New to this

[nicedayforit]

As the title says I'm new to this but having an older Landrover needs must.
Thinking about buying a MIG welder for general car repairs and came across this which might suit my needs. Anybody got one or any comments.
Thanks

http://www.welduk.com/Details.asp?ProductID=72

 

[greyshirtguy]

There is quite a lot of info about SIP welders here (do a forum Search for SIP)....

In short, some models of SIP are a little "famous" for poorer quality wirefeed when they get a little older which greatly affects the weld quality......

(Some mechanically/electronically clever owners of SIP's have modified their machine and made improvements - ranging from simple replacements of parts with better quality - to new electonic controllers for the wire-feed motor)

All that aside, 130amp might be a little under-powered if plan to weld steel greater than 3mm thick.
(The 25amp min is apparently great for panels though).

Also take a look at this guide for which hobby MIG to buy

 

[Bullyterrier]

Hi there and welcome,
Don't touch the SIP welders! Just do a search on this site to find out why.

 

[chunkolini]

I go with Bullyterrier on this one.
I upgraded to an industrial welder a while back, wherever I went online the one constant piece of advice was avoid SIP welders. I ended up buying a Butters welder which has been great, no problems and heavy usage.

Chunko'.

 

[Wozzaaah]

Thet's not really man enough for Landy stuff either, you need something with a bit more grunt, at least 150A.
Welcome to the forum .

 

[nicedayforit]

Thanks for all your responses, much appreciated.
You've probably saved me from making an unfortunate purchase.
Having done a bit of reading on here I think I was about to make the common mistake of wrong make, too cheap and not powerful enough for the job.
I'll spend a bit more time reading and save up a bit more cash and go for something heavier from a reputable manufacturer.

 

[Wozzaaah]

A good little machine to consider would be a Clarke 160. It's a 150A machine and has a shelf on the back for a largish gas cylinder. Not sure on the price but I'd imagine around the £300 mark. Weldequip on here is a bona-fide Clarke dealer, when you're ready to buy, PM him and ask him to price you up one. He also sells masks, gloves, consumables etc.

 

[chunkolini]

I'd agree with that, I started off with a Clarke welder (130amp), it died; after 6 years of extreme abuse*, so no complaints from me. They do seem to be the way to get into welding on a budget.

*ie running it for half an hour at a time on full power over and over again.
Chunko'.

 

[Mad Mick]

I use Migatronic 385A Mig &250APi Tig at work and 200A Tig at home,all v reliable,regards Mick