Mig welder for classic mini

[Henry123]

Hi, I'm looking to buy a welder to carry out some body work on my classic mini. I found this mig welder and wanted to know if it's a suitable one?

https://www.bodyshop-tools-supplies.co.uk/product_view.php?id=20030&gclid=CM2ExvTLxs4CFRPjGwodKRsOfg

It's a mini mig welder 130AMP 230V.

If you know of a better mig welder for around that price please let me know.

Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome to the forum:

It is not the best mig in the world but is a popular model used by many and it's power range is ok for your intentions.

At that price I doubt you will find anything significantly better, they all tend to be about the same and a couple are certainly not as good.

It would be good of you to do a review of the machine when you get it, it is in the range of migs that many others look to purchase both in size and price so would be helpful.

Don't forget a project thread on the Mini too.

 

[BrianCork]

+1 on the mini thread!

That welder should be ok for your needs if it's purely as a hobby. You'll struggle with anything 3mm plus, but if it's only for bodywork on a mini then you'll be fine. Also bear in mind that those migs have a horrendous duty cycle, 20% at 80 amps springs to mind?

 

[Ollie Haynes]

Any feedback on this welder?

 

[windingroads]

Hi
Just note that if you are very new to welding that his mig uses gas, so you should look
into a supplier, I have no idea how expensive the small bottles are but do hear people
say the throw away bottles do not last very long.
Regarding safety, again if your new to welding, be very careful regarding fire, fuel lines
can go up, as can locally stored fuel, oil, paint products and upholstery etc.
Always have an escape route,
Always ensure ventilation so the fumes can escape, and wear a mask to protect your lungs.
And keep a fire extinguisher in a place where you can get at it, no good in a press behind the burning car.

Good luck with your project

Regards, john

 

[Henry123]

Hi, I've been away for a while so haven't had a chance to buy it yet. I Was just about to purchase it until I did some future research into it. It says on the link that I posted, that the wire capacity is 0.7-5kg. Does this refer to the wire thickness? So would I be able to use a 0.6 mm wire with this welder? Or does it refer to the weight of the reel of wire?
Thanks

 

[octo0072000]

that's the size of the reel bad point is the mig only has 4 settings for power
the small gas bottles last about 10 minutes and are the best way to empty your wallet
you need to get a proper regulator and a big gas bottle
but remember you only get what you pay for the hobby sealey is not a well respected mig
might be best to pay a bit more for a Clarke 151 or a good used mig but only buy if you can see it working and welding
other point is can you weld or are you leaning

 

[Henry123]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll be learning to weld once I've bought it and will just be used on the mini. And to be honest my budget is only around the £200 mark .
Thanks

 

[octo0072000]

Thanks for the quick reply. I'll be learning to weld once I've bought it and will just be used on the mini. And to be honest my budget is only around the £200 mark .
Thanks

is the £200 just for the welder or all the other kit needed as well that is a very small budget
to be honest

 

[Henry123]

That's just for the welder.
By all the other kit, do you just mean: gas, overalls, helmet and gloves?

 

[octo0072000]

grinders slitting discs grinding discs flap discs tin snips lots of mole grips G clamps decent auto helmet hammers vice jack axle stands lots of basic tools

you need to learn to weld off the car on a bench first to a decent standard before starting on the car

 

[Jim Davey]

From that linked page:

• Duty Cycle: 100% @ 30A, 60% @ 45A, 40% @ 65A, 20% @ 80A

Extrapolating those figures, it's going to be under 5% by the time you hit the fabled 130A rating...

Not really a huge issue for home bodywork though.

 

[Henry123]

Okay thanks for the reply. I already have most of those tools. But will be buying the ones I don't have when I buy the welder

 

[Burdekin]

I'd also get a regulator for larger bottles. The wee bottles don't last long so are expensive.

 

[octo0072000]

I'd also get a regulator for larger bottles. The wee bottles don't last long so are expensive.

"The wee bottles don't last long"
about 10 to 15 mins max best way to empty his wallet

 

[Henry123]

Just looking at helmets, is this one any good? https://www.toolstoday.co.uk/sealey-welding-helmet-auto-darkening-shade-9-13-red