Can I run these safely from an ordinary socket and are they any good???

[davidni]

I want a better welder, I just started learning earlier in the year but then injury held me up so just back in action now and have been using a Draper Mig Weld 900 gaseless jobbie that was donated to me but its breaking my heart...I thought I was going well earlier in the year but now its just problem after problem ie- wire started sticking...torch started falling apart...handle broke.......just started self destructing bit by bit. Besides...its too powerful for thin stuff and I want to start learning properly with a half decent welder and gas.

I know everybody says dont buy to a budget but I have to budget for all my stuff so theres no discussion to be had regards this aspect...my absolute maximum is £330 and I need it delivered to NI.

So firstly...I'm considering these

Sealey Supermig 150 (the cheapest by £100, rigged for reusable bottles, bottle shelf and very reasonable delivery to N Ireland...however duty cycle seems poor? Although cant find detailed clarke cycles to compare...but TBH I don't actually have a clue what I'm talking about!!!)

Clarke 151TE (Just because its seems popular)

Clarke 160TE (Same as above...could maybe stretch to this if can get somebody offering good deal on postage).

Safety is a biggy for me so just wondering if they can be run from a normal socket? I only have a single double socket in my otherwise excellent garage and will be using one to run a light whilst welding...I can't change this set up so have to work with what I've got.

And does anybody know much about the Supermig??? Cant find too many user reviews (yet no bad ones). It looks like a good deal.

I want to run it on refillable gas...which reminds me...I quite fancy the BOC offering of the 2 litre Argoshield Light...its a convenient size for me yet cheap rental and cheap refill and seems plenty of running time for my needs...will the regulators on the Clarke 160 or Sealey fit to these??? Haven't a clue regards the whole gas set up as its new territory for me...in fact all this welding mullarkey is new to me.

I'm going with BOC as its cheap enough for me, hassle free...and lets me get on with learning to weld instead of worrying about sourcing rent free etc (all apparently hard to find here).

Oh just for reference...I am welding a little Bedford Rascal project and have some welding to do to customise my trailer (3/4mm)...after that not a great deal until I find the next project.

Lots of questions I know...but...any help would be greatly appreciated...and if anybody has any knowledge regards the Sealey offering please let me know.

Cheers

 

[cumbriasteve]

The Clarke 160 has no more power than the 151, just a different design.

The Sealey seems a popular machine but I have no experience of it so my choice would be the Clarke 151 and my first project with it would be a nice Trolley with bottle holder, loads of designs here if you do a search.

The standard regulator that comes with hobby MIGs will not fit the larger bottles and you will require an adaptor kit, they can be made up if you have an odds and ends box of tube and pipe etc but you will still require the correct regulator unless your purchase deal includes one.

May be worth waiting for some feedback on the Sealey though if there is a big difference in price.

They should all work fine off a standard socket, some people find they pop a fuse at full power and extended weld times but the majority seem to have no problems.

Double check your local calor gas and independant gas suppliers, many now stock welding gas at excellent prices but if any thing like here they don't seem to advertise the fact very well.

This one comes with the correct regulator and would save making the trolley

http://www.weldequip.com/clarke-160tm.htm

May be worth giving Steve a ring and see what he can do re delivery.

 

[outofthefire]

I have a 160 I use a 16amp plug wired to a 16amp circuit breaker in my garage consumer unit. My Clarke 90 used to blow 13amp fuses so I soldered 16amp fuse wire into the 13amp fuse but its not really the right thing to do but it was connected to 16 amp circuit breaker. To be honest i've always found it a bit odd that up to 13amps, devices are protected by a fuse at the plug but above that the only protection is at the circuit breaker.

 

[rtbcomp]

......... I soldered 16amp fuse wire into the 13amp fuse .........

That explains your user name then.

 

[MonsterLandrover]

The fuse isn't to protect the device, its to protect the cable. It so if there is more current running through the cable than its designed for, the fuse blows rather than the cable heating and causing a fire hazard. Same with the mcb in the consumer unit, its there to stop overloading of the cable.

Going back to the original post on the same lines, has the socket got 2 flat grey cables running to it or just 1? if it has 2, and the mcb is a 16 one, you could wire in a 16amp blue socket into the circuit just for your welder.

On the welder side, the clarke ones seem better quality build wise but my brother in law uses a supermig in his garage at work to weld cars. it looks like they have had it for years in daily use.

 

[MonsterLandrover]

That explains your user name then.

Iv seen brake pipe instead of fuses in some appliances iv tested! Don't do it! a box of 100 fuses will cost £10. A fire will cost £1000s

 

[zzr1200]

Iv seen brake pipe instead of fuses in some appliances iv tested! Don't do it! a box of 100 fuses will cost £10. A fire will cost £1000s

A cut down ht bolt works just as well............

