How thick ??

[Nick Simpson]

I am new to this welding lark, but very keen to learn, I've been looking through this web site and see statements that the manufacturers claims of how thick a metal thier machines can weld are slightly over exaggerated. I have a Clarke 151en , has anyone tried a thickness test with this welder ? also does anyone know the thickness of a land rover series 3 chassis as this is what I intend to use it on once confident and capable enough, many thanks, Nick.

 

[shenion]

You need to remember welder thickness specs are for flux wire, gas is usually about half that.

My 130EN claimed 3/16". I found it could do ok on 1/8" but needed a bit more for full penetration.

A 150A could be able to do 1/8" with no problem.

 

[Nick Simpson]

I assume then you are reffering to gas figures ?, Cheers, Nick.

 

[shenion]

The Clarke's tend to claim a thickness and don't say if it is gas or flux core.

On gas, 150A should do 1/8" with no problem. Should handle most car framework

 

[malcolm]

The Clarke claims are special. I couldn't reproduce them even cutting a V into the two sheets and leaving a fair gap. Though this was a 90 claiming 3/16.

I'd go with the calculator on here for sensible thicknesses.

 

[shenion]

The Clarke claims are special. I couldn't reproduce them even cutting a V into the two sheets and leaving a fair gap. Though this was a 90 claiming 3/16.

I'd go with the calculator on here for sensible thicknesses.

Did you try it with flux wire?

Heck, my 130 claimed 3/16"

 

[malcolm]

I did, but only on thin stuff. There seem to be a lot of things that make no difference at all for thin metala but make an enormous dufference for thicker material.

To be fair on the Clarke 90 it only claimed 4mm (3/16 is about 4.5mm).

 

[Finalreminder]

I used 3mm mild on my Series 3 chassis.
Now depending how bad the rust is you may find you get a lot of blow through.
If I was to do the repairs again I would be more comfortable and confident using 2mm

I have the same model welder as you. I used gasless flux .8mm with no problems

 

[Nick Simpson]

Thanks for the info