Advice for noobe on Clarke160te mig

[crj007]

Hi
I'm new to the forum and new to welding.

My son has acquired a 1992 landrover defender and will need some chassis repairs etc. I have always fancied welding and this gives me the perfect opportunity to get started. Obviously need to practice before being let loose on the landy:-)

I have been looking at the Clarke 160te mig welder and knowing nothing was wondering if this welder would be sufficient for all the jobs that will be required both now and in the future on the landrover.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Gee this is frightening... dont want to screw up!

 

[keith19]

Generally regarded as a decent machine in its price range, and should be able to cope with most things landy-wise.
But remember its max output is 150 amps, not 160 as inferred in the model name.

Portamig 185 an even better machine, probably easier to work with, but rather more expensive...

 

[crj007]

WOW the Portamig seems like a real nice piece of kit. A bit out of my price range just now and don't know if I can justify the price for the amount of welding I will be doing? But they say once you get started it is quite addictive!

How is the Clarke 160te different from the 151te if the output is the same???

Thanks for the advice

 

[cumbriasteve]

Yes it does get addictive to many people...as most on this forum will agree with.

The Portamig is a very different machine altogether and allows welding projects using a thicker range of materials.

The Clarke is a decent machine but what tends to happen with a lot of people is after a while they begin to wish they had got the better machine in the first place.

Initially the Clarke fits in with a budget but if you decide in the future you want a bit more power and a more professional machine it ends up being costlier in the long run because you enter a 2nd purchase and lose a fair bit of value on the original machine.

There are also lots of welders producing some excellent work with Clarke machines.

So..whichever you go for..good luck and hope you enjoy.

 

[crj007]

Just a quickie and thanks for the input. People on here seem very helpful and friendly.

So, I take it if at all possible go for the portamig 185 as it will be more future proof as it were. If I choose to go for the Clarke, I take it they will still produce decent welds with practice of course!

 

[cumbriasteve]

Yes and yes

 

[crj007]

Iv'e been looking around as you do and come across the ESAB caddy c160i which seems a real nice machine. Has anyone any experience of these or know anything about them? A bit out of my price range though!

 

[cumbriasteve]

Iv'e been looking around as you do and come across the ESAB caddy c160i which seems a real nice machine. Has anyone any experience of these or know anything about them? A bit out of my price range though!

There's the addiction kicking in already , not even got the Clarke and already looking at upmarket machines

Esab are very nice machines without a doubt.

 

[keith19]

"How is the Clarke 160te different from the 151te if the output is the same???"

Not very much different. It may have a tray on the back to hold a gas bottle, something like that. Specification is pretty much the same. The 151te spec is here: http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/151te-turbo-mig-welder#reviews

Yes, any Clarke model will produce decent welds within its range of capabilities, once enough practice has been put in. This latter varies with individuals, and of course experience. But for a landy rebuild you need to get one at the top of the hobby range, say with an output of 150 amps.

The Clarke 130EN is a nice machine too, but maybe not quite enough output at the top end for some heavier jobs.

The ESAB and similar size machines are inverter welders with very complex and efficient electronics to change and monitor the output. They are very useful on site work. The downside is that they are more easily damaged than an orthodox transformer welder, and usually need an expert to repair them when they go wrong. But if looked after they will generally last several years.

 

[crj007]

Ha ha yeh you're right. Need to get a grip otherwise the missus will not be a happy bunny!