Hi All, I'm pretty new to welding and just started restoring my '65 Spitfire. This is a massive job which I'm struggling through using a (much derided on this forum) SIP migmate 130. I've followed all the tips like swapping the liner over to steel etc which has made a big difference however I still can't get a constant plug weld. As he Spitfire has so many seen welds I'm wondering if I should invest in one of those cheap spot welders like this one on this ebay - item number 190371896449 . Would it work ok? Or should I put the £200 to replacing my SIP with something better and attempt to carry on plug welding?
- Thread starter Baldyjeff
- Start date
I've got to agree with Peter,
I bought a SIP 130 about 15 years ago and struggled to the point of giving up.
About 18 months ago I came by this forum & decided to try the mods to the SIP.
These helped, but it was still a struggle, so on the next Machine Mart VAT free day I took the plunge & got a Clarke.
Well... if only I'd done that the first time! I've got to say that it's just so much better than the SIP even with all the mods.
I would say that if you've got a fair ammount of welding to do (and it sounds like it) then you'd never look back.
I just need some ideas about what to do with my old SIP - it just seems a shame to bin it - but that's all it deserves!
Steve.
I bought a SIP 130 about 15 years ago and struggled to the point of giving up.
About 18 months ago I came by this forum & decided to try the mods to the SIP.
These helped, but it was still a struggle, so on the next Machine Mart VAT free day I took the plunge & got a Clarke.
Well... if only I'd done that the first time! I've got to say that it's just so much better than the SIP even with all the mods.
I would say that if you've got a fair ammount of welding to do (and it sounds like it) then you'd never look back.
I just need some ideas about what to do with my old SIP - it just seems a shame to bin it - but that's all it deserves!
Steve.
Chickenjohn
Morris Minor and Porsche 944 fan
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I don't know about SIP welders, but my Clark 150 Turbo does work very well. I often prefer my own welder to the expensive models they have at college, especially if the day students have left one in a state.
I have also done a fair amount of plug welding with the Clark 150 Turbo and I have a few tips:-
1. Use zinc weld thru primer on the inside of both pieces that will form the spot welded join.
2. Drill or punch ~8mm holes in the upper face (the piece you will be puddle welding through).
3. Clamp the two pieces VERY tightly together. I move the clamps around each hole so they hold the top holed piece very tight to the bottom piece.
4. I then scratch/ wire brush all the zinc primer off through the holes in the top piece.
5. Weld on a higher setting than usual for that gauge, start in the middle of the hole and spiral out to fill the hole.
6. Grind down, seam seal and paint neat looking strong plug welds!
I have also done a fair amount of plug welding with the Clark 150 Turbo and I have a few tips:-
1. Use zinc weld thru primer on the inside of both pieces that will form the spot welded join.
2. Drill or punch ~8mm holes in the upper face (the piece you will be puddle welding through).
3. Clamp the two pieces VERY tightly together. I move the clamps around each hole so they hold the top holed piece very tight to the bottom piece.
4. I then scratch/ wire brush all the zinc primer off through the holes in the top piece.
5. Weld on a higher setting than usual for that gauge, start in the middle of the hole and spiral out to fill the hole.
6. Grind down, seam seal and paint neat looking strong plug welds!
Ok, thanks for the advice guy's. I sort of knew you'd advise losing the SIP, shame really as up until I'd started this project it had only done about a hours work in it's entire life! I've got a few more weeks on the car before I start decorating the lounge. I'll limp along with the SIP 'til then. Whilst I'm up to my eyes in wallpaper I'll organise to get a Clarke and stick the other one on ebay.
