First Welder - Clarke 160TM - thoughts?

[lazybones51]

Hi All,

Looking at buying my first MIG welder, it's use will be for car restoration mostly rusty old Italian steeds

After spending countless hours look through this forum at all different MIG welder recommendations, I have decided that the Clarke 160TM looks like a safe bet. I was looking at the Clarke 150TE but would then have to buy a separate regulator for proper gas bottles, plus the 160TM has a place to pop the bottle in.

Also is the regulator that comes with the 160TM any good, or should I buy a separate stage 2 gauge regulator (gas flow and bottle pressure)?

I would be interest in hearing your thoughts, along with the best place to purchase one of these welders from.

Kev.

 

[shenion]

I had a Clarke 130EN and it worked flawlessly. The Clarkes are good for their price point.

The regulator was fine, I saw no need to get a better one.

Most seem to get them from Weldequip as he has good support or Machine Mart if you have a VAT free code.

 

[stuvy]

the 2 stage regs are good so long as its a quality item When i first got an SWP item I had to run an inline gas flow meter as the 2 way gauge was really out.

Also the 160tm is a great first machine, hold out for a vat free voucher

What are your italian steeds?

 

[lazybones51]

Thanks for the replies. Am on the look out for a MM vat free voucher and will be popping in to one of their stores this weekend to have a look at a few things and buy a couple of tools I need in hope that it might get me on "The VAT free invite list"

Small fiats, got two early 90's cinquecentos' and am on the look out for a nice Alfa project

 

[stuvy]

they will certainly keep you busy!