Recommended a mig welder
Discussion
Christmas is coming and my wife has asked at least 37 times what I want. I tried to weld stuff in a mates garage a few times about 20 years ago and have no recollection of how it went, which probably means that it wasn't great.
Well now I have way too much time on my hands, a big garage and can't think of anything that I want for Christmas. We've got a mk1 golf cabriolet, so that will probably need welding at some point and a chimaera that will probably need outriggers no matter how much paint and waxoil I throw at them each year. So maybe body panels, chassis rails, exhaust parts and outriggers will be the main use. Nothing is urgent though, I'm just planning for the future so have plenty of time to learn how to stick bits of metal together.
The budget is about £400 and I'm assuming that no gas flux core welding stuff isn't as good as using a bottle, with no other knowledge than they mostly seem to be Chinese and every post seems to be people trying to convince others that they're not really that bad.
I obviously have no gas bottle though, have no idea where to get one and will have to ask the nice man behind the counter what to fill it with.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/151te-turbo-mig-we...
I've been looking at the Clarke 151te turbo as it goes down to 30 amps, which is apparently what is needed for car panels.
Anyone care to add any comments? It's one of those things that I've always thought that I should own but could never justify spending money on as I don't know how much use I'll get out of it.
Well now I have way too much time on my hands, a big garage and can't think of anything that I want for Christmas. We've got a mk1 golf cabriolet, so that will probably need welding at some point and a chimaera that will probably need outriggers no matter how much paint and waxoil I throw at them each year. So maybe body panels, chassis rails, exhaust parts and outriggers will be the main use. Nothing is urgent though, I'm just planning for the future so have plenty of time to learn how to stick bits of metal together.
The budget is about £400 and I'm assuming that no gas flux core welding stuff isn't as good as using a bottle, with no other knowledge than they mostly seem to be Chinese and every post seems to be people trying to convince others that they're not really that bad.
I obviously have no gas bottle though, have no idea where to get one and will have to ask the nice man behind the counter what to fill it with.
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/151te-turbo-mig-we...
I've been looking at the Clarke 151te turbo as it goes down to 30 amps, which is apparently what is needed for car panels.
Anyone care to add any comments? It's one of those things that I've always thought that I should own but could never justify spending money on as I don't know how much use I'll get out of it.
I would not recommend using a MIG with 'switched' power levels if you are working on thin sheet - much better to have an inverter welder with a continuous power adjustment dial instead.
Slightly out of your budget new, but I'm pretty happy with the R Tech MIG 180 I bought a year or so ago to replace my 30 year old Sealey Mighty MIG.
For Gas, you'll want CO2/Argon mix for mild steel, I use the smallest Hobbyweld cylinders from my local welding supplies shop. It was something like £70 deposit for the first bottle and then refills are less than £40 IIRC. Don't waste time with the small disposable bottles as it will cost a fortune and typically the regulators don't give you control over flow rate which can be erratic depending on the fill level of the bottle.
Good Luck!
Slightly out of your budget new, but I'm pretty happy with the R Tech MIG 180 I bought a year or so ago to replace my 30 year old Sealey Mighty MIG.
For Gas, you'll want CO2/Argon mix for mild steel, I use the smallest Hobbyweld cylinders from my local welding supplies shop. It was something like £70 deposit for the first bottle and then refills are less than £40 IIRC. Don't waste time with the small disposable bottles as it will cost a fortune and typically the regulators don't give you control over flow rate which can be erratic depending on the fill level of the bottle.
Good Luck!
And another thing... If you are a beginner and looking for gift ideas get someone to buy you a welding course. I did a one day MIG course with Ralf Hosier Engineering earlier in the year (Bedford) and that's probably the best way to get started, maybe even before choosing what welder to buy.
I have that exact model and it's been absolutely fine for repairing my rusty old cars. You just have to weld one blob at a time. As a hobby mechanic I don't think it's ever held me back.
The thing is, it is old technology (I bought mine second hand over 10 years ago) and my mate's R-Tech inverter welder is easier to use, it allows much finer control for thin metal. Considering the prices are quite similar, The R-Tech seems much better value.
The thing is, it is old technology (I bought mine second hand over 10 years ago) and my mate's R-Tech inverter welder is easier to use, it allows much finer control for thin metal. Considering the prices are quite similar, The R-Tech seems much better value.
