Another 'which welder' thread!

[ablister]

Hi

firstly, i'm new to mig welding and have no experience of welding but want to start.

I'll 99% of the time be carrying out bodywork repairs to my car (205 gti if anyone cares!) so will be welding thin french metal...

I've enrolled myself at local college for a welding course but it doesn't begin until January so was wanting a welder to learn on before the college course starts, i also need to do a small amount of the bodywork before then too to get car back on road with the help of friends who can actually weld.

I've been looking for a decent welder for a while but still not clear/certain what i'm really needing.

The usual clarke ones look and sound good value but have been tempted by a GYS smartmig 162. From research they get mixed reviews but they have GYS welder in the bodyshop at my work and they all rate it highly. The portamig is also in my list but too expensive for me just now, This one is very tempting but too far away for me!

Any help or advice appreciated, cheers

 

[Forward Look]

I'm a newbie slowly teaching myself bodywork too - I bought a Clarke 151te. I think it's an excellent little welder for the price, and suits the bodywork I do - though the steel in my old yank tank maybe a little thicker and more flattering to my skills than a more modern beast. I think the cooling fan is handy too for when I work on the thicker stuff for long periods.

Clarke welders have the advantage that parts can be had easily for them and things like replacement tips can be had locally if you get really stuck and need the bits urgently. No experience with the GYS - but enough with the Clarke to say that it's not a bad choice.

 

[ablister]

thanks for reply.

How do you find the welding side of it? Did you pick it up easy or did it take a lot of practice first?

 

[PTvor]

GYS welders have mixed reviews on here. About 18 months back there were a few job lots of them appearing on ebay, which pointed to loads of welders importers or dealers couldn't sort and were dumping.

The Smartboard on the GYS might prove a bit expensive to replace if it goes wrong. Clarke spares are easily available and you are likely to get lots of help on here.

They could be like a few others where they sell a Toytown range and an industrial range.

The MIG machines I've seen in garages are things like Thermal Arc and Migatronic costing about a grand, usually years old and completely reliable.