Mig welding help please

[impanator93]

Hi everyone. Im getting a classic car but needs some welding done, outer sills, and an arch etc. I have no welding experience and so im kind of baffled by what welder to buy The car is getting all the work done to it outside in the garden and i have heard various contradicting storys about using "normal" gas shielded mig welders outside, they've been saying that even the slightest gust of wind causes the gas shield to vanish and make the welds no where near as good as it should be. On the other hand i've heard that gasles mig welding can be used outside with ease but i've again heard various reviews about it. Also could someone please tell me what amperage of welder to buy?

Could someone please give me some advice?

This was the welder I was thinking of buying
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/clarke-131ng-125amp-no-gas-mig-welder/path/dual-purpose-and-inno-gasin-mig-welders
Is this one any good for doing a classic car?

Thanks alot
Dan

 

[shenion]

You would want an "EN' version of the Clarke that can do gas and gasless.

I have done a bunch of welding outside. On the small welders with the disposables, it is difficult as the gas flow is real low. With a big bottle and reg, I can set the flow higher and have no problems unless it is real windy. Then I put a sheet of plywood up to block the wind.

Gasless is too hot for thin metal.

 

[weldequip]

I'd avoid that particular model Dan as they are the new, Chinese built Clarkes
The standard Clarke range are time-served & why they feel the need to move away from a proven, reliable design I've no idea (actually, I do...their main competition... Sealey, have done just that ).
Go for something like the 130EN instead
weldequip

 

[impanator93]

Thank you

Thank you for your help.
So what your saying is that I could buy a "normal" gas shielded mig but would have to buy a big bottle of gas and regulator so I could alter the flow rate of the gas?
Thanx

 

[weldequip]

So what your saying is that I could buy a "normal" gas shielded mig but would have to buy a big bottle of gas and regulator so I could alter the flow rate of the gas?

Errr, no, never said anything like that! Basically it's as this:-
1/.Doing the odd patch up on a car, eg.MOT failure:- A small MIG that runs from disposable gas cainsters will be fine. Welding outdoors? No problem, just construct some kind of simple wind-break (it's better than gas-less welding )
2/.Doing more than an MOT patch up, eg.restoring a car? Then forget disposable gas canisters & go straight for a reifllable gas cylinder set-up
weldequip

 

[impanator93]

The cars to get restored. so any recommendations on a welder / set-up?
Sorry about the questions but I have no experience with welding and Im really struggling to work out what to buy

Thanx
Dan

 

[malcolm]

I'd avoid that particular model Dan as they are the new, Chinese built Clarkes

Which? what? No way! Sealey got away with it by introducing the Seigen brand for the rubbish. This one looks like it's Clarke branded.

That's annoying as the Clarkes have been a reliable bet in the past, and I've been recommending all of their models on the forum in the past. I've yet to try a cheap MIG from China that I'd recommend.

Have you got your hands on one yet to try? Half reasonable or total disaster? Sorry impanator93 - this one is new news for me.

 

[impanator93]

no im just trying to work out which welder to buy, im completely confused
I don't know what to do

 

[malcolm]

Hi everyone. Im getting a classic car but needs some welding done, outer sills, and an arch etc. I have no welding experience and so im kind of baffled by what welder to buy The car is getting all the work done to it outside in the garden and i have heard various contradicting storys about using "normal" gas shielded mig welders outside, they've been saying that even the slightest gust of wind causes the gas shield to vanish and make the welds no where near as good as it should be. On the other hand i've heard that gasles mig welding can be used outside with ease but i've again heard various reviews about it. Also could someone please tell me what amperage of welder to buy?

In recompense for my diversion,

Welding outside is a pain with gas shielding. The slightest breeze does mess the gas coverage, though on the other hand gasless is fiddly as you can't really see what you are doing and it welds too hot for bodywork. If I were welding outside I'd go for gas and wind shielding (and weld on days when it's not blowing a gale). Should be much easier than going with gasless on bodywork. It's possible to do gasless but but needs skill or produces poor results. Normally I see poor results.


So if it were me I'd go for something that takes gas shielding. Clarkes were good, but the new model is unknown on here. Their 130EN (is it 135EN) would give you a reasonable welder for bodywork with flexibility to use either gas or gassless.

 

[weldequip]

Have you got your hands on one yet to try?

Not yet Malcom, they were only released this month. I haven't pre-ordered any..........
weldequip

 

[impanator93]

In recompense for my diversion,

Welding outside is a pain with gas shielding. The slightest breeze does mess the gas coverage, though on the other hand gasless is fiddly as you can't really see what you are doing and it welds too hot for bodywork. If I were welding outside I'd go for gas and wind shielding (and weld on days when it's not blowing a gale). Should be much easier than going with gasless on bodywork. It's possible to do gasless but but needs skill or produces poor results. Normally I see poor results.

Thank you for your advice
Could you please recommend to me a reasonably priced gas shielded mig then?

Thanx
Dan

 

[malcolm]

We're imposing on Dan here. I've edited my post above to try to offer some useful advice. Perhaps we should go new thread to discuss these new Chinese Clarkes.