Do a 'search'. Subject comes up regularly & has been covered in considerable detail.
I've had a 151EN gas/nogas for years.
Converted it to eurotorch some years ago (one of the kits off ebay) & wish I'd done it much sooner.
I use Argoshield Light gas.
I have a BOC account, but I claim the rental back through my business.
I'd suggest the Hobbyweld would be your best bet.
Don't bother with the little-balls-in-a-tube variety of regulator which is often what comes fitted to the small migs.
The small disposable bottles are a waste of time & money - esp when you're learning.
Auto-darkening shield is an absolute essential.
A course will save you a lot of tears & frustration if you try & self teach.
I've had a 151EN gas/nogas for years.
Converted it to eurotorch some years ago (one of the kits off ebay) & wish I'd done it much sooner.
I use Argoshield Light gas.
I have a BOC account, but I claim the rental back through my business.
I'd suggest the Hobbyweld would be your best bet.
Don't bother with the little-balls-in-a-tube variety of regulator which is often what comes fitted to the small migs.
The small disposable bottles are a waste of time & money - esp when you're learning.
Auto-darkening shield is an absolute essential.
A course will save you a lot of tears & frustration if you try & self teach.
Edited by paintman on Thursday 3rd November 17:45
I bought this inverter model a few years ago after reading rave reviews on a welding forum:
https://www.uptimewelding.co.uk/uptime-mig160-mig-...
Don't be put off by the low price and that it's Chinese (what isn't these days) - it's bloody brilliant and made me a welding god overnight!
With the balance of your budget you can buy a welding cart, regulator and a Hobby Weld gas bottle and still have some change.
It replaced by old Sealey Supermig 150 and is so much easier to use, especially on thin sheet which the Sealey was a nightmare on.
https://www.uptimewelding.co.uk/uptime-mig160-mig-...
Don't be put off by the low price and that it's Chinese (what isn't these days) - it's bloody brilliant and made me a welding god overnight!
With the balance of your budget you can buy a welding cart, regulator and a Hobby Weld gas bottle and still have some change.
It replaced by old Sealey Supermig 150 and is so much easier to use, especially on thin sheet which the Sealey was a nightmare on.
I use one of these.
I think they may also be rebadged by other brands, but Telwin get really good reviews.
https://weldingsuperstore.co.uk/telwin-maxima-200-...
They have the range to deal with 0.8mm car body through to heavier duty stuff for the chassis. I am in the process of replacing the sills and various bits of A pillar and outer wing on my Duetto, and it is been a great bit of kit.
for gas, I just bit the bullet and got a BOC account and use Argoshield Light.
I would agree- get an auto darkening mask, makes a world of difference.
and magnets, lots of high strength magnets, for holding stuff in place.
You'll see loads of online videos etc, but Greasy Finger's 4 part sills on a Guilia, is worth a watch. He does one on a 911 as well.
Even better if you like that dry Germanic sense of humour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb1FFYglw58
Lotobear said:
I bought this inverter model a few years ago after reading rave reviews on a welding forum:
https://www.uptimewelding.co.uk/uptime-mig160-mig-...
Don't be put off by the low price and that it's Chinese (what isn't these days) - it's bloody brilliant and made me a welding god overnight!
With the balance of your budget you can buy a welding cart, regulator and a Hobby Weld gas bottle and still have some change.
It replaced by old Sealey Supermig 150 and is so much easier to use, especially on thin sheet which the Sealey was a nightmare on.
Interesting to know, thanks. I'm getting a bit fed up of my old welder which, to be fair, was left out at the end of someone's drive during lockdown and I managed to grab it before the scrapman so it's of unknown origin. It sometimes doesn't feed properly, seems to require very high power settings for welding thin metal, that sort of thing. I could strip it and look for bad connections, but it still wouldn't be shiny and new.https://www.uptimewelding.co.uk/uptime-mig160-mig-...
Don't be put off by the low price and that it's Chinese (what isn't these days) - it's bloody brilliant and made me a welding god overnight!
With the balance of your budget you can buy a welding cart, regulator and a Hobby Weld gas bottle and still have some change.
