Starter Mig 130-160 amps?

[firehazard]

Hi Guys

Visited this site a lot over the years and firstly, thanks for all the tutorials and starter info, very useful and kind of you to go to the trouble for us newbies!

I'm itching to buy my first mig set for the following sort of jobs building up as experience is gained:

DIY repairs
Exhaust repair
Light gym equipment
Automotive tools - Engine crane/stand/ramps etc.
Car restoration
Build a fun vehicle from scratch

I have a budget around £300 so Im drawn to the Clarke 135TE and a auto helmet...

Is this a versatile enough machine? Without Gasless capability?

Would it be better to get a Clarke 90 and a separate Arc set for the thick stuff?
Or should I start out right and go for a Clarke 160AMP?

Or is the 135TE up to the jobs above?

Thanks

 

[firehazard]

Forgot to mention, must be good with a 13 amp domestic supply

 

[Wozzaaah]

The 135 isn't really up to it, if you want one machine go for something around 150A, such as the Clarke 160.
Getting two separate machines means you have to learn to use both unless you can already stick weld. It'll also work out a lot more expensive.
A 13A supply is good for up to 150A though you may pop the fuse if you run it flat out for any length of time.
Hope this helps and welcome to the forum.

 

[firehazard]

Thanks Woz

I'll look at the 150amp machines then as Id prefer to start out with a set that will meet eventual needs rather than have to upgrade later.

So my question now is, is it so important to have the gasless function for outside work?

As I understand the 160en has gasless mode but the 151te does not.

Thanks again

 

[shenion]

I used my 130EN outside on gas with no problems. Gasless was messy and I would not mess with it again. The wire is also expensive.

As for gas you will want a refillable CO2 or Ar/CO2 tank and regulator. The disposables are not worth the cost.

 

[firehazard]

Thanks Scott, I thought as much, I like your portable set, you sure done a neat job on that.

So I'm looking at clarke sets with 150 amps if anyone sees any special offers

 

[Tiffa]

Where abouts are you?

I'm near Stockport, this might be of interest to you:

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=26907

I actually have it on Ebay at the moment but would much rather it went to a forum member.

Chris.

 

[firehazard]

Hi Chris, thanks for the offer. I'm about 90 miles north east but I would have to leave town to get a good price on a new one anyway.

I had a look on ebay and it seems in great condition with some handy extras but I'm afraid I couldnt pay that much for a set without a store bought guarantee. Just in case the worse were to happen within 12 months of purchase.

I know yours is unused but similar kits that have had only 'light use' seem to sell around the 220-250 mark (judging by ebays completed listings) and Weldequip has them for 309 new...

If it doesnt sell on ebay then feel free to PM me your best price

 

[firehazard]

In case anyone else is also considering a 150amp clarke and hunting for best prices new: clarkebay.co.uk have the 151TE for £266 delivered (for first time customers) and I think Machine Marts VAT free day is 18th October when the 151TE would be £249... but I think I would need an invite to that

 

[Tiffa]

I usually get email vouchers off machine mart for the VAT free day, you are more than welcome to mine if you need it when they arrive.

My mig will be for sale to a forum member for less than the Ebay price, but i do keep thinking i should keep it and get some projects on the go. On the other hand i'm scared that if i keep it long enough i'll end up as crazy as Chunko - I've already got 3 sorry looking bike frames in the garden, start of a very slippery slope that is.........