want to start welding what do people recommend

[shenion]

The 196 has a 40A minimum. Will be tough on thin metal. Also only has 4 power settings. So next step up is about 85A, then 130, 180.

You'd probably want 60A or so on exhausts.

I think that is the Clarke Chinese line, built to a price.

 

[Ragnarok]

the 160tm is a well thought of machine i believe

 

[Robotstar5]

any body have any thoughts on the 196 i mentioned?

I you look at this page the prices for bigger models drop after the 160EN which looks good for amps per £ but these models are built down to a price.

Stick with the 160EN you can start off gasless and swap to gas later if you want.

 

[Wozzaaah]

The 196 is a Wolf in Clarke's clothing, do a forum search for Wolf welders and you'll see what the general consensus is....avoid.

 

[Robotstar5]

The 196 is a Wolf in Clarke's clothing

 

[YK55]

Hi I want to start welding (car parts mainly as well as other bits) looking on line I have been lead to believe mig would be the easiest type to learn?, trouble is I have no idea what welder to go for been looking in machine and marts catalogue at Clarke welders and still have no idea of the best machine to go for.
What’s the max amps I can go for on a 13 amp plug?
Anything over what size cable and mcb need to be used?
I don’t think I need to use gas as the welds I want will all be hidden out of view. Am I right in thinking gas allows a cleaner weld? Unless somebody recommends a multi welder gas and no gas I think a gasless only is fine?
Thanks in advance Nathan

should mention if im any good at it i want to work with bigger stuff so i want something with a low power setting as well as being able to handle bigger stuff

I was in the same boat as you a few years back. I decided I needed a Clarke 150 and went to buy one. The guy in the shop (Machine Mart) recommended a 135TE and said it would do all that I needed. He was right! That welder was brilliant for a beginner. I used the disposable bottles, Argon/CO2 mix is nicer to use than just CO2 (that came free with the welder.) For thicker metal 0.8mm wire works best so get a roll of that as well as the 0.6mm that should come with the machine.