Need help picking my first welder for car body and chassis work

[Burdekin]

Just after looking at the Clarke MIG151EN 240V 150A Turbo Mig Welder. Not bad for £280. If I go for this one would it do all the jobs I need? That is welding camper van body and Landrover chassis welding, plus it’s none gas too?

Not used no gas but I had the earlier model and it will weld all car stuff no bother. Mine did a lot of work and was still going strong when I gave it to a mate.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Hi Cumbriasteve
That would be great if I could get a hold of a voucher

@Migmac may still have one, search the Social club section for others

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/machine-mart-vat-free-code.78279/

 

[slim_boy_fat]

but starting with none gas before moving on.

Welcome aboard, Charlie

I've never tried gasless MIG, but have a read here before you go much further http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/gasless-mig.htm

Also here http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/buying.htm

 

[cumbriasteve]

That machine is gas and gasless, the best of both worlds.

 

[Shedendman]

The Clarke MIG151EN will need to be converted to be used with gas
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/mig151en-turbo-no-gas-mig-welder/
,so factor in a regulator depending on what bottle gas you intend to use,DONT,go down the disposable ones,will cost you a fortune

 

[cumbriasteve]

Have all the PPE, wire, mask and got the gas free from a friend. Just need the welder, but starting with none gas before moving on.

Why are you considering starting with no gas when you have a supply of free gas, there really is no point or benefit to it, gasless is a world of difference to using gas, more difficult to see, more difficult to learn with and messy.

It has at times some minor benefit when working outdoors and on stuff a bit thicker than car bodywork but apart from that to me it's a non starter.

 

[angellonewolf]

Welcome aboard, Charlie

I've never tried gasless MIG, but have a read here before you go much further http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/gasless-mig.htm

Also here http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/buying.htm

i started on gassless and got on ok welding thicker metal but strugled with the thin stuff it can be done but its not nice i think from what i seen on the fourms most will say the same thing

car body thin stuff get your self some gas its lots nicer if money is a problem get your self some pub gas co2 again not as nice as argosheld

@cumbriasteve beat me to it

 

[Welding-Charlie]

Hi Cumbriasteve
I would like to thank you for the link for the free vat off code for Machine Mart.
I have just purchased the Clarke MIG151EN from Machine Mart.
Thanks you again for your help with this.

I would also like to thank all of you for the help in picking the best mig welder for a first timer. It’s forums like this that helps people like me make to right purchase.

Thanks again all of you

PS
Going with gas

 

[cumbriasteve]

Well done, pleased it's worked out and pleased you came back to tell us.

Hopefully you will do a good review from the box has arrived to my first welds..we like photos too

By telling us what you think and how it was to use etc will help others with their potential buying...an active forum is a good forum

 

[angellonewolf]

and dont forget us there is a lot if info for a beginner on here

 

[Welding-Charlie]

Hi
That is a plan. Should get it next week and hope to start that weekend.
Will let you all know how it goes.
Thanks again

 

[Cobbler]

I don't think you will regret your choice Charlie, spares are readily available, they work well, good resale value, what more can you ask. Keep us posted.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Going with gas

A wise move imho. As the others have said, come back and report how you're getting on. Never be afraid to ask for help/guidance, there's LOADS of knowledge here.

 

[Welding-Charlie]

Thanks you all again for the support and help.

 

[keeny]

not long since been on here asking about the giant supermig 180 a friend of mine got 1, i tell u now ive got a few migs
but i did some welding with this 1 WoW welded great its got fine tuning far power and also got euro torch great wire feed
free solor mask at £250 nice machine and only weighs 14kg

 

[Welding-Charlie]

Thanks Keeny
Ended up with the Clarke Mig151EN, still waiting on it being delivered
Hope to get it next week after the Christmas and New Year madness with post.