Hi from Stoke on Trent and my new Welder!

[immortal]

Hi,

New to Mig Welding (have had a few goes of my dads arc welder and got hooked).

Just bought the Clarke 135TE Gas Mig Welder (bought from machine mart on their no vat offer). I was going to get the 151TE but as it won't run off a normal domestic plug i thought it best to get the slightly less powerful 135TE so i can use it off a normal socket.

Im a total beginner but my dad has welded for years before retiring so am going to get some lessons off him. I am after info on the best way to get to 'First Class Welder' as my plans are to go to Australia in the future and that is on the skills list. Any help on that would be most appreciated.

Nice to meet you all and will no doubt natter to you on the forum

Matt

 

[W4yne]

Hi Matt,

I think you would have been fine with a 151. You can normally weld up to about 150 Amps on a 13A household fuse, even more if you use it in small bursts, it's only when you tend to use it for continuous runs you may start and pop fuses. Besides I don't know what the "true" Amperage is on the 150 but the 160TM is only rated as being 150A. I run a 215A machine and "touch wood" never popped a fuse yet, just make sure if you use an extension, I use a 16A run, make sure you have it un coiled.

Regarding welding lessons, I am sure there is somewhere on this site which gives you information as to where courses are run? if not run a search on the web for the relative certification you would require. Hope this is of some help, http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/wiki/Courses Good luck!

 

[Wozzaaah]

Hi Matt, welcome to the forum.
The 151 will run fine off a 13A plug, ignore what the monkeys at MM tell you. The only issue you may run into is the plug fuse blowing if using the machine on it's highest power setting for a bit, not a problem, just fit another fuse.
If you haven't used the 135 and can afford the 151 you may want to take it back and exchange it.
Regarding becoming a 'first class welder' with a view to doing it professionally...whoa there!!! Walk before run and all that, becoming a fully qualified and competent welder takes years of training and experience.

 

[immortal]

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. Will the 135TE not do me for the next 6 months or so and then when i do get better at it i can just upgrade to a much higher one then 200+. I know its going to be years to get the right experience and qualifications but I'm willing to put the time and effort in as firstly i really wanna move to Australia lol and secondly i find welding really relaxing!

Matt