I am buying me a new welder this week, I know Hobart(made by Miller) but I stubleed on a good deal for a Clarke 180EN Mig welder. The salesman told me it's a very good welder, in terms of quality, pretty much between the harborfreight special and the higher ends one.

Anyone using a Clarke and do you like it? I could'nt find much infos on the net about that company or the model other then the basic specs.

My choice is pretty much set on a Hobart Handler 180 but if I could save a few $$$ for something that would be pretty decent, i'd rather put that money elsewhere. There is a 300$ Canadian difference between the 2 here for a package including cart and a auto-darkening mask.

This will be for pretty basic welding, square tubing, exhaust, piping, ect...

Thanks.

 

I don't have any experience with the two or with any welders for that matter but I've heard the clarke is a good brand.

Personally, I would go with the hobart because chances are, your probably gonna sell somewhere down the road. Not only will the hobart be alot easier to sell, but you'll also get a bunch more money for it. If you know otherwise, I would suggest the clarke because $300 dollars is alot of money to be saved.

 

I own a clarke 180en.. I am a very happy owner! I have owned a Lincoln and the Clarke is superior. Thus far my contact with customer service has been good, I was at fault, not the machine.. Parts are for the most part universal (wire/tips etc..)

I havent used it extensively @ 180Amps but I will be doing so shortly!

http://www.want2race.net/lotus7

My work with it thus far! I didnt even bother considering the Miller when I made my purchase because the only people that had them were ******. I cant comment on their side of it but I am happy with what I have

 

Want2Race: pretty nice Locost you're building there!!! I was about to start one but seems like the Quebec DMV does not like "home made chassis" and after many calls there is no loop-holes yet around it... maybe someday has a track only toy.

But that's pretty much the type of work I had in mind, i'll wait a little to check out if anyone else wants to comment but it sounds good so far.

BTW, I would get the 180EN with auto-mask, gaz kit and cart for 800$ Can... that would roughly be 650$ US these days I think... here a MillerMatic 175 sells for 1000+ for reference, machine only, no accessories. Everything + taxes of course.

 

I got mine from weldingdepot.com

I think I paid around $600 INCLUDING a 40cf tank!

 

i got my clarke 130en from weldingdepot as well.... so far im very happy with my welder but i dont have any personal experiance with other welders to compare to. like said before consumables are universal for clarke even the gun is a standard tweeco (spelling?)

check them out, they have great prices though. basically im just vouching for clarkes quality, its a good welder especially for the money.