Which MIG Welder to suit this variety of proposed projects...?

[Woody3]

Hi everyone,

Been lurking on here a couple of years now, but have finally decided now is the time to give welding a serious go, so I've finally registered on here and thus posted!

Basically, in the past when I required a bit of welding to be done, I borrowed my mates, uncles little MIG and stuck the two pieces of metal together. Anything more complex, I'd ask my mate who is a fabricator to weld it for me.

Anyway, I've since moved onto a small holding and the "want for a welder has now become more of a "need".

The stuff that I'd probably want to weld (for now) are as follows:

> The odd bit on cars/Land Rovers

> Repairs to my mini digger, for example, I have a small hairline crack on one of the metal hydraulic pipes, which desperately needs repairing.

> Fabricate a 1200x750mm floor grate to cover the access hole to a cellar

After much reading, I'm guessing the Clarke 160TM is really what I'd like to purchase (this is top of my budget for a welder in all fairness), but I just want to make sure it'll be able to handle the above jobs?

Many thanks

ETA: I've also got 3 phase supply. Should I take advantage of this now with a welder, or wait until my welding skills are much better and more serious?

 

[shenion]

The Clarke 160 is a good choice and a forum favorite.

Since you have 3-phase, you might look at a used, 3-phase welder. They can go cheap at auction sites as so few have the power to run them.

I started with a Clarke 130EN. Nice, smooth welder. I kept an eye on ebay and craigs list and found a killer deal on some big welders that needed a bit of work. Stupid maintenance things that the owners never did. JUst broken wires, bad liners, and an abused gun. All easily repairable.

The 130 was just a bit low on power. The 160 would have been good, but not sold here. If I had gotten th 180, I would probably not looked for something bigger.

the 160 should do 3/16" or 7mm or so; a bit more with a gap. If that is the largest you need to do, then the Clarke should be fine.

 

[ChrisJohnsSculpture]

For the jobs you mention it sounds like something like the 160 should do fine.

In terms of common jobs MIG is probably the most versatile process for a relative beginner and also probably has the shallowest learning curve.

If you're doing agricultural type maintenance you may eventually find that a basic stick welder is useful too but MIG is a logical place to start and in your price range the Clarke is probably as good as anything else available.

 

[the snooper]

> Repairs to my mini digger

you may need something bigger for heavy steel

 

[Woody3]

Thanks for the replies.

I'll go for the 160TM for the time being.

Just got to wait now for a VAT free offer at MM.

 

[pedrobedro]

You would be better employed replacing the pipe on the digger with another pipe rather than trying to weld it. They are usually annealed and coated steel.

 

[stuvy]

You would be better employed replacing the pipe on the digger with another pipe rather than trying to weld it. They are usually annealed and coated steel.

Exactly what i was thinking, you cant cut corners with hydraulics otherwise it could seriously hurt you!!!!!

 

[Woody3]

Whoops...only just seen the last two replies.

Let me get a picture up of the pipes in question. They are welded to the boom and it's the welded joint of an elbow that's got an airline crack.

I'll post some pictures up to show you what I mean...
Here, http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=35129

 

[rob1]

hi i fixed a hyd pipe on a 5ton digger last wk .job from hell .
someone had migd it with crap result leaking etc .
i cut the pipe cleened it up ground off whatever coating was on it weld preped it etc.
decided to tig it .not a chance in hell and i tried everything .the coating was a big prob .
the only thing thet would work in the end 4hours later was stik with disimilar rod