It replaced by old Sealey Supermig 150 and is so much easier to use, especially on thin sheet which the Sealey was a nightmare on.
Lotobear said:
I bought this inverter model a few years ago after reading rave reviews on a welding forum:
https://www.uptimewelding.co.uk/uptime-mig160-mig-...
Don't be put off by the low price and that it's Chinese (what isn't these days) - it's bloody brilliant and made me a welding god overnight!
With the balance of your budget you can buy a welding cart, regulator and a Hobby Weld gas bottle and still have some change.
It replaced by old Sealey Supermig 150 and is so much easier to use, especially on thin sheet which the Sealey was a nightmare on.
Weld your own. Your first project https://www.uptimewelding.co.uk/uptime-mig160-mig-...
Don't be put off by the low price and that it's Chinese (what isn't these days) - it's bloody brilliant and made me a welding god overnight!
With the balance of your budget you can buy a welding cart, regulator and a Hobby Weld gas bottle and still have some change.
It replaced by old Sealey Supermig 150 and is so much easier to use, especially on thin sheet which the Sealey was a nightmare on.
Most of my welding is car repair - my main car is a 1986 Classic Range Rover!
I've got nibblers, but my main tool for cutting sheet metal for repairs is a standard angle grinder with the thin 1mm discs & I can't remember the last time I used a nibbler.
Angle grinder for sanding cut edges & odd shapes to fit with the flat flap type sanding discs or the abrasive fibre discs
Angle grinder for rust removal with the twisted wire cup & flat brushes.
Bend metal in a large vice. For longer straight bends two pieces of angle iron in the vice to act as jaws. Mallet or hammer.
For very tight spaces cutting rusty steel out I've found a Dremel with the flexi extension and the small fibre reinforced discs to be very good.
Surprisingly quick cutting. Fairly robust but avoid putting side pressure on the disc.
Couple of sets of welding clamps - the Machine Mart ones are fine.
I've got nibblers, but my main tool for cutting sheet metal for repairs is a standard angle grinder with the thin 1mm discs & I can't remember the last time I used a nibbler.
Angle grinder for sanding cut edges & odd shapes to fit with the flat flap type sanding discs or the abrasive fibre discs
Angle grinder for rust removal with the twisted wire cup & flat brushes.
Bend metal in a large vice. For longer straight bends two pieces of angle iron in the vice to act as jaws. Mallet or hammer.
For very tight spaces cutting rusty steel out I've found a Dremel with the flexi extension and the small fibre reinforced discs to be very good.
Surprisingly quick cutting. Fairly robust but avoid putting side pressure on the disc.
Couple of sets of welding clamps - the Machine Mart ones are fine.
I’m going to stick my neck out here
I bought a cheap Chinese box mover welder - there is a hige thread on a mig welding forum detailing my efforts to make a POS welder (pigs ear) into something that worked well (silk purse) and I can say with some confidence that I wasted my time - I did improve it but with each improvement came another issue.
Buy something new with a good reputation or something second hand (shown and demonstrated to be working well) if your budget is restricted
Buy cheap buy twice is the old saying
For me I bought a portamig (it’s not very portable) but it’s beautiful to use and even if I haven’t used it for a while I can guess settings and glue metal quite nicely
Either R-tech, oxford, portamig or anything that has a help section on mig welding forum that has tumbleweed rolling around
I bought a cheap Chinese box mover welder - there is a hige thread on a mig welding forum detailing my efforts to make a POS welder (pigs ear) into something that worked well (silk purse) and I can say with some confidence that I wasted my time - I did improve it but with each improvement came another issue.
Buy something new with a good reputation or something second hand (shown and demonstrated to be working well) if your budget is restricted
Buy cheap buy twice is the old saying
For me I bought a portamig (it’s not very portable) but it’s beautiful to use and even if I haven’t used it for a while I can guess settings and glue metal quite nicely
Either R-tech, oxford, portamig or anything that has a help section on mig welding forum that has tumbleweed rolling around
SamR380 said:
I have that exact model and it's been absolutely fine for repairing my rusty old cars. You just have to weld one blob at a time. As a hobby mechanic I don't think it's ever held me back.
