Welder spec confusion - Clarke 175TE & 205TE

[drmikey]

I've taking the advice of some on this forum and decided on a Clarke mig welder. I just can't decide between two models, basically because the specs are a little confusing (little in it price wise).

The 175TE has 175 max amps with an 85A duty cycle (60%) and welds up to 6mm thickness (quoted)

the 205TE gas 205 max amps but a lower duty cycle of 80A but can weld 1mm thicker (7mm)

Detailed specs are here:

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/rangeguides.asp?t=068&g=105&r=2031%>

I'm assuming (please correct me if I'm wrong) that while the 175 would be better for constant use the 205 would be better for short bursts of use and would be able to weld thicker material??

 

[weldequip]

You are quite correct in your assumptions. The 205TE has more top end power so will weld thicker stuff, and the 175TE has a better duty cycle so will weld for longer.
The 175TE is a cracking little set, having a smoothing capacitor bank fitted (not on 205) which gives a really nice crisp arc.

 

[drmikey]

Does the smoothing capacitor make a big difference (is it worth going for)?? And also what, in reality, is the welding capacity (mm thickness) of either machine. If I can comfortably weld 5mm I'll be happy so maybe the 175 will do...

Thanks for your help.

 

[weldequip]

The smoothing capacitor bank does make a difference yes & the 175TE has more 'guts' than the 205TE, even though it is a physically smaller machine. I would knock off a couple of millimetres on both machines thickness claims to be realistic for single pass welds. If you intend to be welding mostly 5mm all the time I wouldn't go for either machine & get something larger.
weldequip

 

[drmikey]

Very occasional 5mm - mostly 3 maybe 4....

Got me thinking again. Any recommendations?

 

[malcolm]

Occasional 5mm but mostly lower could save you some money. A 150 amp welder should be good up to 5mm. I advised a friend to go with a Clarke today as they do seem to be the best of the cheap bunch.

If you were to go for the best of the slightly less than cheap bunch then you'd be well advised to talk to weldequip about the Portamig. I upgraded from a Clarke to one of those and it is so much easier to use.

 

[drmikey]

Thanks for all the advice. In the end I got a Sealey Supermig 185 - nearly new but half the price..I couldnt resist.

Now deciding whether to go with a big bottle of gas or try and live with the smaller bottles as it is only for occasional use.

 

[alfmech]

is it possible to fit a euro torch to the 175te? if so where can i find an adapter for it as my current lance is foobar and i already have a euro available from my arc-tec
thanks
in advance