Hello,
Looking for a budget MIG welder recommendation. I can count on one hand the number of times I have welded prior to this project. So I don't want
something that will be difficult to learn on.
I've had a look through previous posts and see NS Dev recommended these two:
150T ERP Mig welder
Sealey Supermig 150
Any others? What's opinion on using a Dual Purpose or Gasless MIG?
Thanks,
Simon
no first hand experience but everywhere i've heard stay away from gasless as they're rubbish.
I've got a clarke 160t and would happily recommend it, has done all my chassis with ease and is quite easy to setup.
Ned.
http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/upload/IMG_0795.jpg
[Edited on 10/7/06 by ned]
I have got the 150 ERP from Weld UK, very happy with it so far and a good company to deal with. They sell and refill C02 bottles at quite a competetive rate.
hi i'd recommend the sealey welder. I got one for this project a 195 sealey supermig in a half price sale. Excellent welder easy to use. If you aren't in a hurry shop around and keep looking out for special offers there are massive savings to be had sealey reguarly put on special offers on a variety of tools so keep an eye out.
Gasless has specific uses --- ie welding outside.
It can actually produce a decent weld but needs a clean with decent wire brush after every run.
My advice would be not to buy a DIY welder. The main problem with MIG is its ability to feed the wire at a constant regulated speed. As with most
tools it is best to buy the best that you can afford and it will repay you with years of reliable service. I think all of the welders mentioned by
previous writers would fall into the professional category and probably a minimum of 160 Amps is what you should look for. Also go with a make that
has an established reputation in this country and one that has a network of sevice centres. I was lured into buying an entry level model and really
regretted it.
John
Hi imo go with a sealey have had the same one for ten years now and have welded car bodies and lorries too with no probs + most motor factors have
tips n shrouds in stock to fit these
Paul
Thanks a lot for you thoughts all,
The comments about not buying a DIY welder were exactly what I was worrying about. Buying something that costs £100 and paying for it in hassle
afterwards.
I'm going to pop by my local machine mart too, they have some Sealey ones in stock and will probably tolerate some more silly questions to get a
sale.
Simon
Machine mart generally only stock clarke models (their own brand) but I'm happy to be wrong. As far as parts/spares go then clarke will be at
your local machine mart and from experience one of your local motor factors will probably have some sealey bits.
cheers,
Ned.
A friend of mine has the ERP from Welduk, they are quite local to us and he has been pleased with his for over a year now.
quote:
Originally posted by ironside
Thanks a lot for you thoughts all,
The comments about not buying a DIY welder were exactly what I was worrying about. Buying something that costs £100 and paying for it in hassle afterwards.
I'm going to pop by my local machine mart too, they have some Sealey ones in stock and will probably tolerate some more silly questions to get a sale.
Simon
You can get the genuine Telwin item of which they are all badged copies of from Northern Tools. I think they were doing a non Euro torch version of
the 180 Amp last time I looked for £240.
Alex
I have a Telwin TIG and when it went wrong, it had to be returned to Italy for repair with a £45 carriage charge and 6 week turn-round time. This was
bought from Wholesale Welding who are the main UK importers. Hence my advice in an earlier post to buy a make that is fully supported in the UK if
that is where you live.
John
I bought a Clarke 160EN MIG during my local Machine Mart's VAT free night. It's a dual purpose one which I thought was a good idea.
I think I've made a mistake though, I've just been unpacking it just now and discovered that the manual states it requires a 15amp plug, not
a standard domestic 13amp one.
I'll probably take it back - is this requirement the same for all the 150/160amp welders (Sealey/ERP etc?) MM have another VAT free day on Sunday
so I was going to return it and buy the 130EN dual purpose one which works on domestic juice.
The 130EN only has 4 power settings rather than the 6 on the 160EN and is obviously lower powered too - is this likely to cause me problems?
Cheers,
Simon.
It will run on a standard 13amp plug, don't worry about it. You might blow a fuse when you run it on full power if your wire sticks otherwise you should be fine.
quote:
Originally posted by John Bonnett
I have a Telwin TIG and when it went wrong, it had to be returned to Italy for repair with a £45 carriage charge and 6 week turn-round time. This was bought from Wholesale Welding who are the main UK importers. Hence my advice in an earlier post to buy a make that is fully supported in the UK if that is where you live.
John