Clarke or better

[BoDuke]

Hi, I'm looking at buying a MIG welder, mainly for use on car restoration, but with some more serious fabrication of 4 link for suspension, etc. It would appear that Clarke have quite a good reputation on here, but the plastic lining for wire feed, concerns me. So I would

I have welded before using a Eurotorch on a Butters AMT 170 which was a nice welder, but I no longer have use of that, so need to buy a welder of my own. I have found out that this company no longer exist, so not too sure what to get. I would like a Eurotorch and steel lined wire feed and if there are other things which make a significant difference to the quality of the weld, I would appreciate any advice.

Is there anything anyone could recommend that satisfies the above please. I'm not overly concerned about price at this time, as I would rather pay a little extra for a good quality piece of kit.

Thanks.

 

[shenion]

The PortaMIGs get great reviews for durability, Eurotorch and very low minimum current setting for thin bodywork. Check out weldequip's shop from the link at the top of the page.

Only real negative is they are built to order. So there is a wait.

BTW, you can get a steel liner for the Clarkes for not much money. I think some models come with one already.

 

[jonnyBMX]

m8 of mine has a portamig, top bit of kit, quite a bit bigger then a clarke machine though, i have a siegen 150 which i find to be very good

 

[BillJ]

I have a Parweld XTM 161C, which is the Butters in a different colour and the same as the SWP MIG 170 (all from the same factory, I believe). I quite like it.
I was looking at the Portamig at the time but although they're great to weld with (I had a go on one some time ago) the "Porta" bit is quite misleading. I went with the Parweld because I occasionally want to chuck it in the back of the car without the use of lifting gear

 

[wheresmejumper]

i think youre breaking up the word in the wrong way

portamig has more of a nautical referance!

 

[BillJ]

portamig has more of a nautical referance!

Ah! That's why they're red, then