6 replies to this topic

[Haynes]

The Clarke 130 TE mig welder seems to receive a fair few recommendations here but I just wanted to check what the wire feed is like?  I'm led to believe this is a major issue on lower cost welders.

 

I'm a complete novice but really want to give welding a go.

[Daz1968]

I would sign up with mig welding forum as loads of info on there, can't say what Clarke are like as never had one but plenty of users on there have experience with them.

[Tamworthbay]

My 151 is sensitive to wire spool weight. It takes 15kg drums but the wire feed is not perfect when it's full. I stick to 5kg ones and it's perfect.

[FlyingScot]

Never had a problem with my 135TE, which replace a SIP (now that had wire feed problems!).

FS

[sonikk4]

I have been using a Clarke 135TE Turbo for quite a few years and apart from one issue caused by myself i have never ever had a wire feed issue. What you must do however if the wire feed stops for any reason whatsoever check the drive roller to make sure the wire has not bunched there. This is caused by burn back at the tip. Other than that good as gold.

 

Oh and i only ever use the 5kg reels of wire, the smaller 1kg ones do create a bit of a tight feed angle which may cause potential problems. However i use the 5kg reels on any welder i use or have used.

[kezzkitkat]

my old 151te was perfect  just make sure that the roller is the right way for the size of the wire you use 

also buy a good size reel the small one that you can buy from machine mart there is hardly anything on them 

[CBJ805T]

I have a 135t and have had no problem. As standard it comes with a 2kg spool. I've since put a 5kg spool on and when I bought it the guy in machine mart told me that if your not going to use it for a while take the spool off as its weight can bend the mounting arm over time. I've done this and no problems to report