15 replies to this topic

[Kevinmini]

Hi can anyone recommend a really good mig welder that will take medium/large gas bottles?

I have tried a hobby style welder and the results are not great let alone if they are put to the test in a accident

Thanks

[jaysmini1983]

hobby welder are good if you use proper gas bottles(NOT HOBBY) you can buy a regulator to suit the 4mm feed pipe. i use a Sip130 or Clarke 151te(from memory) the Clark is better but both do a good job

[sonikk4]

Hi can anyone recommend a really good mig welder that will take medium/large gas bottles?

I have tried a hobby style welder and the results are not great let alone if they are put to the test in a accident

Thanks

 

So what welder did you actually use???

 

If you have the money then a R Tech or Porta Mig will do the job, BUT my Clarke 135TE Turbo will take a medium or large bottle (i do have it on a frame and it welds very nicely.

 

Other questions are, how long have you been welding for, was the material cleaned properly, decent earth, correct settings etc etc.

[Kevinmini]

Ok so looks like Clarke seem to be coming up as a good purchase, once my build starts you can see my welding in all its glory

[sonikk4]

Ok so looks like Clarke seem to be coming up as a good purchase, once my build starts you can see my welding in all its glory

 

For its price they are more than capable.

 

I have hammered mine for three full body resto's plus numerous other cars etc. The cars in my signatures are three mini's i have done then there is Will's Mini Special as well.

[Chris M]

I’ve had a Clarke welder now for about 25 years & it’s served me well & still going.

[jonjosar]

I had a Sealey Supermig 180 for a good few years but changed it lat year to an Oxford and to be honest, there is no comparisson. The duty cycle is fantastic, infinitely adjustable and takes the full size argoshield bottle. 

[ACDodd]

Buy this one and buy once!

https://www.r-techwe...-tech-i-mig180/

Ac

[cal844]

Sealey 180 supermig will take a full bottle and will run all day every day

[Magneto]

Like ChrisM I have had my Clarke for over 25 years, and it's still going strong. Mine is the 100E model, running on the US 120V 60 hz current so not even as powerful as some of the higher numbered later model welders, and yet it does great on anything up to 3/16" steel.  On sheet metal it's fine.....For the hobby welder duty cycle really isn't that important as we don't weld long beads anyway, just plug welds with plenty of time between them to reset, move clamps etc.

Edited by Magneto, 02 August 2019 - 12:40 AM.

[ACDodd]

Transformer welders are old hat now. Buy and inverter machine if you you are looking for a professional machine.

Ac

[jonjosar]

Transformer welders are old hat now. Buy and inverter machine if you you are looking for a professional machine.

Ac

Inverter Vs Transformer.....now thats a hotly argued subject. Take a look at the welding forums and you'll see what i mean. 

It can lead to all out war on there. Theres no doubt that Inverter machines are easier used. Also take a lot less current to run. I also have a Jefferson Inverter arc and its about the size of a car battery, sling it over your shoulder and is really portable. But i still like the Oxford Mig which is also made by the same company that makes portamig. Both highly respected in the trade. You can even specify the build of the Oxford if you order it from the manufacturer. Mine welds from 15 amp to 200, so i can use it for all the body repairs but also have built benches, frames etc.I suppose it depends on your own preference and how much you want to spend.

[Homersimpson]

Machine mart have a deal on the Clarke 151TE https://www.machinem...gas-mig-welder/ £245 inc VAT.

 

I know that you can get 'better' machines but my old 150TE is still going strong after several restorations and about 15+ years.  If you can't get good welds on a car with one fo these then your not doing it right!

[minifreek1]

I have the Clarke 135te MIG which is brilliant for me to use, if a bit limited on adjustability but I'm no professional welder, more of a hobby welder. It works perfectly fine for my needs.

[Stu1961]

I have the R-Tech Mig 180 another bonus you get with their sets is they come with a 3 year warranty.