Need help on a purchase-mig

[fury9]

I found a clarke 160en practically brand new at the local pawn shop for 200. I have a 220v outlet, the plug on it looks like it's for 110. Should I go get it or look for something else? looking to do body panels and maybe some 1/4 to 3/8 steel, what you guys think? There's nothing but the welder,mig set up and ground clamp and a never used wire brush inside.

 

[SlowPoke-Canada]

I don't think you'll find a 110v machine to weld 3/8". Keep looking for a 220v deal.

 

[fury9]

The machine is 220, just the plug (which I didn't inspect closely) looks small to be a 220 plug

 

[Hiball]

I prefer 110 machines for body panel work, that's probably because that is what I learned on. If your needing to cover a variety of welding chores and dead set on only having one machine, try and find a 220 unit that has "infinite" settings, not A,b,c etc..

Btw take my opinion with a grain of salt, I have no professional training.. I'm only self taught and learned by trial and error.. The good thing about welding is if you don't like the finished product.. Grind if off and start again.

 

[fury9]

It does have power settings not just a knob (which I want the infinite settings) that you can turn up or down.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Maybe take a look at this thread.


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197994

 

[Aruba1]

Change the plug!

Some of the round 3-4 120v prongs looks similar do 220v prongs.

 

[Hiball]

It does have power settings not just a knob (which I want the infinite settings) that you can turn up or down.

Hmm.. The one I quickly googled appeared to have a Min/Max toggle and then what I'm assuming is 3 selections for each Min/Max.

 

[fury9]

Maybe take a look at this thread.


http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197994

You have killed my excitement, thank you. I will wait

 

[fury9]

I'm gonna get it anyways,Any input is still greatly appreciated. How can I tell how good a good welder is if I don't have anything to compare it to? I learn the hard way

 

[Hiball]

I'm gonna get it anyways,Any input is still greatly appreciated. How can I tell how good a good welder is if I don't have anything to compare it to? I learn the hard way

Congrats.. Throw up some pictures of your welding skills after you get it..

 

[ilovevocs]

As stated above, if the power is tapped you'll find the machine difficult to use for certain material thicknesses. I had tapped Lincoln and couldn't wait to rid myself of it.

 

[BD1]

Buy it. Then when you buy a real machine you will see the difference. Check the nameplate for electrical data. If its only 110 volt, light gauge sheetmetal maybe up yo 1/8'' will be max. When you buy it ask if you can return it if it doesn't work. Look for a manual before you buy. You may not even be able to get consumables for it. What about a gas regulator ? Is this a flux core wire machine only ? Hey, it's only $200. You may get lucky! Hope so !

 

[sberry]

I love taps. So easy to return to the same setting.

 

[fury9]

I love taps. So easy to return to the same setting.

fine, you guys win, I just hope I don't end up selling it like I did my krl1022

 

[toomanytoyzz]

I love taps. So easy to return to the same setting.

I gotta agree. Infinite dials are great especially if you have someone with you while you are running a bead, and you need more or less heat. With that said, a good welder will be able to get proper penetration in all positions because they know how to hold the gun properly, have the gun at the proper distance from the workpiece, have it dialed in correctly and have precise gapping/clamping to ensure a good bead. If those steps aren't on point you will NEVER weld correctly no matter what machine you use. Basically, I'd buy a tapped machine if it was a good price.

I would buy it and weld away. I've used Clarke machines in the past. They are ok especially for your first machine. I'd suggest taking a class if you can, which will help you develop the procedures I mentioned. They are the fundamentals most often missed.

If you are looking to do bodywork with the unit make sure it is at least setup to run shielding gas. Flux core wire isn't kind to body panels. Not only does flux core wire tend to burn hotter it scars the **** out of sheetmetal with all the splatter.