 

[davidni]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

No, socket only has 1 grey line running into it.

Yes I'm really interested in finding out more about the Sealey unit...cant find too much talk about it but it seems a really really good deal.

 

[brightspark]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

No, socket only has 1 grey line running into it.

Yes I'm really interested in finding out more about the Sealey unit...cant find too much talk about it but it seems a really really good deal.

plug something in to it and go back to the db and turn off brakers one at a time to identify what circuit is feeding it. if its on a 32 amp mcb or fuse it will be a spur of the ring .if on a 16 amp might be fed on its own as a radial

 

[davidni]

actually just spotted someone selling a Sealey Supermig 185 locally for £150 (SH welders like hens teeth in my area)...but dunno...I dont want hassle if its not all 100%...I just want to be able to concentrate on learning to weld...

What do you guys reckon??? Second Hand a bit risky??? No point in me asking seller as he's sure to tell me whatever I want to hear and I dont know enough to spot a lemon.

 

[zx9]

if the Sealey is local you could ask the seller if you can see it working.

 

[davidni]

No not going to bother...phoned about it...couldnt give me straight answers so wont risk it as 40 mile drive.

 

[undertaker]

I would buy a new one then you will have a warranty and someone to swear at if it goes wrong. If people are selling something second hand - there is a good chance someone is getting rid of it for a reason ;-) That's what I've always said.

 

[davidni]

Yeah I think you are right...seems to be the case from what I hear...

Anyway...what about these Supermigs??? Anybody rate them??? They seem a damn good deal at the minute and I thought Sealey made good enough stuff?

 

[outofthefire]

that explains your user name then. :d

:d:d

 

[gav0994]

Anyway...what about these Supermigs??? Anybody rate them??? They seem a damn good deal at the minute and I thought Sealey made good enough stuff?

Hi mate,

I use a Sealey MightyMig 190, have done for 2 years now and I have had no problems whatsoever! Alot of people on here slate them and prefer the Clarke welders, however most of them seem to have never owned a Sealey welder.

I have used a Clarke mig welder and to be honest the Sealey one is just as good, if not better! Sealey provide a good spares and repair backup serice and plenty of local agents for them all over the place. I got my Sealey brand new for £400 with free delivery! Their prices are really good and usually better than prices of the Clarke welders.

The SuperMigs seem to be the next level up from the MightyMigs - more dials/control of settings etc.

 

[davidni]

Yes the price seems really good...I can get my hands on a Supermig 150 delivered to N Ireland for £220 inc VAT and delivery!!! Just couldnt find much real user feedback but have to say havent found much bad info on them.

 

[davidni]

So bought the supermig 150. Think I got a really good deal here...

Supermig 150 (bottle shelf and industrial regulator...ready for big gas bottles)

5 KG Sealey mig wire 0.6mm

0.7 KG Sealey mig wire 0.8mm

x5 0.6 contact tips

x5 0.8 contact tips

Sealey liquid anti spatter spray

Sealey mig pliers

Set of 4 Sealey micro welding clamps (have fiddly window surrounds to sort and these are perfect for the job...was looking everywhere for something to do this job)

Delivery to NI

TOTAL COST PAID £305.00.

I know...its one big Sealey order but its the only brand they sell & TBH I'm quite chuffed, especially as I priced around all morning and the stuff Ive bought is selling for more everywhere else with £30 - £50 delivery charges to NI.

The only thing I could have bought for a few quid cheaper elsewhere is the 5kg mig wire (although seen it more expensive elsewhere too), but overall I feel like I got a good deal.

Hell...if I do outgrow the Supermig I'll definitely be able to sell it on for a similar price to what I paid for it (Decent used welders offered at reasonable price are rare in my area).

Oh and just for a laugh...phoned a few Sealey dealers in my locality...

First guys quoted £499 inc VAT to order in a Supermig 150 with a wait of 3-14 days.

Second Guys quoted me £495 inc VAT with a 4 day wait.

Third guys quoted £400 inc VAT and 2-3 day wait.

I found myself checking my own details to make sure I wasnt enquiring about the wrong welder. Best about it is...one of them (cant remember which) told me it was their best selling mig...at those prices???!!!

 

[fully floating]

Sounds like you got a good deal, just to let you know there is a rent free gas gas available through

www.southwestgassupplies.co.uk

It's through a car part supplier company think there called fyfes are something like that check it out, might be better than paying rent.

 

[Dev]

Just out of interest who quoted you those prices?

For rent free gas you can try ffyfes in dunmurray or ballyclare but NOT ballymena (they're a BOC agent)