is the Clarke 235TE an ok arc box?

[MoreWellie]

See references to not using crap buzzboxes but not sure whether the Clarke 235TE would be classed as crap or not

I used this to try my hand at stick welding using decent 3.2mm rods (SIFtrode 6013 bought new and kept in airing cupboard ) on clean 5mm sheet and struggled to strike and maintain a clean arc. perhaps I didn't give it a long enough. Sometimes I could put down half a stick but I couldn't do it repeatedly. I am fairly sure it is my lack of technique. Leads and clamps look ok to me

is it worth persevering or am I wasting my time with this box?

not really a buying thread as I have already bought but not a specific problem with the welder either so posting here

cheers Mike

 

[rich r]

What current are you using for those rods? I'd probably try around 110A. 3.2 E6013's are usually about the easiest rods to weld with, as there's plenty of heat and they burn slow enough for you to be able to concentrate on keeping the arc distance nice and tight. It could well be purely a lack of practice though - at some point it'll just click and you'll automatically move the rod smoothly at the right speed, maintaining a nice consistent arc length. Keep at it!

Personally I found it easier to learn with 2.5mm rods, as you don't lay down anywhere near as much metal so can concentrate on your technique without waiting for huge amounts of red hot meal to cool off Make sure your 5mm sheet is clean and you have a good earth connection to it. Try steadying the rod with your left hand so you can control the arc better. If you don't have an auto-dimming helmet, get one.

As to the welder - I can't see any reports of anything specifically wrong with it, but you really shouldn't have any issues with those rods on a £30 buzzbox, let alone a welder originally costing almost £200.

 

[cumbriasteve]

The Clarke 235 is a buzz box, just a slightly bigger buzz box than the average and usual 140amp hobby types.

They are capable of excellent welds but do take a bit more practice than the easier to use inverters, in fact a fair bit more practice.

I used a lesser one for years, virtually running a business with it at one time.

An auto darkening mask, a steady hand (usually by resting it across the other arm) and loads of practice and you will get there.

 

[MoreWellie]

What current are you using for those rods?

the indicator is just under the 120A on the scale so, if it is accurate, I would guess around 115

Already using an auto darkening mask and really helpful it is as well

I will have to spend some more time and see how good I can get the process, just wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting my time. Thanks for the replies

 

[cumbriasteve]

When learning, a trick that can work is to cut your rods in half, a shorter rod is easier to control and does not 'wobble' about as much.

Clean a bit of the flux coating off the bottom half and you can of course use that as well so keeping waste to a minimum

 

[wyn]

I've got a 210 amp clarke buzzbox in the garage....it worked fine when i used to use it.

 

[Bill Edwards]

I've spent a considerable amount of time using ordinary buzzbox welders. They may not be as nice as other welders, but they do stick metal together and can produce tidy results when the conditions are right.

The amp scales are not always accurate, and it may be worth trying a bit more power anyway. You can probably weld the metal you're using at about 120 amps so I'd aim for that which will help. A little more still would get you running welds and be a confidence booster, even if they aren't right.
Crank up the amps and practice, then post the results on here for us to laugh at give guidance.