Hello! Another newby!

[Jacques]

Hi all! Great forum!

I've recently acquired a Smallframe Vespa 100 which is need of a bit of TLC. Essentially the whole floor pan needs replacing and a few holes filled in. There is a post on the projects section with a good example of what I need to do.

I've been around the area I live in and obtained some quotes for having somebody do the work but in honesty it would be better (and in some cases cheaper! ) for me to do the work myself after a few days practice. I've been quoted from £350 - £700 just to have the floor pan replaced (I supply the replacement pan) and the few holes filled, about 2 days work, max! So hence I figured my wife and I would go on a course and learn to do it ourselves! (She's as keen as me! )

So, I'm doing some sums at the moment and want to know if the Clarke MIG151EN Turbo is a good mig welder for doing work on the Vespa. Nothing thicker than 2mm metal, most of it about 0.8mm.

We will be going on a basic course first. I intend to restore another Vespa after this one, so will still need the welder then.

Thanks!

Jacques

 

[shenion]

The Clarkes are a forum favorite for DIY use. I had a 130EN and really liked it.

 

[Rubber Duck]

So hence I figured my wife and I would go on a course and learn to do it ourselves! (She's as keen as me! )

Haha, how cool is that!

Welcome to the forum Dude, loads of good people on here full of infomation and more than willing to let you pick their brains.

Get on and do that course, I start mine in September and am realy looking forward to it.

RD

 

[Jacques]

Well,

I'm a bit stuck now as I don't think I can use a 151 Clarke as I'm on domestic 13amp.

I went out and measured the steel panels on my Vespa again today and the thickest section I can find is about 3 panels of 1mm steel lapped...BUT the thickest I'll be welding is 1mm butt joint and 1mm steel floorpan onto centre runner(also 1mm), which will required plug welds onto the floorpan. As far as I can tell, I'll not be needing to weld anything else?

Went to MachineMart today ready to pick up a 105EN but they were out of stock. On the way back I was wondering if I shouldn't just get the 90EN with CO2/Argon? Also, what should I be welding with, 0.6mm or 0.8mm wire for 1mm steel and gas?

What's the max thickness I could expect to weld with the 105EN...

How does one get hold of Weldquip to buy his fancy reg and hose set up for co2/argon mix?

Cheers all!

Jacques

 

[BillJ]

I'm a bit stuck now as I don't think I can use a 151 Clarke as I'm on domestic 13amp.

You can but you might struggle to use the highest power setting without blowing the 13A fuse. Still, you'd probably get up to at least 130A.

How does one get hold of Weldquip to buy his fancy reg and hose set up for co2/argon mix?

PM him: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/private.php?do=newpm&u=461

 

[Jacques]

PM'd him but no response yet...Suppose everybody needs a weekend!

Have just returned from MachineMart today with a Clarke 130EN GAS / NO-GAS welder! My bank manager must love me for the credit! =)

Unpacked everything to find the grip on the handle missing as well as the washers for the feet screws...Will e-mail Clarkes and request a grip at least.

Jacques.

 

[Mikes1670]

Clarke Mig 130 EN

Hi there I've also just acquired the same welder as yours to run off a domestic supply from Machine Mart (VAT free weekend) - seems good up to 3mm thick steel - catalogue seems over optimistic at 4-5mm capability - but then again if you can weld both sides I suppose the penetration would still be good. Top power setting equates to 130amps.

Just to let you know I went through the same process with Clarke as you are about to and I was told there has been a spec. change but, the instruction manual was not updated - washers no longer included and instead of a rubber grip handle they provide a black plastic blanking bung for the end of the handle. That's what you call continuous improvement (penny pinching more like).

Still getting to grips (if you excuse the pun) with the welder - hopefully will be getting so more top tips from the forum.

 

[chunkolini]

Welcome aboard.
I ran my Clarke on a 13 amp extension for years and never tripped a fuse. I now use a 180amp welder on a 13amp plug and have still not had a problem.
A welding wifey? that could be a laugh.
Joking it is great to share things. Well done.