Hi Guys....newbie here!

[Martinslost]

Havnt posted in intro's yet but will do.

Basically I'm after a welder, I'm new to welding but my dads not so will be teaching me. We'll be going halves in buying one and its main use will be helping me make odds and sods for my car...bucket seat subframes to start with...and when we get round to it, restoring a mk2 cortina 1600E.

We're after something that'll do upto 6mm steel as it will also probably be used for some heavier duty stuff too, like fixing up a trailer or two.

After looking through the site I've come to the conclusion that good budget welders are Clarke rather than Sip. Which Clarke would be best for our needs? and also how easy are they to get spares for?

Cheers!

Martin

 

[shenion]

At 6mm I would say the Clarke 180 or 210. I don't know what models are available over there (here is 130, 180, 210).

Parts are no problem. The consumables are common (they use a tweco compatible torch.)

I bet weldequip has all the parts (and probably the unit itself.) And could recommend options.

 

[Martinslost]

cheers shenion

no one else help with some advice?
we're now after something less ambitious, so 4-4.5mm max.

 

[sqweaka]

hi ive got a clark 100en turbo, ive had it for years and its fine for body panals etc i would go for a 130

 

[shenion]

A 130 amp will do 4.5mm if you give it a bit of help by beveling the weld.

I have done 4.75mm with my Clarke 130EN and it works well enough using 0.8mm wire. Did not get 100% penetration so welded both sides. With 0.9mm wire it would probably do it.

 

[Martinslost]

thans Shen, my dad has mentioned double sided welds and bevelling...which does prove he has some idea of what he's on about lol.

anyone got an idea where to get the 130en with gas kit? (UK) all I seem to find is the gasless version for about £200, the gas kit costing extra? is Mr weldequip my best bet?

 

[shenion]

All the 130EN needs is a regulator for gas welding. The model # is WE6540 (for Argon mixes and regular tanks).

You can also get a regulator for disposable tanks.

PM weldequip, he should have a good price on a regulator (he might sell Clarke's also.)