Looking for a good DIY Mig Welder to do general jobs such as repair metal side gate, make brackets for go kart for kids and then general car use, chassis repairs, panel replacement etc. Budget up to £200 but could go over if needs be.

I`m looking at either- Clark 130 or 135 Turbo, Clark 150 Turbo or SIP Migmate 130 Turbo. It would be nice to have the Gas/No Gas option.
Any thoughts on which is best and does anyone know of any good deals around at the moment. I`d also be happy to buy a decent 2nd hand item. Thanks.

Nick

I hated the sip130 I had, they have a terrible reputation.
The clarke 150 gas/no gas I now use is ace.
Got mine off the bay for a tad under £200 a while ago
no a bit over, but do turn up used....
BNIB - CLARKE 230V 150AMP NO GAS - GAS MIG WELDER &' KIT

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Clarke-Mig-151en-Welder-/281016705592?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item416de6a238

Clarkes have a better reputation than than SIPs but watch out for the new range of Clarke that Machine Mart are selling as they aren't very good. The Clarkes to avoid are the 145 152 180 196, they are made in China and down to a price. The other Italian machines have a good reputation for their segment of the market which is only entry level.

SIP welder wire feed is generally found to be erratic. It can be fixed by modifications to the machine but you shouldn't have to be doing this to correct a manufactured product. Lots of info on the mig-welding.co.uk website. Try and get a 150 amp machine if you can as it will be a bit more versatile. Welding isn't a cheap hobby and gasless mig welding is a bit of bodge really, fine if you want to repair a gate as it runs hot and gates are quite thick but not much use for more delicate items you find on a car or go cart. Dont forget to budget for a auto darkening helmet and and some gas. You really need to spend more than £200 if you can.

Started with a Clarke, then got a SIP and regretted it, back on a Clarke 195



Dont buy SIP