Tim
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,340
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Hi all
As a welding virgin I often don't feel like I should have a log in ;D
However, me and a friend are in the process of sorting out some workshop/man cave space, and after clearing a LOT of boxes and sorting the electrics, as men, we are longing for power tools, which basically means a chop saw for building wooden stuff and a welder for fixing broken metal stuff :-) got numerous drills, angle grinder, dremel, impact gun etc...
What it is a good entry level mig welder? Clarke?
What sort of power do you need for basic car work (incl. Chassis stuff) and what accessories are worthwhile? We are going to get some basic lessons so nobody gets hurt :-)
The first project of an old LR Disco may already have been purchased (not mine!)
Cheers all
Tim
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Last Edit: Dec 20, 2012 6:59:51 GMT by Tim
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I had a Clarke gas mig welder - any will do in this brand, they're all good. Just keep practicing, and learn to get the wire speed and power level correct for different thicknesses of metal, and never weld on rust, it'll blow a hole in it and won't conduct. Buy an angle grinder, it can make a difference on 'inexperienced' welding.  |
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Tim
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,340
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Cheers. I did read Clarke was a good buy so good to hear it again.
Got a grinder I've used for wire brushing and chopping rusted things off, and various other tools, but never done any metalworking so looking forward to getting stuck in.
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Last Edit: Dec 20, 2012 9:31:15 GMT by Tim
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Dec 20, 2012 15:02:55 GMT
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Clarke welders are fine but the quality of much Machine Mart sourced kit tends to be of 'just-good-enough' quality.
My Clarke welder has been used to death and is holding up considerably better than either the Clarke hydraulic press or the Clarke compressor.
The cost is in line with what you get. All great entry-level kit. But if intending heavy / industrial / full-time professional use then the Clarke stuff would let you down sooner than other kit.
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Tim
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,340
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Dec 20, 2012 16:07:52 GMT
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This would only be occasional use, so sounds fine.
Thanks
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Dec 20, 2012 16:19:46 GMT
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cebora's a pretty good brand if one pops up cheap |
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You're like a crazy backyard genius! |
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Dec 20, 2012 19:22:57 GMT
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Agreed. A Cebora/Snap-on/BOC Turbo 130 is a great starter machine. Good quality and reliable and easy to use. Better than a Clarke. Not terribly easy to get spares for though. Next day by mail for most stuff. £150 should be more than enough to get one on ebay.
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omega
Posted a lot
Posts: 1,060
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Dec 20, 2012 21:08:18 GMT
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if you buy a clarke you can change the torch on it for about 50 pounds to a pro one if you feel the need
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Dec 20, 2012 21:36:00 GMT
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Make sure you buy an auto darkening helmet. Makes everything so much easier and means you can line things up and see what you're doing with the mask down. I'm sure the £30 ones on eBay are fine, but I'd rather get one from a known brand for piece of mind- they are your only set of eyes, afterall.
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...proper medallion man chest wig motoring. |
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Dec 20, 2012 22:15:54 GMT
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Just done my first welding with a Clarke pro 90, very easy to get to grips with, get some practice before tackling your car though. And ditto the auto helmet.
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Tim
Posted a lot
Posts: 3,340
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Dec 20, 2012 22:20:15 GMT
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Yeah gonna practice on some scrap and on some unimportant things first :-)
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Dec 21, 2012 12:12:15 GMT
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