Big hello from Sunny Chester

[Chris Latham]

Hi There.

Just thought id pop in and say hello. Only came across this site via a google search

Well im new to welding and im currently searching for a good hobby mig welder as im currently restoring my Ford RS Escort.

It requires new sills, rear inner and outer arches and floor pans. I do have a good mate who works for Howard Basford bodyworks and is doing all the work for me but he is going to teach me along the way as all the work is being done in my workshop.

Ive also devised a chassis tilter using autocad. Ive got all the steel cut and ready for welding and will be attempting to weld this myself as a learning curve.

As for welders, ive done a bit of research and it seems the Clarke 135TE would look like it would do the job.

What do you think???

CheeRS

Chris

 

[shenion]

Welcome to the forums

The Clarke MIGs are a forum favorite for DIY use. They are inexpensive and reliable.

The 135 will do up to 1/8" (barely). I have a 130EN and wish I had gone for the 180 (130 and 180 are all that are here in US.)

I would consider a 150/160/180, the 130A is a bit light for doing chassis work.

 

[MrFluffy]

Chris, Not related to your question but hello.
I came from that way originally, and went to college in handbridge as it goes on a vehicle engineering course. One of the instructors had a genuine rs2000 mexico, complete with integral roll cage (now not approved for racing!).
You'll be shopping at ian harwoods next, if he's still going that is...

 

[Wozzaaah]

Hi Chris, the 130 is definitely a little on the underpowered side for what you've got in mind. I would definitely consider the 151te. A bit more oomph at less than £25 more than the 130.
Woz

 

[Chris Latham]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome everyone.

I will certainly be looking at getting the clarke 150t as this seems far more up to the job.

Mr Fluffy

Yeah mate i know handbridge very well as my local boozer is there (Red Lion).
Will try get a few pics up of the RS before and after pics LOL. Its not pretty i can tell ya

cheeRS

Chris

 

[zardoz]

Thanks so much for the warm welcome everyone.

I will certainly be looking at getting the clarke 150t as this seems far more up to the job.

Mr Fluffy

Yeah mate i know handbridge very well as my local boozer is there (Red Lion).
Will try get a few pics up of the RS before and after pics LOL. Its not pretty i can tell ya

cheeRS

Chris

Didn't they rename The Red Lion to something really silly?
Do you ever drink in clubby's ? I used to drink in the Bear & Billet many moons ago, before it got busted and the landlord got sent to jail (lol) It went all respectable after that, and all the local characters, bikers, punks, and general hipster types moved on. Which was a great shame, as the pub was a genuine eclectic mix, with quality beers, a great atmosphere and not a whiff of trouble.

 

[Chris Latham]

Didn't they rename The Red Lion to something really silly?
Do you ever drink in clubby's ? I used to drink in the Bear & Billet many moons ago, before it got busted and the landlord got sent to jail (lol) It went all respectable after that, and all the local characters, bikers, punks, and general hipster types moved on. Which was a great shame, as the pub was a genuine eclectic mix, with quality beers, a great atmosphere and not a whiff of trouble.

Yeah they closed it down back in aug 07 for a total refirb and opened up around a month ago under new management and new name. Its now known as The Red Lion - Bar and Bistro. All us lads have sacked the place off now as its a posh toff place and £3.60 a pint

Yeah i know clubby's well mate, as i drink in there as well as the golden eagle.

Pat (clubbys) is a really nice lady and is always a top laugh whenever we go in and also the lads that drink in there although most of them are always in the bookies next door.

Im also always in the Billet as there is always sky sports on and the food is amazing + all the guest ales.

God i sound like a right pish head but im not that bad, i just like a cold beer noiw and again.

Do you know Robbie foster? smudger? mickey and terry carling???

 

[weldequip]

I will certainly be looking at getting the clarke 150t as this seems far more up to the job.

I would be looking at going one up from that Chris to the 160TE. Still only 150amps output but it is designed to be used straight from a refillable gas cylinder, with a cylinder carrier on the rear. This will increase the cost with refillable cylinder rental but it sounds as though you have a fair amount of work to do there & you will need to re-mortgage doing it on disposable gas canisters! You can convert any of the smaller machines to run on refillables but that's around another 40 quid & that's already supplied with the 160TE
weldequip

 

[zardoz]

Chris the 160TE sounds a good'un I am planning going up to Weldequips shop near Blackburn in the next week, to pick one up. And while i'm there i hope to slaver over any stray Portamigs. (not that they remain stray for very long) PM him and im sure he will do you a good deal.

 

[Chris Latham]

Chris the 160TE sounds a good'un I am planning going up to Weldequips shop near Blackburn in the next week, to pick one up. And while i'm there i hope to slaver over any stray Portamigs. (not that they remain stray for very long) PM him and im sure he will do you a good deal.

Excellent.

Been in contact and will be purchasing one in the next few days

Quick question, which site do i have to go to look this welding course up???? Handbridge or Capenhurst ???

cheeRS

Chris

 

[zardoz]

They are all at capenhurst, but can be inquired about at Handbridge as well.
http://www.west-cheshire.ac.uk/parttime/results.asp

As to earlier question about knowing people. I went to Q.P.H.S. from 1975 - 79, so I know Handbridge well and some people in it, though over the years many have moved on. I was in the same school year as Chaddy, Eddie Waters, Eammon wallace, etc. I belive Mickey Carling was in our year at QPHS, although not one of my clique, so i cant say i actually know him. Although i regularly go to Handbrige i never drink there.