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Hello all,I have finally gotten the go ahead from the wife to use the remainder of our tax return to purchase welding equipment.  $452 Here is what I have decieded on,  Prices include all Shipping/Tax/Misc feesClarke 130 Mig:  $323.77  "Web Link"- Harbor Freight Stuff -MIG Pliers, 33836-0VGA:  $10.79Auto darkening Helmet, 46092-5VGA:  $64.79Welding Gloves, 488-3VGA:  10.79Welding Blanket, 41506-1VGA:  21.59Metal Vise Grips, 37006-1VGA:  10.79Angle Magnets, 1939-2VGA:  4.31Total:  $446.83Has anybody seen the Clarke 130 for less than 323.77?The only tool that I already have is a Craftsman 4 1/2 angle grinder.Have I missed anything important?Lastly, does anyone know of a good place to get metal online?  Or perhaps a metal scrap place near Buffalo, NY?  I found 2 places but they are only open during normal M-F business hours  .  I really don't want to take time off from work just to get metal.ThanksMike
Reply:Sounds like you have a good start. Don't forget a good wire brush. The Clarke comes with a cheesy wire brush and will have no wire left after a few uses. Another member on here just bought a Clarke, per my recommendation, and he found a great deal on a complete kit at CT Tractor supply...I think. It was a farm store. Run a search on Clarke welders and you should find it. If he doesn't post first.  Have fun welding!John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Thanks,Does anybody know the home page for Clarke?  I can't find it.  Most manufacturer pages have links or searches for companies you can purchase their product from.Mike
Reply:ahhh,Apples and Oranges question:I was looking through a Harbor Freight online sale ad I was just e-mailed and it lists this 110amp 220v Mig for $199Anybody have suggestions on what I should do?  The total difference in price between the HF and the Clarke is 107.78.  The Harbor Freight unit is a 220v which I have read many discussions that 220 will always out perform a 110.  The Duty Cycle is almost the same between the two.Ugh,  the sale ends 5/8/07 so I don't have much time to think about it.Mike
Reply:Website is : www.clarkeusa.comWere you looking for a 130EN (110v) or a 180EN (220v), your link goes to a 180EN.Here in Indiana we have a farm supply by the name of Rual King, and I purchased a 130EN package deal for 349.00Package included welder,cart,regulator kit, 2 rolls of wire, hand held mask, and standard full size welding helmet. Oh and the cheesy wire brush-slag hammer.This package deal is available on the net for around 399.00 (Northern Tools)Check out www.weldingdepot.com they have several package deals on Clarke welders.Clarke 130EN C25Lincoln 225 AC Stick(1968)Smith O/A RigHF 4X6 Red BandsawBlack & Decker Pro Chopsaw16 Speed Drill PressSpeedglas XL HelmetHarbor Freight Stuff
Reply:Originally Posted by tommyj3Website is : www.clarkeusa.comWere you looking for a 130EN (110v) or a 180EN (220v), your link goes to a 180EN.Here in Indiana we have a farm supply by the name of Rual King, and I purchased a 130EN package deal for 349.00Package included welder,cart,regulator kit, 2 rolls of wire, hand held mask, and standard full size welding helmet. Oh and the cheesy wire brush-slag hammer.This package deal is available on the net for around 399.00 (Northern Tools)Check out www.weldingdepot.com they have several package deals on Clarke welders.
