Clarke 145

[8est]

Hi guys, been lurking for a while on here as I'm in the market for a mig to learn with and hopefully repair some rusty old bodywork on my van. Anyway, I've just been looking at Machine Mart online and they've got a Clarke 145 mig (gas/ no gas model) for £169.78 including VAT.

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/010110125

This is by far the cheapest of the range they have, am I missing something or is this sound incredibly cheap? Granted it doesn't come with mask or the gas regulator but even so..?

It doesn't state that it's a Turbo model but in the picture it quite clearly says turbo and the power settings are from 35amp to 135amp so was wondering if the lack of a lower setting was the reason? If anyone can put me straight I'd appreciate it. Cheers!

 

[keith19]

Hi, glad to see you've read up on specs a bit, and have figured why it is cheap. Only 4 power settings, and only goes down to 35A.

This new cheap cheap range of Clarkes usually start at 35A or higher, which even if you are an experienced auto body welder, used to classier machines, will take a while to get used to on thin metal, if its possible.

The danger if you are new to thin metal welding is that you will give it up as a bad job long before you learn to use it. Because it's in a critical range, and in a machine built down to a price, that 5 Amps makes quite a difference.

On a pro bodyshop welder you can sometimes go as high as 40 Amps on thin metal, and still do the job, but on a cheap welder like this Clarke, with few adjustments, it could be a nightmare.

Wiser to look around for a better s/h used m/c, or save up awhile and get something recommended by users on the forum.

 

[pedrobedro]

All the Turbo sticker means is that it has a cooling fan fitted. You can buy fans for under £5 so it's no big deal. If you are in the market for a cheap welder then why question it? Just buy it if it fills your needs, it's just a 135 amp welder, 4mm might be a bit optimistic for the limit it will weld but it should cope with your van.

 

[8est]

Ah well, I'm a sucker for a bargain but only if it's fit for purpose. Hadn't realised Clarke were doing a cheaper range, so that makes sense. I reckon pretty much most of the welding I'll be doing will be thin stuff and I'm going to have enough on my plate without the welder giving me a headache, so I'll have to delve deeper into me wallet! Cheers for clarifying that, been a big help!