New Clarke 151 TE: Mods/Upgrades/Tips?? (Beginner)

[GreenEagleKing]

Hi all,

I've just got myself a new Clarke 151 TE following advice I've read on this forum. It will mainly be used for car jobs on my defender and also the restoration of a willys jeep.

Basically I would like some advice and recommendations on what I need to get started and make the machine the best it can be.

I have set it up on a 13amp plug which i've heard is slightly underrated if I use it on a close to maximum amperage. Is this ok? or is it worth changing the garage to a 16amp supply? what does this mean to angle grinder plugs for example which do not fit?

Mods I'm thinking of doing:

1. Earth clamp and earth cable upgrade - any recommendations?
2. Dines/16amp - yes/no?

What else do I need?

1. Gas regulator
2. Reusable gas cylinder
3. Wire - anything i should avoid?
4. Better helmet

Sorry for all the questions, but I am just starting out and don't know where to start!
Thanks,
Ben

 

[rtbcomp]

Welcome to the forum.

I wouldn't bother doing any mods at the moment, it'll work fine out of the box and you wouldn't want to void the warranty; that said, a beefier earth clamp wouldn't come amiss.

The 13A plug & socket should be OK for chassis work.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome:

There should be an independent gas supplier in your area, just takes a bit of searching to find them, then of course there are the deals done by the big suppliers that suit the occasional user.

For hobby work the auto darkening helmets off ebay for around £20 are fine, of course the dearer one's are of better build quality, the choice is all about budget, amount of use/comfort and preference really.

Get your wire from a reputable supplier, Machine mart and Screwfix tends to vary in the quality.

 

[Cobbler]

For rent free cylinders have a look at Adams Gas, if you put in you post code on the web site it will bring up any local agents, also look at South West Gas supplies, I think they have a similar system on their web site. The guy from south West Gas is a forum member, but I haven't seen him post for a while. The other gas source is the BOC deal, just changed its name, hobby gas I think it's called now, look on the shielding gas section of the forum for details.

Which you go for really depends on how much gas you think you will need, also the other thing to take into consideration is how near the agent is when you need to change it. The gas never runs out at a convenient time!

 

[GreenEagleKing]

Thanks for the quick replies.

Looks like a better clamp will help and the rest I can change if needs be.

South West gas supplies has an agent near me so will go and check them out.

Cheers
Ben

 

[optima21]

as they've said, they work pretty well straight from the box. as has been said, a decent earth clamp is only a few quid and it should be fine all day on a 13A plug except for the highest setting.

I ended up modifying mine when I got it 2nd hand,

but I'd been using a clarke pro 90 for years so thought I'd try and resolve a couple of niggles for me (but could quite easily be lived with).

if you havn't already seen this post on here

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/clarke-151te-modifications.48178/

I did use the nylon wire liner for years or ,but if you find that it starts sticking over time (after your warranty has expired, replace it with a steel one).