Clarke 205TE (Turbo) MIG Welder - what do you think ?

[jeff57]

Hi Guy & Girls

New to this forum and currently looking around for a mig welder. Just had a look on Machine Mart and they have got a Clarke 205TE (Turbo) MIG Welder - going to be used soley for car work i.e. body panels & chassis work.

Spec below - what do you thing.

•Multiple power settings from 30 - 185amps. Welds mild steel up to 7mm. Also accepts aluminium & stainless steel wire.
•Turbo fan cooling for enhanced duty cycle & longer life.
•Accepts 0.6 / 0.8mm wire spools up to 15Kg
•Fully variable electronic wire speed control plus independent timer for accurate spot / tack welding.
•Operates from 230v, 1ph power supply.
•Thermal overload protection with auto reset
•Supplied complete with professional torch / hose assembly, gas regulator, earth clamp, cables, face shield & full instructions.

 

[gavuk]

Check out Portamigs from weldquip shop above,and do a search on here for reviews.....much better than Clark in that price range......

weldquip

 

[jeff57]

Cheers for that Gav.

Some good reviews about Portamig - and being able to go as low as 15ams on thin body panels is prity good.

Cheers Jeff

 

[slimjim]

Well I have a clarke 250TE and have to say that its a fantastic machine, much superior to the clarke hobby migs, with a metal wire feed, I also have a portamig and if one had to be sold, the clarke would be sold, as the portamig has 12 power settings, and works better on thin materials.

 

[gavuk]

Glad to hear Jim's experience backs up the general consensus of the forum .....the clarke's can be a good second hand purchase but as a new purchase there is some stiff competition in that price range...