3 replies to this topic

[ClassicAlex]

Hi guys,

 

I have decided that I am going to buy a spot welder as it would speed up my restoration project  massively, and it would produce cleaner and neater welds. I would like to keep the mini as close to original manufacturing spec.

 

I would really appreciate if I could get your advice about which spot welder to get.

 

Two welders caught my eye on Machine Mart:

 

Clarke CSW6T

Clarke CSW13T

 

With the CSW6T the maximum thickness for spot weld is 2mm, whereas for CSW13T it is 4mm and it comes with a timer. I understand the price difference but is it really worth spending the extra for the CSW13T?

 

Also would either of these spot welders run okay with a 13A socket or does it have to be a 16A socket, the problem is I do not have a 16A socket in my garage.

 

Cheers

 

 

[minifreek1]

You should be OK with a household 13A socket with either of them, but I would go with the CSW13T spot welder.... The £120 difference is a lot but you can do much more with the CSW13T.... Thats what I would buy anyway...

[Daz1968]

I was faced with same option a few months ago, I decided on the csw6t and have found it more than good enough, it does have a basic timer but not the fuzzy logic of the csw13t, I spent the money saved on a set of 350mm arms to enable me to use it in most places.
It welded the toeboard to floor which is 1.2mm + 1.2mm without issue and has been brilliant on the doorsteps,
Up to you really but think the csw13t could be a problem on a 13amp plug, whereas the csw6t would probably get away with it.

[CBJ805T]

I've got the CSW6T and I've got a quick trip circuit breaker in-line with a 13amp plug as a protection device and this trips relatively often. To effectively weld 1+1mm I need the power set to 10. The CSW13T, is rated at 25amps and if welding anything greater than 1+1mm you'll need the extra power. As such I think its unlikely you'd get away with using a domestic 13amp supply.  

 

If you've got (or are willing to get) an 25amp supply in your workshop then the CSW13T with a set a long arms will weld anything you're likely to find on a mini. 

 

With my CSW6T, I've accepted I'll have to get the Mig out when welding the heavier gauge sections such as the headboard and bulkhead sections, but even so, its so much quicker then having to plug weld everything. 

 

Hope this helps