MIG Welder

[Peter Torode]

OK, new to welding, never touched a welder in my life, but as I am restoring to classic cars I figure its time to learn. I have been told I need a MIG welder, I have narrowed it down to two, the Sealey MightyMig100 Gas/Gasless and a Clarke 145 No-Gas MIG however if anyone knows better then tell me. I am limited to just £200 spending so I need a good welder for nothing, I know its asking a lot. However we (family) are on holiday to England in 3 weeks, so the idea was to buy one whilst we are there but I cannot see that happening as I don't know what I need etc. (I'm from Guernsey by the way).

(sorry if I'm rambling)

 

[Peter Torode]

I should say I'm doing the restoration outside hence the gasless.

 

[^neo^]

Personally I wouldn't screw around with gasless, it's horrible. Everyone worries about the gas being blown away working outside, but unless there is a force 10 gale it can be overcome with a couple of sheets of ply, or just getting your body in the way of the wind.
As for 'what welder' I haven't got a clue on the hobby stuff, but generally the more you spend the better you get! I'd say that £200 is about the bare minimum to spend for something that won't make you give up after 10 minutes!

 

[cumbriasteve]

I tend to agree, gasless on car restorations is not impossible by any means but certainly hard work.

£200 is not much when searching for a MIG, a cheapie auto darkening mask will see £30 of that gone right away.

Ebay or the for sale section on this forum may be the way to go, you may get a 2nd hand Clarke outfit within your budget.

Many machines have gas and gasless options, at least you have the choice then

 

[keith19]

I'd agree with Steve, make sure you get a machine that works with both gas and gasless wire. There are times when you will need both, especially if you are working outside.
But gas is important for finer work that needs to look reasonable, and needs less practice than gasless to achieve a decent result, and is more encouraging to the newcomer.

I like gasless personally, but I tend to keep it for rougher work, or work that will get ground back anyway. Penetration with gasless is very good, a bit like arc welding, and sometimes too powerful for thin panel work, where it can blow through all too easily.

 

[chunkolini]

You cant go far wrong with Clarke welders, one thought though, avoid SIP welders they have an amazing reputation for being not much cop.

Chunko.

 

[octo0072000]

clarke welder

have a word with weldquip about a clarke one are you still on no vat in jersey or not that may help with prices
see link at the top of every page just clik on weldquips logo easy to talk too as well

try this one
http://www.weldequip.com/clarke-130en.htm

 

[Peter Torode]

Do Not say that name (Jersey) I'm a Guern and hate being called a Crappo, however here we are no VAT, I have found out we can claim back VAT whin importing. I shall look at the link tomorrow when I am more alert, Thank you.

I shall also reply to all posts, properly.

 

[Rudi McAnichal]

Have a look at the MM website picture of the Clarke 145 No-Gas, and then read the thread started by Hos on 13/04/2011. (Sorry, should link thread into this post, but have no yet found how to do it).

Is the 145 model one of the well-respected Clarke hobby MIGs, or is it just a Wolf-alike?