OT- Buying MIG Welder- Any opinions on Clarke unit

I am also considering the Hobart 180 handler. Will probably often run whatever I get off of my 6500 watt generator much of the time.

I came across a site with Clarke welders which are significantly less expensive. Any opinions on the Clarke welders? They sound too good to be true and I know how that song usually goes.

I'm a newby who will be learning from the local tech center. However, while I'm making this purchase, any accessories I should consider.

Also, are the Harbor Freight auto helmets OK or should I just go with a flip helmet- in what shade.

I need to do some welding on implements and fabricate marine parts, and general repair.

Many thanks for any opinions.

Zane, guess the clean, bright, tight applies to welders (grin)

I recently used it to weld up a 55 gallon drum smoker, worked great. Stick welder would have blown holes all through it.

Jon

It began to be erratic welding a couple of weeks ago when I was doing some small fabricating and got so it was just making a big mess and making a terrible noise when welding. I took the sides off the housing and after looking for a few minutes found a loose connection to one of the larger conductors of the big welding coil. Turned out that it is wired with aluminum wire almost throughout and you know what aluminum wire does. It somehow works itself loose over time with use. I cleaned and tightened the connection and put it back together and it works good for now but I think it would be wise to make sure that the welder you buy is not put together or wire with aluminum wire.

Also I am not an electrical engineer but I doubt that your generator is going to pull a big welder on 5/16" material very long and inconsistant current supply will ruin any electrical apparatus and especially a hard working welder.

Betty as Dell about that aspect of you question.

Zane

You need to be able to have it repaired or buy consumables without having to look all over the place. Those three companies normally have a service center close by.

Most people would agree you should stay away from the chinese tool store welders and other exotic brand names. I'm one of them even with my Chinese tool store addiction.

• Clarke Migs