Moray Cuthill wrote:
"Rex B" wrote in message
...

Northern tool offers a line of Clarke MIG welders that look like a pretty
good deal. Never heard of them. Anyone know if they are any good?
US-made or oriental?

http://tinyurl.com/6wdd3


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Rex Burkheimer
Fort Worth TX


They're made in Taiwan/China.
I've currently got 2 of them. An old 120 (not sure off the exact model),
which must be at least ten years old and has done a lot of work. In that
time it's only needed a new torch, and a couple years ago, I had to solder
the control PCB after one off the tracks melted, which was probably
something to do with it being used near full power most off the time. It's
still lying in the back off the workshop for any small jobs, where only a
13A (UK standard) socket is available.
A 255TE (needs a 32A 240V supply) was bought a couple years ago, and it's
performed flawlessly, although I recently managed to melt the torch. Which
upon further investigation, it turns out it's only a 150A torch. It still
works, but will be getting replaced in the future with a torch designed to
take the full 250A.

When looking at the big welder, I did consider some off the big name brands,
but just couldn't justify the extra cost. And I've certainly not regretted
the choice.


Good information, Thanks
I guess I'm trying to decide between the FP130 Firepower and the
comparable Clarke. Specs seem similar, althought the duty cycle is
rated at different amps. But I doubt the duty cycle would ever be a
limitation, no more welding than I do.

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Rex Burkheimer
WM Automotive
Fort Worth TX