe.

As a matter of policy you should really check your facts before potentially starting damaging rumours.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I have a Clarke and always find it difficult when requiring spares, difficult to choose between what must be several thousand suppliers in the UK alone.