8 replies to this topic

[1995spi]

looking for a mig welder wondering what is best for a mini resto under £400

[stuart bowes]

take a look at synergic invertor welders, the invertor type are lighter and easier to carry about for one thing, and the synergic stuff makes setup really easy (although you can still adjust the parameters in the usual way)

 

there's a few options around the £400 mark, I'd have a ring around suppliers and chat to them about that models they've had good responses about, and also choose a supplier with a good returns policy

 

we took a bit of a gamble with the home one, from amazon, it shipped from Poland, I can't remember the name of it but it works really well. 

 

the work one is a 'headux' unit from a UK web supplier, easily copes with 3-4mm steel on a 13a supply.  it will connect to 16a but we never have that as an option.  you're not after a lot of power though if all you're doing is thin sheet work..  (https://www.weldingd...ynergic-Package) easy to set up and use, can adjust wire speed and voltage (therefore current) independently if required.  Can use for basic TIGing later as well if you have the right gas and associated kit / skills (I dont)

 

(i have no financial interest in that site or that product, just one I've used and know it works)

Edited by stuart bowes, 11 March 2025 - 03:28 PM.

[nicklouse]

Have a look at R-tech and save up.

Edited by nicklouse, 11 March 2025 - 05:56 PM.

[weef]

There are no shortage of MIG welders on the market in your sub £400 price range. 

To have a bit in reserve I think something that can deliver up to 150 Amps will suffice your needs.

However the quality as regards welding performance can vary immensely when you are in this price range, as the above post suggests go to a local tool/ welder supplier and discuss your needs with them, ask what they would recomend, check on consumable prices/availabilty and do not forget sometimes the gas regulator will be an extra, also if you are going for a gas machine checkout gas bottle prices/availability.

I am sorry I cannot recomend any particular make, but when buying from a local supplier if you do experience any problems they are on your doorstep if needed, and not some remote online seller.

I suspect a lot of these machines will be very similar in construction under their covers.

The choice is yours, personally I would look for a used profesional machine for this kind of money,  good luck in your search.

This is my take on welders, I use a Lincoln machine which has given over 20yrs of faultless service, successfully welding everything within its capabilities, and spare consumables are still readably available.

[68+86auto]

Transformer welders are being discontinued as new power efficiency laws in some countries mean they can't be sold. It's unfortunate because transformer welders last a very long time and are repairable. Inverter welders are basically a throwaway item and would be lucky to last 20 years.

[stuart bowes]

That might well be true, but bearing in mind we're talking low end budget, if something for £500 dies after even ten years I wouldn't be losing a lot of sleep over it 

 

the work one actually paid for itself after 2 jobs (not having to get a subcontractor in to weld a couple of brackets on a gate) so all we're paying now is gas 

 

same for the home one, how much I would have paid someone to do all the repairs I've done to the mini, I'm definitely in 'profit' now even it the welder died tomorrow 

 

so, swings and roundabouts I guess.. the benefits of the reduced weight, easier setup, soft start, less power consumption, etc, are definite plus points

Edited by stuart bowes, 12 March 2025 - 09:33 AM.

[1995spi]

Found a Clarke 151 is that too high a power?

[Homersimpson]

Found a Clarke 151 is that too high a power?

I have a Clarke 150 which I think is the older model, it has 6 power settings and is great for car bodywork and can also do thicker stuff as well.  I really rate mine, I've had it over 20 years and rebuilt loads of cars with it.

[Cooperman]

I have had a Miller 150 for many years and it works well.