The thing is, it is old technology (I bought mine second hand over 10 years ago) and my mate's R-Tech inverter welder is easier to use, it allows much finer control for thin metal. Considering the prices are quite similar, The R-Tech seems much better value.
The R Tech MIG180 is an inverter welder, yours may well be old tech if its that old but they dont sell them anymore and dont think they have for quite a few years. Just been on R Tech to check on the price and wow its gone up a lot since I bought mine about 5 years ago. Sadly looks way out of the OP's budget, but it is a good welder.The thing is, it is old technology (I bought mine second hand over 10 years ago) and my mate's R-Tech inverter welder is easier to use, it allows much finer control for thin metal. Considering the prices are quite similar, The R-Tech seems much better value.
Dont forget to budget for gas, dont bother with the little bottles on ebay etc, I have a hobby gas bottle, no rent, but I think a new bottle from the start is well over £120 now.. Add a decent mask and gloves etc and the budget wont stretch to a quality budget welder sadly.
EDIT:- just found my old thread where I asked a similar question and then tested the unit with pictures. Was 4 years ago not 5.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by Mikey G on Wednesday 9th November 14:23
Mikey G said:
SamR380 said:
I have that exact model and it's been absolutely fine for repairing my rusty old cars. You just have to weld one blob at a time. As a hobby mechanic I don't think it's ever held me back.
The thing is, it is old technology (I bought mine second hand over 10 years ago) and my mate's R-Tech inverter welder is easier to use, it allows much finer control for thin metal. Considering the prices are quite similar, The R-Tech seems much better value.
The R Tech MIG180 is an inverter welder, yours may well be old tech if its that old but they dont sell them anymore and dont think they have for quite a few years. Just been on R Tech to check on the price and wow its gone up a lot since I bought mine about 5 years ago. Sadly looks way out of the OP's budget, but it is a good welder.The thing is, it is old technology (I bought mine second hand over 10 years ago) and my mate's R-Tech inverter welder is easier to use, it allows much finer control for thin metal. Considering the prices are quite similar, The R-Tech seems much better value.
Dont forget to budget for gas, dont bother with the little bottles on ebay etc, I have a hobby gas bottle, no rent, but I think a new bottle from the start is well over £120 now.. Add a decent mask and gloves etc and the budget wont stretch to a quality budget welder sadly.
EDIT:- just found my old thread where I asked a similar question and then tested the unit with pictures. Was 4 years ago not 5.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Edited by Mikey G on Wednesday 9th November 14:23
I hate it when people ask for suggestions and then never come back, so I'm here saying thanks for the recommendations.
Got rtecs mig 180 for Christmas, mask and gloves arrived at the weekend and I finished work early today so grabbed some flux core from Screwfix on the way home for a play. Forgot how much fun it is learning new stuff, I need more scrap metal to melt.
Made some holes before I read the instructions and realised that I had it in the wrong mode. Need to buy some gas, and then probably some lessons. Currently standing in the garage with a smile on my face making sure nothings going to catch fire
Got rtecs mig 180 for Christmas, mask and gloves arrived at the weekend and I finished work early today so grabbed some flux core from Screwfix on the way home for a play. Forgot how much fun it is learning new stuff, I need more scrap metal to melt.
Made some holes before I read the instructions and realised that I had it in the wrong mode. Need to buy some gas, and then probably some lessons. Currently standing in the garage with a smile on my face making sure nothings going to catch fire
Thanks for coming back, spaceman!
Did your kit include a self-darkening helmet? If not, birthday sorted (Your lady sounds to be a jewel!)
Yes, on the evidence of the test piece you presented, more practice needed! Is there an industrial estate near you? With a fabrication workshop? Ask to rootle in their scrap bin for suitable scrap pieces, I've never been refused without good reason (Scrap bin is six feet high - don't want you falling in!)
Such piece much easier to work on than parts/panels from a scrap yard.
John
Did your kit include a self-darkening helmet? If not, birthday sorted (Your lady sounds to be a jewel!)
Yes, on the evidence of the test piece you presented, more practice needed! Is there an industrial estate near you? With a fabrication workshop? Ask to rootle in their scrap bin for suitable scrap pieces, I've never been refused without good reason (Scrap bin is six feet high - don't want you falling in!)
Such piece much easier to work on than parts/panels from a scrap yard.
John
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