James,
I had a Clark 90 before it got half-inched from the garage, it was slightly
underpowered for the job so the 100 should be better. The 150 amp one I
bought to replace it (Suretool or something) is better but only has 4
settings for the power so getting it right is hard to do initially. If you
can fit a variable control it would make welding easier.
Points to note: some of the cheaper MIGs use the little disposable
cylinders - it costs a fortune to weld using those (about £10 each) and
they always run out just when you need them. Far better to pay more in the
first place and get one that takes refillable cylinders with a proper
calibrated gauge. My local ironmonger (as recommended by the shop that sold
the MIG) supplied my cylinder plus first fill of CO2 for £30 and charges £10
for a refill, admittedly it looks like an old fire extinguisher but it lasts
for absolute ages (approx. 1 fill/year).
You also need a full face helmet, the hand-held mask supplied with most MIGs
is only of use in tight corners, my local car accessory shop sold me one for
£12. You can take the coloured glass out, leaving the plain glass in, and
use it when grinding/cutting metal. Adjust it so that you only need to nod
your head to bring it down and you can use both hands to position torch etc.
Other stuff: decent gauntlets, cap, jacket, boots, thick socks, protectors
for ears and everywhere else that hot weld gets to when you least expect it.
My MIG has saved me a fortune in exhaust parts over the past few years,
rewelding cracked seams and patches is a doddle, but I still can't do
exterior bodywork too well though! (and it looks so easy in Practical
Classics).
My garage socket is 15 amp too, no problems so far (touch wood veneer).
Paul
Part welded '81 reg 1500.
----- Original Message -----
From: James Carpenter <james.carpenter@jccsystems.swinternet.co.uk>
To: Spitlist <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 01, 1999 1:45 PM
Subject: Cheap MIG Welders
>
> Hi there, I am after a cheap MIG welder, to get the Spit through its MOT
in
> September. I guess I will have enough time to learn before then!
>
> Anyway my buget is extreamly tight, I am brakeing into the mony I saved to
> have a holyday this summer. Mabe I'll go camping in the peak district at
> christmas again instead. (Ever had to chase after your quick errect tent
in
> gale force winds, I have)
>
> Anyway I have two options so far, both from the machine mart catolog.
>
> Clarke weld pro 90 MIG at about 140 quid or Clark weld 100E mk2 at an
> expensive (for me) 160 quid.
>
> Specs are
> Max Amp 90 100
> Amp at 60% duty 30 40
> Mim Amp 25 27
> Mild Steel capability mm 3-4 4-5
>
> both with welding wire sizes of .6 to .8 mm
> They come with CO2gas, mild steel wire, mask , regulator. They can do
ally
> and SS with the correct wire and gas.
>
> Where else should I look for, no gas setups are only 10 quid cheaper so I
> expect I won't bother with them. As far as I have read nogas is only an
> advantage outdoors, with a wind. I'll weld in the garage.
>
> I'm in the UK so thers no wory about drawing 3000W of power from the
> standard electrisity sockets. But the garage is on a 15 amp spur from the
> fuse box.
>
>
> Anyone in the Oxford region got an old MIG for sale. Don't know what is a
> reasonalble price for a second hand on though! Even lend me one so that I
> can learn and tell better what will sute me!
>
> I'm shure this will SPARK a LIVEly debate (poor pun) .
>
> OH an I am not too interested in welding the chassis, just realy the tub
> that needs dooing. If I need to replace outriggers the local garage can
do
> that, or I can hire a BIG MIG for the day!
>
>
> Cheers
>
> James
>
>
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