Hi never used a mig but years ago was using stick and oxy/acetyline to a competent level. Now I am looking for a machine that will do my car work and some stainless on my sons sailing boat. A point in the right direction would be greatly appreciated thanks.
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BrokenBiker
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mig for car work. Tig just works out too slow and too expensive Imo. Mig will also do stainless with the right gas (ar mix with <3%co2) and wire.
daleyd
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What sort of budget do you have? I have a multi process rtech machine, and for my occasional use the ability to use mig tig and arc is great.
I know some people don't like them (if it goes pop you have lost everything, whereas if you have separate welders you haven't, they can be a bit jack of all trades etc etc)but for my needs its fine.
If you can't stretch that far then there are some excellent migs out there which would do everything you want.
I know some people don't like them (if it goes pop you have lost everything, whereas if you have separate welders you haven't, they can be a bit jack of all trades etc etc)but for my needs its fine.
If you can't stretch that far then there are some excellent migs out there which would do everything you want.
Thanks, thinking along the lines of Clark 130 - 150 new or something second hand in that sort of price range(£250 - £300). Would the 130 EN be too small and struggle ?
I've still got a stick welder for heavy stuff but seems to be nowadays they are not the tool of choice so should I go bigger now or get into mig with a smaller machine and try and pick up a second hand one that ticks more boxes later on.
I've still got a stick welder for heavy stuff but seems to be nowadays they are not the tool of choice so should I go bigger now or get into mig with a smaller machine and try and pick up a second hand one that ticks more boxes later on.
BrokenBiker
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if you are happy stick welding thick stuff then go for the Clarke. They are very good for car stuff. I only have a 100 amp mig and use a 160 amp stick welder for everything else until i can afford a mig with 250ish amps
Need to make a couple of brackets for an outboard so thought stainless welding or powdercoat steel but didnt realise welding marine steel was different
Will have to go and read up some more. Was just thinking if getting a welder try for one that will tick most boxes.so would a small mig and mid tig be best option?saw a 130 en advertised locally secondhand for £150 (used once) So would this small mig do for light car and look at tig for ss?
Thanks for your replies its a very informative forum.
Will have to go and read up some more. Was just thinking if getting a welder try for one that will tick most boxes.so would a small mig and mid tig be best option?saw a 130 en advertised locally secondhand for £150 (used once) So would this small mig do for light car and look at tig for ss?
Thanks for your replies its a very informative forum.
Jim Davey
R H Davey Welding Supplies Ltd
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I'm sure you'll find plenty on here who will agree a 130EN is enough for cars and I'd have to agree, but just because something CAN do a job, it doesn't mean it's the best thing to do that job with. Clarke 130s are built down to a price, set your price low enough and you'll still find a welder that gives a result. The thing is, once you have used a proper welder for a job, all these little 130-150-155 machines seem a lot like toys for people who play at welding.
I'd suggest you stick with mig, but try and get yourself a good quality 180 amp machine and do what you have to to give it the electrical supply it needs to work properly. You won't look back I promise.
I'd suggest you stick with mig, but try and get yourself a good quality 180 amp machine and do what you have to to give it the electrical supply it needs to work properly. You won't look back I promise.
