TIG inverters (more welding)

[Alan]

Hi Has anyone used one of these lightweight TIG welders from Clarks and the like. I have had limited success with MIG welding and really looking for a better controlled weld.
Alan

[Alan]

Hi
Just seen somone elses thread on the subject. I thiink i will wait and get one next payday.

Thanks for looking.

[SteveW]

Alan,

I was looking for the same info a while back and was pointed to "www.ukwelder.com/". This site is used by a lot of folk that make their living at welding. The Clarke/Ferm et al is very much towards the bottom of the list of kit these guys use. However, it was confirmed that these things are very useful for the lower duty cycle/portable jobs.

One point was that I was looking for a solution to welding stainless where the DC output of these thing is OK given the correct inert gas. Apparently the DC is no good for alloy welding. AC is necessary to break through the famous oxide layer. AC versions are very much more expensive. I haven't worked out why these thing don't have a simple AC/DC switch.

Someone did say to go for the 140 sized unit over the 111 unit (£189 vice £309 in Screwfix cat) as the smaller unit runs out too soon.

It has also ocured to me that one of these welders could form the basis of an induction furnace.

[Alan]

These inverter welders all look the same.
How do i tell what is a 'Clark clone' and what is better quality?
Alan

[SteveW]

Alan,

Chances are the Clarke is a clone of something else. At the low end of the market I would guess they are all made from the same song sheet then badged.

I've just bought a copy of No 106 Model Engineers' Workshop. There is quite an extensive article on TIG and the problems/dangers of welding alloys-various. The point about AC needed for alloy welding is very well made as is the vast difference in price between the cheaper DC and AC units.

I have no connection with MEW save as a happy customer ;-)