o look another what to buy thread

[whitz]

Hello

I've been after a new MIG gasless welder for a while now yet with things i've read its 6 of one and half a dozen of the other.

I would mainly be using the welder on car body work so sub 1.5mm but id also make up work benches at some point so upto 3-6mm would be needed along with ideally single phase

The clarke 130em seems good but under powered for my possible needs and the rest of the migs are gas

My budget would be around £300-£400 so any thoughts? any are appreciated

Thanks
Ash

 

[the snooper]

gasless is not very good on thin metal some of the clarke are gas and gasless, if you are looking to weld cheaply then get a gas machine and get hold of a pub co2 bottle cost around 14 quid cheaper in the long run compared to the cost of flux cored wire

 

[whitz]

i was thinking gasless due to ease of use, this would be a long term hopefully welder so i suppose gas would be better and give me more options

i have got a relative who is a welder by trade which would be useful with setting it up along with the really good guides on there

Ash

 

[cumbriasteve]

Hi Ash, gasless does not equal ease of use, in fact it's probably a little more difficult to use, especially on car panel work.

For an initial set up I would do as Snooper suggests, something like a Clarke 150 with a bottle of Co2, you could change to argon/co2 at a later date if you wished.

Even with that machine you are pushing the limits if welding 6mm becomes a regular requirement.

If you could squeeze another £100 into the budget it would make a world of difference to your options.

Nothing worse than spending a fair amount of money and within weeks wishing you had gone that little bit extra for something that would tick all the boxes.

 

[whitz]

hmm if i just get a welder a week later i should be able to knock it up £100 but that would have to include gas and wire but i do have all the other welding items, masks, gloves overalls etc so i dont have to account the cost for them in

il have another gander at weldequip and see whats upto £500

Also as for 6mm that would be total thickness

Thanks
Ash

 

[cumbriasteve]

Have a scout round locally for a gas supplier, many of the calor gas agents now have various gas types.
I have argon/co2 but also have a pub size bottle of co2 which only costs me £13 a year to rent and about the same for a refill, does last ages though...it would be enough to get you going