Choices, choices....

[Dave2A]

Hi folks. I've been lurking for a while trying to decide what mig to go for - it's amazing my old SIP lasted as well as it did. Crunch time now, as the gas valve in the torch of the Einhell I was given has disintegrated - the swan neck literally fell out. At 15 years old Einhell 'doubt very much' that they can supply any spares.

Having just about decided to go for a Supermig 150 (just over £300 atm), I realised that the general consensus seems to be that Clarke are better. The same outlay points to something like the Clarke MIG160TM (Turbo).

But now I've seen the post about the Butters 170C at £240ish!

Usage is mainly confined to car stuff - sills etc on Discoveries, Land Rover chassis sections and the like.

Any input regarding choice would be gratefully received - it's sh@@ or get off the pot time - I need one asap!

 

[the snooper]

At 15 years old Einhell 'doubt very much' that they can supply any spares.

just attach a totally different torch

 

[weldequip]

Clarke & Sealey are likely to still be around in another 15 years
weldequip

 

[Dave2A]

@ The Snooper: But is it worth it? By the time I've shelled out for a torch to suit - if I can find one - I'll still be left with a 15-year old mig that may or may not prove to be any good.

@ Weldequip: Is that not also the likelyhood with AMT? I thought they were longstanding and well thought of? And which of the Clarke & Sealey would you estimate to be more suitable?

Thanks,

Dave

 

[M@tt]

i've got exactly the same dilemma Dave

get a Clarke 160TM next weekend at MM Vat free day (wil be £280) or that Butters one? as you say mmm choices choices

 

[chunkolini]

Just to add to the confusion.
I had a Clarke welder, a great budget option.
Then upgraded to a Buters 180 amp machine. the one with a euro torch.
Much nicer to use then the clarke, more controllable, a better all round choice, but a bit more expensive. What's your budget??

Chunko'.

 

[M@tt]

well i think the choice has been narrowed now as that butters one is no longer listed on their site's special offers!

apologies for mini hijack dave - my budget is £300 max

 

[M@tt]

so anyone have and recommendations for a sub £300 welder better than the clarke 160TM? or is it the best bang for your buck?

 

[malcolm]

If the Butters offer isn't listed any more (and with an Eland based offer no longer available either) I'd guess the Clarke. Reliable and useable things in that messy budget range.

 

[Dave2A]

Well - the choice has been made - got given an old Sealey 170/1 which works fine (though it does appear to be exactly the same gun as the Einhell!)

So if I don't like it/can't get on with it, it's not a problem.

One oddity though - it's a live torch, which took me by surprise. Is this right, or is there a fault? Or does that just mean it's REALLY old?

Thanks,

Dave