OK, I bought a cheap MIG welder...

[AngryInca]

Hi Folks,

I'm a newbie I haven't welded at all before.

I'm saving for a Clarke 151TE, but in the mean time I wanted to get some practice in, so I bought a 100 No-Gas MIG Welder from eBay, new in a box for £50.

I thought at that price I would give it a go and www.migwelders.org.uk list it as the cheapest one, which I thought ment was an OK welder for the price, but after reading other posts on this forum about this welder, it might not mean that at all...

So, my first project is going to be a little welding card for it. Knowing that its not a great welder, can you recommend what material I should be using i.e. what thickness should I be asking the metal-shop for, and what wire should I be using with this welder and the metal? I was going to use the L shaped metal bar and some lockable caster wheels.

Any other tips with this kit would be great too! I've been watching lots of YouTube videos so I know what I'm *supposed* to be aiming for!

Thanks Very Much!

AI

 

[shenion]

Get some 2mm thick 25x25mm angle iron. Get some good gasless wire in 0.8mm or 0.9mm. I tried cheap gasless wire and it was near useless. Weldequip's shop on the top of the page has SIF (not SIP) gasless wire. If he sells it, it should be good.

Follow the tutorials on this site. The hard part with these welders is they have very little control over the wire speed. Play with power settings and the torch/work length to get a good "buzz".

Check weldequip for the 151TE, also when you build the cart, make sure the 151 will fit also

Note: the 160TM will be better as it comes set up for refillable gas cylinders while the 151 is set up for the expensive disposables. Anothe roption is to get one of the Clarke EN models that can do either gas or gasless. I had a 130EN and it was a nice machine.

Welcome to the forums , this site got me past my stumbling point on MIG, Arc and TIG

 

[AngryInca]

Thank you for the reply. Is this wire OK?

http://www.weldequip.com/gasless-mig-wire.htm

I've read gasless mig welding is prone to spatter, so would anti-spater spray help me any too?

If I went for the Clarke 160TM, do you know if that comes with everything needed to weld, or do I need to purchase regulators or bottles as well?

 

[shenion]

That wire is fine.

The 160 comes with the regulator. You will need to buy/rent a refillable bottle. Check the Gas suppliers list under the Shielding Gas section.

 

[AngryInca]

Argh!

The "mig" welder has just been delviered, and as far as I can tell, its not actually the product I ordered.

The writing on the front says BX1-130B AC welder on it, and if you google this it looks like its a MMA Arc welder.

http://wanshun.en.made-in-china.com...-130AMP-AC-ARC-Welding-Machine-BX1-130B-.html

This isn't going to work with the wire I ordered is it? Should I get onto the suppliers to get my money back or the correct one sent out?

 

[shenion]

Get your money back.

 

[AngryInca]

Yeah, I just read some more about the welder, and its def. the wrong one. Its not even the one listed in the advert. I'm hoping they just swap it.

I'm willing to take a chance on a cheap MIG welder, but I want a MIG welder, which I ordered!

UPDATE - The suppliers are collecting the ARC welder tomorrow, if they are able to get the MIG welder, they will send me that, otherwise they will refund me.

I might have to wait for the Clarke after all...

 

[Chickenjohn]

I think you would be better off asking for your money back and saving up for the Clarke!

They are very good budget Mig welders.

 

[chunkolini]

I'd go with Chicken John on that one.
Learning a new skill on rated kit is much easier than on dodgy stuff.

I was lucky, my pal made me buy the Clarke welder and would not let me change his mind to the slightly cheaper one. I am glad he was so stubborn.

Chunko'.

 

[Chickenjohn]

Same as with Chunkolini, I asked a professional welder friend of mine with 25 years experience and he advised getting a Clarke. Good advice!!!

 

[Faaluke]

I might have to wait for the Clarke after all...

I think that would be the best result, rather than messing around with a cheap unit. I spent 5 months saving to get my welder and it was well worth the wait. I've yet to get frustrated at its lack of ability as a welder. My lack of ability on the other hand..... But yeah, I think you're much better off being the limiting factor in your welding than a rubbish welder holding back your learning.