I've been wanting a welder for years. I've done a lot of reading and watched videos on reviews and How To's.
Given what I ultimately wanted to do, my goal was to buy a 220v Mig, in particulate a Lincoln 180 ($600-$700 new). I would start setting cash aside, but then always had to dip into my welder fund for something else. Another option I considered was a starter 120v welder and from my reading I knew I wanted the option to go full MIG or Flux Core, variable wire speed and heat (not just hi/low). Well, a Clarke 130EN showed up at a local auction. All the pros say got Lincoln or Miller, but from what I've read Clarke is a good brand. I got it for $75, not knowing if it works. That's the gamble you take at auctions.
Got it home, opened it up to see that there's nearly a full spool of Hobart .3 Flux core in it, plug it in and the fan turned on. Pulled the trigger and the feeder works. Grabbed a a piece scrap steel, clamped her up, touched the gun to it and ZAP! It works! Hurry!
Now I need to invest in some other goodies, like an helmet (was thinking an auto darkening from HF), gloves, chipper hammer and brush.
I plan on playing with it for a bit on scrap, then fix some broken welds on my lawn dump cart.
Given what I ultimately wanted to do, my goal was to buy a 220v Mig, in particulate a Lincoln 180 ($600-$700 new). I would start setting cash aside, but then always had to dip into my welder fund for something else. Another option I considered was a starter 120v welder and from my reading I knew I wanted the option to go full MIG or Flux Core, variable wire speed and heat (not just hi/low). Well, a Clarke 130EN showed up at a local auction. All the pros say got Lincoln or Miller, but from what I've read Clarke is a good brand. I got it for $75, not knowing if it works. That's the gamble you take at auctions.
Got it home, opened it up to see that there's nearly a full spool of Hobart .3 Flux core in it, plug it in and the fan turned on. Pulled the trigger and the feeder works. Grabbed a a piece scrap steel, clamped her up, touched the gun to it and ZAP! It works! Hurry!
Now I need to invest in some other goodies, like an helmet (was thinking an auto darkening from HF), gloves, chipper hammer and brush.
I plan on playing with it for a bit on scrap, then fix some broken welds on my lawn dump cart.