54 replies to this topic

[Ben_O]

I had the same with my SIP and it wasn't cheap either!

 

I think John will do fine with the one in the link i put up. I have some spares for mine too if he wants them.

 

Ben

[exuptoy]

The problem with SIP is they use the same feed for the wire reel as the welding transformer so this causes the feed to slow down when welding, this causes the reel to slow and burn back into the tip. The wire feed system is sh**e but can be improved on for not a lot of bucks.just Google SIP wire feed issues or repairs. Wolf and power king are re branded SIP I think (don't quote me). I have had a few crap welders and the SIP 150 turbo was ok but not really the best. Best value had to be Clarke, I've had a new one and a few second hand and all have been good.
I now have a Portamig 215 and it is the ultimate but cost £600!

Store your wire in the house and it'll last ages.
Pub gas is ok but argo shield is much better if you can get it. Hobby bottles work out too expensive.

If on a budget, i'd stick with clarke or search out Gumtree etc. for a good second hand unit.

[Hendred]

Sent you a PM Ben

[ibrooks]

For the price and the spec "on paper" that Wolf looks like a bargain. That worries me though - I'd like to try one to confirm.

 

As for the welder/person having more effect - well I can generally coax acceptable welds from a little 90Amp SIP but it's a lot harder than with my Clarke and even easier with a big monster like a Portamig. The machine definitely makes a difference and in the hands of a novice that's only going to be exacerbated and the rubbish machine will just not do the job (and be a waste of money).

 

Iain

[Ben_O]

For the price and the spec "on paper" that Wolf looks like a bargain. That worries me though - I'd like to try one to confirm.

 

As for the welder/person having more effect - well I can generally coax acceptable welds from a little 90Amp SIP but it's a lot harder than with my Clarke and even easier with a big monster like a Portamig. The machine definitely makes a difference and in the hands of a novice that's only going to be exacerbated and the rubbish machine will just not do the job (and be a waste of money).

 

Iain

I recommended the Wolf welder because i have had the exact same kit from the link before.

 

I only bought it because my sip90 packed up and i was in desperate need of another Mig.

 

The one i bought was an ex display so was actually cheaper than the price of this one and i admit, i was dubious but my attitude at the time was, 'it can't be any worse than my old one'

 

I got it the next day, put a plug on it (i know) and fired it up after fitting the axle and wheels and handle etc.

 

I put it on the setting that seemed most appropriate for some 0.9mm steel i had kicking around and it produced a perfect weld right away with a nice clean crisp crackle.

 

Like i said before, i can't comment on longevity as i only used mine for about 2-3 weeks before i lost it to flooding but it didn't muck about once.

Also, i am not a novice and am used to using industrial Mig welders having been a panel beater until 08. I know what i personally am looking for with a welding machine and this did not disappoint.

 

 

Ben

Edited by Ben_O, 11 July 2014 - 09:29 AM.

[humph]

Sorry to hijack, but I'm searching for a welder too. I'm considering a Clarke 135TE, but have been thinking that I'm likely to replace the regulator with one that takes bigger bottles. If this is the case should I really by the equivalent gasless one and buy a regulator to convert it, thus saving me the extra cost of a gas only one? Discuss.....

[Ben_O]

Sorry to hijack, but I'm searching for a welder too. I'm considering a Clarke 135TE, but have been thinking that I'm likely to replace the regulator with one that takes bigger bottles. If this is the case should I really by the equivalent gasless one and buy a regulator to convert it, thus saving me the extra cost of a gas only one? Discuss.....

Gasless ones don't have the facility to connect a gas bottle and they are wired differently (different polarity) I don't think it is even possible to convert and if it is, the parts you would need would exceed the cost of a gas welder.

 

You can buy combination welders that run gas and gasless.

 

You can just buy a Gas hobby mig and then convert it to run large cylinders by adding a regulator and adaptor hose. There is one i put a link up of further back in this thread

[Hendred]

Feel free to hijack thread, I have bought mine now.

[Hendred]

Feel free to hijack thread, I have bought mine now.

[Rog46]

At the hobby end of the market I'd recommend Clarke all day long. I run a Clarke 150 amp welder that came from MachineMart well over 10 years ago and apart from tips and shrouds it's the same machine that came out of the shop and it's paid for itself many times over.
 
Find someone with a VAT free voucher for MachineMart and they are a really good deal - I've got one at the moment but have some stuff to buy for myself and maybe a girl in the local Mini club or you could have used that.
 
Iain

I have one of the vouchers that I won't be using, it's valid for this weekend. Send me a pm and I'll send it to you. If you join the Machine Mart mailing list the send them out fairly regularly.