Sealey supermig 185

[burrows1980]

Hi,

I bought a few months back a Clarke 90en mig as my first welder.

I've only built one small project with it, but realised I need my power for the thickness of material I'm working with, current project will be 4mm maybe 5mm steel, the Clarke prob won't cope with that, wish now I'd gone for a bigger one first!! Got the welding bug now!!

Someone I know has a supermig 185 and has offered it to me for 280 notes, had it a few years but not been used that much. Searching on the forum there not rated that good, portamig comes up a lot, so would it be worth my while waiting for a bit to save for a portamig or go for the supermig in the mean time while I learn how to mig weld better?

Not used gas before, only the flux wire, 185 comes with a bottle of argon mix and a 5kg reel...

Any advice appreciated

Gaz

 

[rtbcomp]

Another idea might be to get an AC stick welder for a few pounds whilst you save up for a Portamig and then flog the stick welder and the Clarke.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Spending your money does not sound like saving to me, I know it's tempting to get something you can afford now but I would save for the portamig.

You will find the time spent learning with the Portamig much easier and less frustrating.

The gas you say comes with it may not be of benefit either, the majority of bottles are on some form of contract and may not be the sellers to give away.

 

[cumbriasteve]

The suggestion by rtbcomp is a good one, a cheap arc machine is always a good thing to have for the thicker stuff, they are cheap and eat no £'s if not used..a few rods and you always have something to weld with.

 

[gavuk]

I have not used a sealey 185 but I have talked to a couple of owners,one who runs a bodyshop ,he classed it as one of his best purchases,both had been very happy ,.........Why not give it a test and see what you think ,get the owner to do some welds and show you how good it is ,post some pics here if you like ,take some different metal thickness's with you though....

 

[NeilH]

ive always slated sealey migs on here.

but ive recently been using one quite regularly and to be honest, ive got to totally back track and say they are not bad migs really.

ive used them every now and again for years and didnt like them. now i realise its just cos i wasnt used to them.

 

[gavuk]

ive always slated sealey migs on here.

but ive recently been using one quite regularly and to be honest, ive got to totally back track and say they are not bad migs really.

ive used them every now and again for years and didnt like them. now i realise its just cos i wasnt used to them.

What model have you been using Neil?,what didn't you like or what was different to get used to? can you explain a bit more?

 

[burrows1980]

Thanks guys for the input going to follow rtbcomps advice.

I will be happy with a welder that has warranty, knowing my look if I got a 2nd hand one it would break soon after buying!

Will have a look at what deals are around nearer the time, in the mean time set my little Clarke up onto gas and improve my welding technique..

Again thanks for you advice

Gaz

 

[burrows1980]

Well after having a go with it, ive only gone and purchased it

Really impressed with it nice and smooth to use, my welds look better straight away, think the gas has made it easier, only co2, but still looks good. Going to sell the Clarke 90en this week only 2 months old!

Got a few projects lined up now, cant wait

Gaz