21 replies to this topic

[pierres]

Looking to get a good second hand mig welder what is a good make and would it be best to go the gasless route or with gas

 

[megamini_jb]

Definitely use gas.

As for make, a fair few of us on here will recommend the Clarke 135TE. As well as a 135 I also have a fairly old Sip migmate and it is just as good and could probably be picked up for half the price of the 135 second hand

Edited by megamini_jb, 12 April 2014 - 08:20 AM.

[myredmini]

135te turbo is a fantastic welder. I had a sip once and was really poor. But i may have had a bad one not sure, i will never own another though. Also deffinatly use gas!

[Covert]

Gas ! Its worth the extra money, plus if you haven't welded before it will make it much easier to learn plus cleanup is quicker

[cal844]

I have a sealey supermig 185, its epic

[alex-95]

clarke 135te for me too, and definitely use gas.

[yamkid360]

I would definately recomend using a separate gas bottle setup (Argashield 5 or Migweld Universal) .I use a Clarke 160T for heavy work , but find the Clarke 120E mk2 brilliant for lighter guage steel on body work. The fluxed wire system is very limited and will yield poor results in inexperienced hands. After working with your welder always take your mig wire reel into the house ( I know its a pain spooling up every time you want to use it ) to keep it dry as wire tends to rust quickly these days , rusty or damp wire will also result in poor welding.

[sonikk4]

Another vote for the 135TE. It will do everything you need on a mini with ease. Do not go gasless, unless you are skilled at using it, there are quite a few places you can get Argoshield light from. Adams Gas, BOC for example. They vary in price so get what is suitable for your pocket.

As for removing your spool of wire, if it's a long period yes do so but otherwise Silca Gel bags / desiccant crystals will keep moisture at bay in the short term. These can be bought off EBay.

[JonnyAlpha]

I bought a second hand Clarke 160EN Gas / Gassless and use a 9 Ltr Argon CO2 Mix, they are really good Mig Welders, the 160 is an older model and everyine here seems to be recommending the 135TE.

 

Here's a link to the 135TE Turbo on Machine Mart, its just under £290 but i'm sure you can get it cheaper. 

 

I use Adams Gas 9Ltr its about £50 deposit and £37 for the gas, there are better deals but it was the only one local. I have just had a refil, handed in a gleamingly clean new bottle and got handed a minging bottle with corrosion around the base of the main valve (my wife collected while I was away) grrrrrrr

 

The only problem with Adams and another company around here is that the only fill the 9Ltr bottle to 137 Bar so you don't get as much gas.

 

You'll also need an Argon Regulator / Flow Meter.

 

You may also want to change the standard Earth Clamp, not sure what the one on the 135TE is like but mine was not brill, so I changed it for a better one (e.g. 200Amp), something like this  I got mine from Wellington Welding (even cheaper). 

Edited by JonnyAlpha, 12 April 2014 - 10:55 AM.

[Sean C]

Clarke 135te is a fantastic bit of kit. I've had mine for a few years now and cant fault it

[myredmini]

Heres my 135te i use a large bottle so to the trolley comes in very handy!

[megamini_jb]

Yeah defo get a trolley too.

[Twincam]

I've got a Sealey 230TE Turbo - bought from machine mart when they had a 10% off day iirc.

Deffo go for gas, buy once, buy proper...

[newenglandmini]

I recommend a gasless flux wire welder.  I use this one, which costs less than 65 GPB.

 

http://www.harborfre...68887-8494.html

 

Gas is expensive and cumbersome.  Flux wire is quicker and easier to use and can provide good quality welds when used properly.  I have welded sheet metal and stock up to 0.25" thick.

 

The key to getting good welds is to prepare the metal carefully to ensure cleanliness and lot's of practice on scrap bits.  Procuring a variety of sheet metal clamps is also essential.  I spent hours viewing instructional clips on Youtube and making practice welds.  With careful cleaning of the metal surfaces and practice, use of a inexpensive flux wire MIG welder will provide welds every bit as good as to be had from more expensive systems.

 

In outdoor settings, the flux wire welder is actually superior, because the presence of wind will reduce the effectiveness of a gas-shielded welder.

[pierres]

Hi guys

 

Thanks for all the advice looks very useful will start looking for a welder now and when I get one will start welding and will post pics for you to tell me if everything is ok or not

 

Thanks agian