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Post by mudsplasher on Jan 17, 2007 12:08:30 GMT -5
Just another addition to the auto darkening helmet issue. I have a Miller BWE and really like it, but was given a Optrel Satelite with my new welder. This one is expensive (around $250) but has two settings ranges, 4-9 and 9-13, with a grinding setting, which goes to the #4 shade and doesn't darken with the sparks.
Another problem with a MIG unit is, without formal training, the MIG tends to cover up mistakes, allowing the weld to look good, but not be strong.
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Post by tony101bikes on Jan 26, 2007 11:36:24 GMT -5
Hi
I've got a Clark 150 which is probably a UK model. I've done steel from 1/16 up to 3/8 without a problem using argon / CO2 mix. I've also done thin stainless with the right wire and argon but it was a bit like bird crap, the thicker stuff is fine. Aluminium is ok with 1.0 alloy wire and argon. A 150 is a good compromise for a home welder. Steer clear of the gasless jobs, the wire is expensive and I've never seen non ferrous wire.
Tony
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jack
Junior Member
Posts: 99
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Post by jack on Jan 26, 2007 16:57:04 GMT -5
Sparks......... for what your wanting to do,a 110 outfit should be sufficient enough,just look for a unit where the transformer and conductor are wound with copper and not aluminum and rewire the drop line with 110 30 amp wire to deduce voltage drop and to increase the duty cycle some. As far as tigs having far superior welding strengths over a mig,just another myth, its mostly the operators knowledge in controlling the amperage and filler application techniques. Ive seen some damn pretty mid welds that put the glamorous tig welds to shame..............Jack
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Post by 50gary on Jan 26, 2007 23:03:19 GMT -5
Now Jack you hurt my feelings. T.I.G. forever
Cheers, 50gary
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Post by mashermoto on Feb 5, 2007 22:55:41 GMT -5
Anyone out there using a Clarke EN130? It's a 115v gas or no gas welder. Looks like it probably is a little higher end than HF and lower end than Lincoln.
But looks aren't everything ;D
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ducky
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by ducky on May 28, 2007 8:52:37 GMT -5
My wife bought one for from Northern Supply. We sent it back. We bought a century welder years ago from TSC. It is great in my opionion. This welder is almost identical to a Lincoln welder we use @ work - at half the price. I use flux coated wire. Gas gets pricey for me after a while. Have heard many bad stories from local farmers about Harbor Freight.
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ducky
New Member
Posts: 14
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Post by ducky on May 29, 2007 15:47:19 GMT -5
Once again another note; flux coated welds need to be cleaned much more than a weldment using gas - however I get various cast off abrasive from a production line - save that dollar!
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Post by stevesemti on Dec 31, 2007 18:56:25 GMT -5
I used a borrowed Harbor Freight 110v mig welder, then bought my own RealGear 110V from a local welding shop (figured if it broke, I could at least talk to a human) I have been very satisfied with the RealGear...gone through 2 bottles of gas doing body work to my '89 Toyota pickup. It has infinitely adjustable amperage, which came in very handy on the sheet metal. It's a bit more than the HF, (I got mine on sale for $300) but the quality difference was obvious.
Good luck out there!
Steve
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