Clarke 165TN ARC Welder

[Strangelymade]

Does any one know off hand if this welder can be used with a normal (UK) 13amp plug and socket? Just contacted a dealer and they said that it needs to be hard wired in like a cooker, but that sounds a bit extreme to me for a portable arc welder.

 

[W4yne]

Hi,

you should have no problems at all using your machine from a standard 13 amp household electric supply up to around 150 Amps, If using continually above 150Amps you will need a heavier duty electric supply or you will start and pop the 13A fuse. Also if using an extention cable I would recommend something like this, 2.5mm HO7 Rubber 3 Core Cable Ref: EC20/H from essential supplies, this one is rated at 16A. Try to keep the extention to the length you require, ie, if you need 15ft don't buy a 50m reel, don't! keep the cable when in use coild around the drum as this "can" cause heat build up in the cable. I think that covers all of it, good luck & happy & safe

 

[Strangelymade]

Cheers for the info W4yne, just got off the phone to a very nice man in the service department at Clarke and he told me pretty much the same. He even took the time to go through the various welders, and explained just what they were capable of. He also said that is I use a maximum of a 2.5mm rod for 3 or 4mm plate then I should be able to use it all day with no problems. Ordered one now, just waiting for it to turn up so I can play.

 

[W4yne]

Just one other thing Strangelymade,

I take it you will only be using this machine for heavier gauge fabrication? the reason I ask is! I have known people go out and buy an arc welder specifically for car body panel repair then wonder why they keep blowing holes through the 0.8mm panels. I would say that MIG is a lot more durable having a broader spectrum being able to weld both thick and thin metal "depending on machine." Also easier to learn with than ARC.

 

[Strangelymade]

Yep, nothing below 1.5mm anyway, that's the reason I looked at this one because it starts at 35amps. so really I'll be welding from 1.5 to about 6mm maximum.
Did look at MIG,s but was taught on a stick welder, and they are easier on the pocket than a mig, plus I can use it out side, or with the garage door wide open with no trouble. Just need to practise a bit when I get it so I can get back in the flow as it were.