7 replies to this topic

[MrPUK]

Considering getting a spot Welder, I'm currently restoring a Mini 35 and I have a Mini Van to do as well with my brother..

 

Just wondering is it a worthwhile investment - i.e. with time saving and less heat stress on body panels..

 

Need to be A-Panels + Wings + Sills +  Valance between both cars and some other bits inbetween..

 

If it is a good idea what models have people had success with, does Clarke cut the mustard? or should I splash out on something else?

 

Cheers

 

[megamini_jb]

100% worth it.

I used an old Clarke model on one of my first minis and it was so nice to have it! Then I upgraded to the newest Clarke and sold my old one.

Haven't needed to use my new one yet, but I'm after another project mini so will do soon

I personally would say Clarke is spot on, get it?

[MrPUK]

Thanks Megamini_jb - I take it the base model is good enough - Clarke CSW6T ?

[DomCr250]

Considering getting a spot Welder, I'm currently restoring a Mini 35 and I have a Mini Van to do as well with my brother..
 
Just wondering is it a worthwhile investment - i.e. with time saving and less heat stress on body panels..
 
Need to be A-Panels + Wings + Sills +  Valance between both cars and some other bits inbetween..
 
If it is a good idea what models have people had success with, does Clarke cut the mustard? or should I splash out on something else?
 
Cheers

I'd agree 100%. Makes most jobs much quicker and as long as you space the welds well much neater. Think about the length of the arms too - the standard ones supplied will do most stuff but you may still have problems with reach.

I use a really old non timed spot welder and have not problems just manually timing it - so maybe look at a second hand one.

They will just about run on a standard 240v plug. I think mine is rated at 16A so you need to make sure it's on a good spur from the fuse board? 16A will not normally blow the 13A fuse in the plug but sometimes it did take out the MCB in the fuse box!

[MrPUK]

Thanks DomCR250, just looking now, we already have 16A outlets in the Garage for the MIG and the Compressor should should be good for power.. Not many Second hand ones around, and its only a small saving for the ones I've currently seen.. so will have to weigh up the pro's and the con's

[megamini_jb]

Thanks Megamini_jb - I take it the base model is good enough - Clarke CSW6T ?

Yep that's the one I've got now.

And my old one was a CW11T (I sold it for £290, very good condition. Give you an idea on used prices) and it was excellent. I use them on a standard 3 pin plug in the garage and never had any power issues.

So yeah, if you have the chance to get one then definitely worth having :)

Edited by megamini_jb, 26 August 2015 - 10:48 AM.

[peter-b]

You'll be amazed the things you'll use it for. Spotting the handle onto your mums good pot, fitting new brushes in your starter, repairing the letter box after someone plays base ball with it, restoring Tonka trucks.

[Daz1968]

I bought a Clarke CSW6T for my next project, worth waiting for a VAT free voucher. I have only tested it on scrap but think it will be much less hassle than plug welding then grinding off excess, I think it will also be much neater on the wing to flitch joint. Its listed as 1mm+1mm so should do most areas of a mini.
the arms are expensive but hoping to make up some from copper bar and test them.