New to it all

[MiniBonkerz]

Hi all just bought a Clarke 110 as i was quoted £140 to plate 2 places on the mini floor so i thought i would do it myself i have read the tutorials have done a little mig welding a few years back i was wondering do halfords sell a 80%argon 20%Co2 Bottle and would this be best suited to plating a Mini floor?


Another question i see halfords sell the Sip range will there range fit my new clarke will need to pop in and buy a few shrouds and tips etc will they fit?

Edit:Add another question



Chris

 

[malcolm]

The SIP shrouds don't fit the Clarke (different length), but I think the tips do. Halfords isn't the cheapest place to buy them.

80% Argon, 20% CO2 is the best gas to chose in the disposable bottles. Worth picking up more than one as they only last for about 6 minutes continuous use and you'll want to practice first rather than start on the Mini.

 

[MiniBonkerz]

6 mins shocking lol i say halfords as its on the way to work but will probably order some stuff from weldequip

 

[MiniBonkerz]

is it 6 mins really?

 

[BChild]

is it 6 mins really?

I got just under 10 mins out of a CO2 disposable - you need to have the valve fully open to get enough gas coverage on the weld

 

[MiniBonkerz]

wow going to be expensive then might have to invest it a proper bottle where am i likley to get 80% argon 20%Co2 mix from ?

 

[malcolm]

The gas shielding section has some stickied threads - Gas suppliers list references independent suppliers most of whom have more favourable bottle rental costs than the big suppliers so are cheaper for DIYers. If non of those are close to you then the BOC offer might be worth a shot.

Careful with argon/CO2 mix specs. 80% Argon and 20% CO2 is roughly equivalent to 93% Argon, 5% CO2, 2% Oxygen (that's Argoshield Light from BOC) so it's best contacting the supplier to make sure you buy the most appropriate for mild steel car bodywork.

 

[tux]

Yep, it really is as short a time as 6 mins!

The SIP MIG tips will indeed fit, but the shrouds def don't as Malcolm suggests. I have tried both on my Clarke 90.

 

[SwissTony]

The halfords bottles are only filled to 60 bar rather the 110 bar ones that weldequip sells.

 

[MiniBonkerz]

had a call of the company sending the welder today and they said we dont have it in stock and have sent you the 135te in its place no extra cost yipee

 

[MiniBonkerz]

if i open the valve fully open on the reg i guess the gas wont be used until the trigger is pulled is that right dumb question i know but new here

 

[Sparkey]

Yes that's right! Hold your horses mate!
But i would suggest you'd close the bottle if you're not using the welder...just in case!

 

[pedrobedro]

When my friend was using disposables he used to turn the regulator off between welds after he once left it stood while he drank his tea and it was empty when he restarted. That was a fresh cylinder which had only done a couple of tacks. Better safe than sorry was his motto after that.

 

[MiniBonkerz]

ok best i turn it off when im drinking tea most off the time then lol also the book reckons at setting 3 on the valve (goes to 10) it will use 2/3 litres a min surly that cant be right with a 390g bottle ??

 

[BChild]

ok best i turn it off when im drinking tea most off the time then lol also the book reckons at setting 3 on the valve (goes to 10) it will use 2/3 litres a min surly that cant be right with a 390g bottle ??

Post a picture - it might help

I all I remember when using disposables was if the valve wasn't wide open the gas coverage wasn't good enough and if you left the valve open when you weren't welding the gas escaped and the disposables didn't last any time at all

 

[Spot the welders dog]

If you've only a few plates to let into the floorpan, then you will find the disposable bottle more than adequate. Do as suggested and ignore the manual re regulator settings and just fully open the valve.

As an example; I was given five bottles of gas when I brought my last welder. I have used four to date to complete the following:

• Three full sills

• One inner/outer 'A' Panel + door jam

• One 'A' panel

• Full width boot floor

• Two step sills

• Two inner sills & part of

• Two rear valances

• Lower door repair

• Full height flinch panel repair

• One wing

Fifth bottle just cracked to fit another wing. I ALWAYS unscrew the regulator from the bottle when not in use.
6 minutes doesn't sound like any length of time, but you will be welding in short busts.
Alternatively, if you conclude that you need more, why not see if there is a better solution for you here