Hi starting a class soon and need some advice

[tbcuprat]

Hi all,

I will be starting a course in April and have used yahoo freecycle to see if anyone has a MIG welder that they don't use.

I have had a reply from a chap that is prepared to give me one but I have no idea if it suits my purpose.

Ideally I wanted something that could be used to restore an old Mk1 Golf back to it's former glory and from what I have been reading I ideally need something small with a low ampage.

Still I have attached a picture of said welder do you think I should get it? Is this overkill? Does it look huge or is it just me?

Cheers
Tone.

 

[dstealth]

That's an industrial sized welder, not a hobby welder or one thats ideally suited to car restoration. I have no idea what make it is but by it saying 200 on the front face, I'm assuming its a 200 Amp. For your Golf restoration, you shouldn't really need anything that's greater than a 130 Amp. If you're intent on getting the one pictured, speak to whoever's selling it and find out what the amps go down to, 25 is probably right but no more than 30, you'll start blowing holes in your Golf! There's also the issue of getting spares if/when it breaks or needs consumables. If its a crap, unknown brand, I wouldn't get it and get something well known and common, like a Clarke welder.

Hope that helps.

Chris

 

[malcolm]

Definately a biggie. Sometimes the big welders are aimed at fab work and the minimum current is a bit high for bodywork. Though that looks like a quality biggie. Esab colours, wonder if it says miniarc behind the random plug socket.

First trick would be to identify the thing. Then look it up to see if it will do 30 amps or less. I'm guessing that one will start at 40 amps, but have no idea what it is so could be wrong. Everything else will be quality as it's an old one.

 

[weldequip]

"Maxarc". Ancient thing. Good in their day... but so was the model T Ford.
(a good few quids worth of copper inside the thing though ).
weldequip

 

[malcolm]

"Maxarc". Ancient thing. Good in their day... but so was the model T Ford
(a good few quids worth of copper inside the thing though ).
weldequip

Who was the manaufacturer? I've never heard of maxarc. Brand of someone else?

 

[weldequip]

Actually I think I'm wrong, Maxarc were red as I recall.
It'll come to me.....

weldequip

 

[weldequip]

Romarc!!

 

[weldequip]

Or was it Camarc?
No... pretty sure it's a Romarc. All old British manufacturers. Bullet proof stuff but alas, no more Although Camarc are still going I believe... never here anything of them though.
weldequip

 

[zzr1200]

I'm sure its a "Max-Arc", one of the good old British, buy it once manufacturers.

 

[weldequip]

Shall we open a book & take bets?
weldequip

 

[zzr1200]

(a good few quids worth of copper inside the thing though ).
weldequip

Just scrap it and invest the dosh with Weldequip...

 

[zzr1200]

Shall we open a book & take bets?
weldequip

Yep, how much to open?

30-00???

 

[weldequip]

Now there's money involved you've got me thinking again!
Maxarc were red & Romarc were yellow, but that 'globe' logo is still in my mind as Maxarc. And this is without any Googling by the way!... dusting the cobwebs.
weldequip

 

[zzr1200]

Now there's money involved you've got me thinking again!
Maxarc were red & Romarc were yellow, but that 'globe' logo is still in my mind as Maxarc. And this is without any Googling by the way!... dusting the cobwebs.
weldequip

Dust away...

 

[tbcuprat]

Wow wasn't expecting such a response.

I have spoken to the guy and he doesn't know much about it nor does he know the make.

I think I'll leave it and look for a new hobby style welder.

If anyone has one that would be suitable I may be interested if the price is right.

Thanks again.

 

[weldequip]

Get those sockets removed, revealing the maker... doing my head in!
weldequip

 

[zzr1200]

There you go, Weldequip...

 

[weldequip]

Aha!! I was right first time them
Must be getting old, although not as old as those fellas!!
weldequip

 

[zzr1200]

Aha!! I was right first time them
Must be getting old, although not as old as those fellas!!
weldequip

or me...

 

[Stuggi]

I'd say take it, if it works and welds ok, you can always use it for the thicker stuff, like the chassis etc.