Which Mig for my budget

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UK-Cobra

UK-Cobra

Member
Posts
74
Hi all, Can people who have already got and used various mig welders help me narrow the choice a bit? Makes, models etc.
I'm happy to go for new or secondhand, if that gives me a little better machine for the money to make it affordable.

Amp 100 to 150
Preferably gas or not option
Budget £150 £200

It will be used now and again, panel repair on the series to start with, maybe some tube work for a trailer at some point.
I already have an arc welder so chassis stuff is sorted with that. I'm no welder and so not looking for pretty welds at least not for a while lol

thanks very much all i know your usually class when it comes to advice. :pop2:
 
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I recently bought the clarke 130 gas no gas model. It's the highest current you can have with a plug on it running off the mains.

I've used it a few times and its great outside with the flux wire. Cost about 250 but its well worth the money. You should be able to get one second hand for your budget anorl.

Good luck.
 
Think I've got the same one as you kato, Clarke turbo 130en gas/gasless. I've found it real easy to use, especially once I'd set everything up properly with the help of mig-welding.co.uk. Got mine second hand for 150 in great condition with gloves, two rolls of wire (one gasless) and a bottle of co2. Barely used too.

It's worth keeping an eye on eBay for a good second hand one coming up. I almost spend 120 on a brand new Chinese pile of crap, glad I spent a little bit more on a cracking used one
 
Haven't tried it yet, I've just been giving it a go with the co2. I can see why people prefer argon but itll do me for now and to be honest wouldn't put me off getting a large pub style bottle of the stuff
 
keep your eye out second hand, a pro setup will be better than a hobby.... the mighty migs etc are good but as a guide I picked up a £1700 esab 200 amp which will run off a home 30 amp ring for £100 with a full 5ft size argoshield light, does stitch , spot euro torch and I thought I could weld with my snap on set up but bloody hell theres no comparison

cheers steve
 
I've got a Clarke 130 gas less. Works really well. No good for really heavy stuff but you have the ark for that.

Got mine from my dad but they are popular eBay seems the place to look.

I like the gas less as I only weld out side so no gas shroud to get blown away.
 
This is one of those freds that keep coming up with the following responses every time

Pros and people who can weld say the best s/h welder you can get for your money, with a bit of luck you could get a 180amp semi professional mig welder within your budget

People who cant weld and gob on patches badly saying it doesnt matter will recommend some ****ty hobby mig that will cold lap and have a bad duty cycle
 
the_wolf said:
Think I've got the same one as you kato, Clarke turbo 130en gas/gasless. I've found it real easy to use, especially once I'd set everything up properly with the help of mig-welding.co.uk. Got mine second hand for 150 in great condition with gloves, two rolls of wire (one gasless) and a bottle of co2. Barely used too.

It's worth keeping an eye on eBay for a good second hand one coming up. I almost spend 120 on a brand new Chinese pile of crap, glad I spent a little bit more on a cracking used one
Click to expand...

Good job:D you listened to advice when you was looking;)
 
the_wolf said:
Haven't tried it yet, I've just been giving it a go with the co2. I can see why people prefer argon but itll do me for now and to be honest wouldn't put me off getting a large pub style bottle of the stuff
Click to expand...

go with a 80-20 mix is cheaper than pure argon and does just as good. Pure argon for aluminum
 
pressbrake said:
This is one of those freds that keep coming up with the following responses every time

Pros and people who can weld say the best s/h welder you can get for your money, with a bit of luck you could get a 180amp semi professional mig welder within your budget

People who cant weld and gob on patches badly saying it doesnt matter will recommend some ****ty hobby mig that will cold lap and have a bad duty cycle
Click to expand...

excellent advice from someone who without blowing smoke up their arse really knows his stuff.....

cheers steve
 
Every response here is important because its exactly the cross section of info that will help me the most. Pressbrake thanks for the senopsis; I like to read replies as they have taken the trouble to respond; what would you have recommend? for teh novice patcher beginner?

Thanks to everyone for your reply's I am very grateful to one and all.
it's given me enough to work through and know I was somewhere on the right path, you've narrowed my search in a very useful way.
Ebbadger: If you knew my luck mate you'll know I'm not the kinda bloke that finds bargains under my name ;) been wadeing through e-bay for weeks, best ones seem to be collection only 200 miles north I have awful luck lol

Thanks again all, Frigin awsom:D when I'm sorted Ill share some abominations of patches and holes and maybe in time some tidy moved and groves :5bparty:
 
UK-Cobra said:
Every response here is important because its exactly the cross section of info that will help me the most. Pressbrake thanks for the senopsis; I like to read replies as they have taken the trouble to respond; what would you have recommend? for teh novice patcher beginner?

Thanks to everyone for your reply's I am very grateful to one and all.
it's given me enough to work through and know I was somewhere on the right path, you've narrowed my search in a very useful way.
Ebbadger: If you knew my luck mate you'll know I'm not the kinda bloke that finds bargains under my name ;) been wadeing through e-bay for weeks, best ones seem to be collection only 200 miles north I have awful luck lol

Thanks again all, Frigin awsom:D when I'm sorted Ill share some abominations of patches and holes and maybe in time some tidy moved and groves :5bparty:
Click to expand...

Check with the welding supply company, they have trade in and reconditioned units.

Check with the snap on man they might have a few repos for the balance left to pay. My son got a hell of a good deal that way
 
started with a Clarke 130te until a mate bought a portamig.
Clarke was 120 off the slight seconds shelf, works ok,
portamig (from weldequip on mig welding forum) was about 500 and ****es all over the Clarke.
edit- can still get better results from the Clarke than he can with his portamig, but his is so much nicer to use!
 
Garybaker said:
I've got a Clarke 130 gas less. Works really well. No good for really heavy stuff but you have the ark for that.

Got mine from my dad but they are popular eBay seems the place to look.

I like the gas less as I only weld out side so no gas shroud to get blown away.
Click to expand...

Does welding outside effect the gas shroud to make it really ineffective? I hadn't even considered that :doh: Thanks another helpful tip ;) I guess most of mine will be done outside, guess gas or non gas option will enable me to do either ither depending on where I'm working; yep cool cheers Gary. :)
 
UK-Cobra said:
Does welding outside effect the gas shroud to make it really ineffective? I hadn't even considered that :doh: Thanks another helpful tip ;) I guess most of mine will be done outside, guess gas or non gas option will enable me to do either ither depending on where I'm working; yep cool cheers Gary. :)
Click to expand...


Depends on the wind - but yu can turn the gas up you know, or weld in a sheltered area.
 
UK-Cobra said:
Does welding outside effect the gas shroud to make it really ineffective? I hadn't even considered that :doh: Thanks another helpful tip ;) I guess most of mine will be done outside, guess gas or non gas option will enable me to do either ither depending on where I'm working; yep cool cheers Gary. :)
Click to expand...

The Mad Hat Man said:
Depends on the wind - but yu can turn the gas up you know, or weld in a sheltered area.
Click to expand...

Correct MHM turn the gas up a bit and use wind screens, When you weld on aluminum super structure's on Naval ships you have to do it outside and in the wind. Just like when they build/repair ships out side, you have to use wind screens to block any wind.
 
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