Clarke 160TM?

[oak]

Almost decided on one of these as it seems to be able to fulfil most of my car welding requirements without being too dear to buy.
Was looking at one today and was surprised it had a thin plastic tube for the gas bottle, like the disposable types do. Was wondering how this would fit on the refillable type regulator it's meant to use? The old Clarke 185 I borrowed had a rubber pipe for the gas feed.
Anyone used the 160TM and if so how do you find it?
All comments most welcome before I take the plunge.

 

[shenion]

It should come with a regulator for argon/CO2 mix bottles and the appropriate adapter.

Weldequip has the reg with an adapter on his web site.

I had a 130EN and it worked well with no complaints. The Clarke machines are decent and reliable for the price. I did want more power so later went with something bigger.

 

[oak]

Thanks Scott. Now realise I need to check out the Reg. depending on which type of gas/make of bottle I'm going for. All part of the fun, am enjoying the learning curve!

 

[Cobbler]

Hi there Oak,
I've recently bought a Clarke 160tm, works well, seems well made & good value. I changed from a 20 year old 100, so already had a reg., the 160 was supplied with an argon reg, but rather a basic one. I know you used to be able to buy an adapter from the male co2 cylinder thread to the female argon thread. I would think that they are still available. This would save you needing another reg if you decide to swap gasses

Hope this info helps.

Cobbler

 

[oak]

Hello Cobbler,
thanks for the info. I was thinking of going for one of those very small Argoshield Light bottles from BOC and didn't realise that different providers used different gauges until yesterday. Guess I'll need to check which one comes with the welder as standard and go from there. I'm at the top of my budget so need to get the most economical refillable option available, hopefully won't need to swap gauges 'till I've got it all established.
Cheers,
George.

 

[Cobbler]

Hi George,
The regulators are the same thread for the different suppliers, the threads alter with the gas. The difference is some suppliers have the reg vertical from the top of the bottle & some horizontal at right angles to the bottle. As far as i know the reg. isn't bothered which plane it's fitted in, as long as there is clearance to fit it. I don't know which type of pillar valve BOC fit though. Also the gauges may be the wrong way up, so more difficult to read.

Cobbler

 

[oak]

Thanks again, you've just saved me having to exceed my limited (but slowly increasing) knowledge when I go to machinemart!