new and in need on noobie advice

[wigwan]

hello there, just joined here to have a look around and maybe get some tips etc, looking to get a cheap mig welder, im pretty much new to welding, i started a fab/welding course a few years ago, started with arc welding and had moved on to mig when i had to finish the course, enjoyed it and been wanting to get back into it ever since i finished and i now do alot of working on older cars so i could do with a mig to do some light work on cars. the welder i have my eye on for a few reasons in the wolf Gas / No Gas MIG 140 Welder, but want to now has anyone on here used one or got one and are they any good? i know wolf isnt a big brand but i have only ever heard good things about there tools, thee welder spec is gas/no gas, 135/140 amps with settings from 30 amps to 135 amps, none live torch(i belive the old ones had a live torch but new ones dont),turbo fan cooled. it cost 149.99 +vat, comes with a small gas bottle, mask and a few spare tips, i really lie the sound of this welder, spec wise sounds more than enough for what i will need, its in my price range, gas/.no gas is perfect because i will be welding out side and inside.
looking forward to getting on with a few projects that need welding done,

cheers peoples

 

[shenion]

It is fine if you expect no support from the seller. Wolf supposedly went bankrupt a while back.

They have been hit and miss. Seems the same model may be sourced from different suppliers.

Some here have said the 140 works ok.

Personally, I'd up the budget and go with a well known MIG with good support like the Clarke 130EN.

 

[cumbriasteve]

I had the same machine and to be blunt my electric razor would have made a better welder.

It was erratic, constant wire feed problems and the turbo fan did nothing to prevent it cutting out after a few inches of weld.

I started to think it was my own failings as a welder, even though I was a very good stick welder and had been for 30+ years, I then bought a different machine and within 10 minutes was getting excellent welds.

 

[Shox Dr]

to add to the above a 30amps is a bit too high for car sheet work

 

[stuvy]

take a look on ebay for second hand ones near to you. Ask on here for recommendations but save the pennies for a better machine.

Welcome to the forum buddy.

 

[wigwan]

hmm they dont sound to clever off your advice, what welder would you advise as a first welder? my budget is around £150, new or used, has to be gas/gas less tbh, what settings would be used on car sheet work around 20 amps? cheers for the welcomes, anyone elsse from the northwest?

 

[shenion]

At that budget a used one is all you'll be able to find.

Clarkes are well liked. Make sure the seller can demo it works.

30 amps is the highest minimum usable for bodywork. It it can go lower, that's better.

 

[wigwan]

yea i know, i would liketo get a new one but know on my budget atm im going to have to go second hand, im watching a few on ebay that are pretty local

 

[Glyn]

anyone elsse from the northwest?
Do I detect another pie eater?

 

[wigwan]

anyone elsse from the northwest?
Do I detect another pie eater?

that you do, you got any?


what do you guys think of the clarke gasless mig welder 85 enb, what price should they go for secondhand? i wanted gas gasless really but theres one near me

 

[keith19]

Clarke gasless only might be okay for lightweight rough work, but wouldn't advise for car panels if you haven't used gasless before - long learning period!

Better leave it till you see a s/h model that uses both gas and gasless wire. Gas wire is easier on car panels and other thin metal. Some can use gasless on thin metal but can be frustrating learning; you won't know whether to blame the welder or yourself!