Clarke 151TE Mig Welder - Good?

[Mike_Foyle]

Hi guys,

Looking at getting a new mig welder. I've got a really old crappy one which I found at a car boot sale for £20... but I think seeing as it's my first welder I should really get something half decent... So this is what I've found:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....akeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Does this look like good value for money? And a good machine to start out on?

Thanks guys!

Mike

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Just learn on the ****ty one, no need to dive into a good one, you may be surprised.

 

[Mike_Foyle]

Yeah still in 2 minds... I think the ****ty one may be permanently live, which worries me slightly. And it's only 100 amp and looks quite worse for wear. Decisions...

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Permanently live, probably...doesnt matter, the gas shield tip isnt live so you cant shock yourself, may flash your eyes once or twice but thats part of learning.

100amp is more than enough. I have done all my projects with a 90 amp mig, 2 shifter karts, mini ghetto kart, mini bike, half a racing mower, and endless repairs around the house, and tons of other little projects.

Your over thinking this. Try out the welder you have, if all it needs is a roll of flux core wire to test it, you have nothing to lose, you can get a little roll for $15. 100 amp should do up to 3/16-1/4" in a single pass, without beveling the edges. I have done almost 1/2 with my 90 amp after beveling the edges and taking a few passes.

 

[Mike_Foyle]

Thanks for the advice man. I might try and use the one I've got then. The only thing I need to check out is how easy it is to reverse the polarity for flux core welding.

Also just to clear one thing up..

Flux core = negative to tip, positive to ground?
Gas = positve to tip, negative to ground?

Is that the correct way round?

Mike

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Ill have to check tomorrow.

 

[devino246]

I run Innershield NR-211-MP which is run on DC negative polarity. I would assume most other flux-cored wires are the same.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Yup you got the polarity right, positive to ground without gas, positive to gun with.

 

[xoltri]

For reference I purchased a Clarke 130EN a couple years ago and it's been awesome.