Reply:Thank you Tommy. Either the 130 or 180 are great welders.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I just recalculated my costs:If I substitue the HF 220v MIG and also get a 15% off cupon it would be 169.99 + tax = 183.59Plus most everything else was in that sale ad so the grand total will be $288.82   WOW!!!  That is a heck of a reduction in price...I am going to seriously look into Guages and a CO2 tank now.  I didn't think I would ever be able to afford a whole outfit with gas...  I guess This post should now be moved over to the Harbor Freight area huh?   Mike
Reply:I have several Harbor Freight tools and fab equipment, and had good luck with all of them. Looked at their welders before buying the Clarke. I was sure they would do the job, but what bothered me was parts support and consumables. I have no regrets about buying the Clarke 130EN. It is a quality machine in everyway, with parts support in the US. It also uses Tewco consumables. I know it makes things tuff when on a budget, so buy the best machine you can while staying within you budget. What ever your choice maybe have fun and happy welding.Clarke 130EN C25Lincoln 225 AC Stick(1968)Smith O/A RigHF 4X6 Red BandsawBlack & Decker Pro Chopsaw16 Speed Drill PressSpeedglas XL HelmetHarbor Freight Stuff
Reply:i got the Clarke 130 EN as per Micro's advice, it is a very nice machine and it runs "up there" with the Millers and lincolns.-Clarke 130EN-Miller MaxStar 150STL-Miller Elite 29' Roadster
Reply:If I go with the HF 220 I will have enough money to go Gas right away which is super cool...Is the HF Regulator ok at $34?Also I plan on going straight CO2 but I don't know what size tank I should go with.  I called one place so far and its $80 for a 5lb, $109 for a 10lb and $159 for a 20lb.  the cost difference for a refill is neglegible.The guy I talked with said for a hobby welder the 5lb should last a while, but since I'll only be able to get it filled on Saturday mornings when most places are open I don't want to have to wait an entire week for a refill if I run out on Saturday evening.Is there some way that I can tell how much CO2 is left in the tank?  weight maybe?Last Question.  I don't know how much you guys know about Paintball but I used to play years ago when 12oz CO2 tanks were all the rage.  I know most players have moved to compressed air so I figure I could find quite a few 12 or 24oz CO2 tanks for pretty cheap but will they screw into the requlator like the 5lb bottle?Thanks for the help.Mike
Reply:I'd skip the Harbor Freight vise grips, they're generally junk.  Vise grip brand or Craftsman are much better.If you're welding any square tubing, these little right angle clamps help.  They aren't very strong (I could probably rip them apart with my bare hands) but they will hold two pieces together until you can tack them in place. The magnets work well too, but it's too easy for a piece to twist if it's not cut exactly flush with the other.
Reply:THe best thing you could do would be to buy the 180en package including regulator from weldingdepot for $380 and add in the Harbor freight helmet.  Wait another month or two to buy the other cheap crap like pliers or angle clamps.  Why buy 1/2 the welder just so you can buy a couple pair of pliers?If your thinking about using small paint ball tanks for welding, I'd recommend stayiny away from welding all together.Last edited by WelderDaddy; 05-04-2007 at 10:43 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by BigMikeHello all,I have finally gotten the go ahead from the wife to use the remainder of our tax return to purchase welding equipment.  $452 Here is what I have decieded on,  Prices include all Shipping/Tax/Misc feesClarke 130 Mig:  $323.77  "Web Link"- Harbor Freight Stuff -MIG Pliers, 33836-0VGA:  $10.79Auto darkening Helmet, 46092-5VGA:  $64.79Welding Gloves, 488-3VGA:  10.79Welding Blanket, 41506-1VGA:  21.59Metal Vise Grips, 37006-1VGA:  10.79Angle Magnets, 1939-2VGA:  4.31Total:  $446.83Has anybody seen the Clarke 130 for less than 323.77?The only tool that I already have is a Craftsman 4 1/2 angle grinder.Have I missed anything important?Lastly, does anyone know of a good place to get metal online?  Or perhaps a metal scrap place near Buffalo, NY?  I found 2 places but they are only open during normal M-F business hours  .  I really don't want to take time off from work just to get metal.ThanksMike
Reply:http://www.yarde.com/cgi-bin/dropzone.plYarde Metals sells their excess online.  I've ordered aluminum square tubing and plate a few times.  They package very securely and ship UPS.  I've received 8' lengths with no shipping surcharge.  Their inventory changes day-to-day so check back often.  There is, however, a small order fee for orders less than $75.  Just plan ahead.Last edited by 69 chevy; 05-05-2007 at 07:00 AM.WeldingWeb forum--now more sophomoric banter than anything else!
Reply:Yes I do have a Sawz All for cutting metal.Also, as for the crack about the 12oz CO2 tank I got the idea from MillerI just didn't know if it's a custom regulator that would only work with the 12oz tank.Mike