MIG welders and other equipment
This section includes some of the things you'll need to know in order to buy and look after your welder. Don't be tempted to buy a welder just because it is cheap. Have a good read through the buyers guide and buy the best you can justify - it will be much easier to use. Regular servicing for a MIG welder tends to be limited to replacing the contact tip and shroud regularly and the wire liner every now and again. The SIP servicing page is quite generic and covers most hobby welders. |
Buyers guideThe buyers guide examines different aspects of a MIG welder to help you decide which features are important to you, and to help build a specification for your new welder. |
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Repair and servicing - replacing a wire linerMany people on the forum with SIP welders have trouble with their wire feed. I acquired a SIP Migmate to see what all the fuss was about, and found replacing the plastic wire liner for a steel one transformed the welder. Wire liners are service items on all welders (not just SIPs) so the page should be useful whatever welder you use. |
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Gas compared - CO2 vs ArgoshieldMild steel can be welded using a number of different shielding gasses. This page compares four different gasses to determine which is the best and why. |
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Welding gas compositionA handy reference showing the gas composition of shielding gasses from BOC and Air Products. |
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Operating manualsWhere to find operator manuals for your welder. Manuals listed alphabetically by manufacturer. |
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The Clarke 90 thick metal challenge has moved to the tutorial section.