What welder?

[gaz05]

Looking to buy a bigger mig as my little Clarke pro90 just isn't going to cut it. Looking at a Clarke 151EN but can't find out whether the torch is none live or not. Anyone got one?

Would a sticky be of any use for different model specs. Must be a lot of people who want to buy a mig after joining the forum.

[ozzy1]

pretty sure there is a lot of discussion about migs if u do a search.
i think the clarke is also mentioned a fair bit?

[james3004]

I've got 150en the torch isn't live till you pull the trigger, but it will let gas out when the trigger is pressed even if the welder is off

[Talonmotorsport]

Having started out welding at home 12 years ago with a SIP 150 amp welder with a 2 mtr lead and a nasty wire feed motor, I know how it feels to go and spend money on a 'brand new' toy. I would suggest you buy the best you can afford to spend, if this means buying a second hand 180+amp with a 3-4mtr euro torch and a half decent feed motor then so be it. It will make learning to weld much easier as it will give a more consistant feed rate and have the power to penetrate the material better. I know buying second hand gear is a gamble at times but at the end of the build you can always sell it on and recover most if not all of the cost. Remember your not just building a box section shelving rack your fabricating a car chassis that you could crash at
70mph.

[Davey]

I totally agree with Talon, I have a 160 Amp CEM (Italian) MIG set and its fine at high current settings but anything below 100Amp can be very stuttery. The feed motor and its speed control is basically rubbish, I "get away with it" becuase I've been welding for years but it can be very frustrating having to redo welds 'cos the bloody machine had a stuttering fit! One day I'll buy a better machine:rolleyes:

D.

[gaz05]

I love the little pro 90. For that reason I'm probably going to go with a clarke again. I know it's not the best you can buy but I reckon its decent value.
Looked at the 150/151 EN but It seems every advert for them doesn't mention a non-live torch. That's a must for me. So I think it's going to be a 150TE at around £260. Comes with wire and disposable gas which I can put on the pro 90 to sell. I would rather have spent the money on bits for the car but there you go.
I'll probably put the 90 on Ebay at £100

[Coozer]

I have a Portamig 185 I got off the migwelding forum. Its an absolute dream, full 15kg reel, auto wire feed, no need to adjust wire when changing voltage.

Just what a numb fu.. erm, bloke like me needs:) :)

LG,
Steve:)

[gaz05]

I've ordered a Clarke 150TE. Should get it Friday. New off t'internet at £260