which clarke

[Tina]

please can anyone tell me which is the better clarke, a 195 or a 205? planning to do my own repairs on a steel tipping trailer, mainly welding 4 - 6mm patches on the floor & sides, thanks Tina

 

[shenion]

Why not go with a PortaMIG? The 185 will run circles around a Clarke 195 and is actually cheaper.

Above 150A, the Clarkes get expensive, there are several better options like ta PortaMIG, Parweld and others.

 

[Wozzaaah]

I'm with Scott, if you're not in a rush and can wait 4, maybe 5 weeks, order a portamig 185 and put the money you'll save towards a decent auto-darkening mask.
Not biased or owt but the stuff upstairs is pretty good and I speak from experience!

 

[Tina]

thank you for the replies, but need some thing sooner than that, like yesterday!

 

[Wozzaaah]

The duty cycle on the 195 is higher.
Are you aware they're both only 185A machines? The model numbers mean nothing in relation to their output.
If you're going to be doing longish runs on 6mm plate then you need a much bigger machine than that.
(Don't ask me how I know that )

 

[Tina]

I knew they were both 185, but didnt know about the duty cycle, that would explain why the 185 is dearer than the 205 then, I am not planning on doing long runs, ust patches , about 6" x 8", dont want to spend a fortune as only be using it about once a week, is wolf any good? Tina

 

[Wozzaaah]

I'd go for the Clarke over a Wolf to be honest, trusted make and easier to get support and spares if needed.
Have you thought about a second hand machine? There's a decent mig in the for sale section at the mo, perfect for what you want one for and a good price too.

 

[Tina]

Giant 195

Hi all, got a Giant 195 for a few quid this week, spent all day using it, sticking 5mm plate on top of the holes in the floor of my scrap trailer, & it worked brilliant, so it seems I may have the only good one made! I put a normal 13 amp plug on it, the fuse blew within minutes, but a bit of 16 amp fuse wire sorted that & didnt have a problem all day

 

[madkayaker]

putting fuse wire in where there should be a fuse is a bad idea and is a fire risk as you will have been over loading the socket

 

[Tina]

fuse wire

appreciate that, but i'm welding outside in a yard, & plugged in to the electric from a commercial workshop, where they are welding all day long, unfortunately cant park 44 tonne truck at my house!