Newbie Looking for a MIG

[RogL]

Hi There - I'm working on the bare shell, presently rolled on its side, of a 60s rally car needing a lot of new metal. I can stick weld but need a MIG for the panel, sill, chassis leg etc etc repairs.

I borrowed - thinking I might buy - a mate's Cebora hobby thing that leaked gas and had a problem with the wire feed, tho I managed a few runs before it quit. So I'm now cautious about 2nd hand kit without some expert advice.

Costwise I'd like to go for a higher spec, used welder, but don't know enough to be sure I'd get the right one. Ebay looks promising, but where to start?

The range of new kit is so extensive I guess it's down to how much you pay? I get the impression that the cheaper hobby kit - ie below £200/£250 - is probably not very sturdy, and disposable gas looks expensive and a bit fussy, where I'm likely to be into a fair bit of seam welding and longer term use?

Anyway, advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers
Rog

 

[zardoz]

Buying a second hand wedler is a minefield of potential problems. also you may get lucky and get a bargain. What you need is some expert advice. the best way to get that is to hang here a while and read and ask questions and absorb all you can, before you make a purchase.

Yes disposable gas is a waste of time (in my umble opinion)

ps: this thread may get moved in to a different section, (its more asking for advice than a straight introduction) so be aware, dont think it has been deleted or something So it may turn up in the Buying a Welder section

 

[RogL]

Buying a second hand wedler is a minefield of potential problems. also you may get lucky and get a bargain. What you need is some expert advice. the best way to get that is to hang here a while and read and ask questions and absorb all you can, before you make a purchase.

Yes disposable gas is a waste of time (in my umble opinion)

ps: this thread may get moved in to a different section, (its more asking for advice than a straight introduction) so be aware, dont think it has been deleted or something So it may turn up in the Buying a Welder section

Thanks for that - I'm looking for a lazy short cut but I guess it's research time first?
Cheers
Rog

 

[the repair man]

What is your budget? If £250 is available you will get a good 2nd hand mig for that, or a decent lower power new one. If it's only for panels etc, up to around 4mm you wont need high power, up to 150 amp maybe.
Don't bother with disposable gas...ever.!
A clarke 151 is in your budget new and will do all you want. There's plenty to choose from. Just avoid the Chinese built rubbish.

 

[cumbriasteve]

http://www.weldequip.com/clarke-160tm.htm

A good machine and a reliable seller who is only a phone call away for advice and help.

Many of the ebay suppliers are simply box shifters who know very little or even less about welding

 

[Jim_gsxr1000]

Porta mig

 

[RogL]

Thanks for the advice guys - I still have much to learn!

After the first comment I've spent a some time on the threads and Youtube - lots of very useful info/discussion/videos - and I'm coming round to the idea that I'll need to spend £300+ on a new machine, eg the Clark 160EN as above, to get something with a bit in reserve for long term use.

At least my instinct's been confirmed - avoid disposable gas....

I'm going to do some more research on the 2nd hand market and maybe try for a higher spec used machine off fleabay or this Forum. If I can't find one near enough - I live in sussex - I may end up with the Clark, but the research won't be wasted anyway.

Cheers
Rog

 

[RogL]

A Clarke 170 on Ebay....Looks interesting

How does this one look, in principle - 'cos who knows how it works until you try it - as a possible piece of kit for a car resto with quite a bit of stitch and seam welding of 20 gauge and occasional thicker stuff on the car and otherwise?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221220293168?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Thanks in advance
Rog

 

[cumbriasteve]

Never used one myself but plenty of owners doing restorations with them, spares easy to get and it's similar in size and power range to the Clarke you mention.

Obviously you need to see it working and any reluctance from the seller would suggest to be wary, the problem is there is no gas and the wire may have rusted with the storage time so any attempts at running welds as it is would be like the proverbial bird crap.

 

[RogL]

Never used one myself but plenty of owners doing restorations with them, spares easy to get and it's similar in size and power range to the Clarke you mention.

Obviously you need to see it working and any reluctance from the seller would suggest to be wary, the problem is there is no gas and the wire may have rusted with the storage time so any attempts at running welds as it is would be like the proverbial bird crap.

Cleverly I meant to use a different link, to a Clarke and not the Sealey , but I appreciate the advice. This is the one I meant to ask about. Any advice always welcome.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300897155176?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2648
Cheers.