What you think about this welder?

[Joe5688]

Well im' looking into getting my 1st welder. Microzone recommened me to this. WHat do you guys think?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200311005_200311005

- Joe

[MicroZone]

You can also get them in various packages here:
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/weldingdepot/scan/fi=products/st=db/sp=results/co=1/sf=category/se=Mig%20Welders%20110%20Volt/op=eq/nu=0/bs=1/ml=15/tf=description/to=x/se=1/sf=inactive/op=ne/sf=tax_category/se=1/op=eq/va=banner_text=/va=banner_image=.html

[Joe5688]

I'm looking at the original one i posted to see if the gas regulator is included but i dont see that it is. Thanks for the link Mirco

[MicroZone]

Look at specs., 5th from the bottom - "Includes gas conversion kit". This means gauges, lines, etc. Place the bottle, hook it up and your ready for GMAW.

I bought the exact package. I can't be more happy.

You're welcome.

[Clay Walters]

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200306073_200306073

:cool2:

[Joe5688]

how much better is the hobart then the clarke?

I like that the clarke comes w/ a cart

[Clay Walters]

Joe,

How much better is a Honda than a Kia? Both will get you down the road just fine.

A cart is no biggie. I bought one once for $35 brand new just like the one the Clarke comes with but you'll see them priced around $100 too. Besides, building a cart is a great first project and I wouldn't let that sway me from selecting a machine.

Regards,

Clay

[BigEd36]

I personally have no experience with the Clarke EN 130, but, the garage where I have my vehicles serviced (when I can't do it myself) has one. I asked Jim (the owner) how he liked it. He said it's been doing a good job for him. They use it for whatever welding they need to do for auto repairs, and use it for a lot of exhaust work.

Ed

[cricman]

I own and have been very satisfied with my Clarke 180EN, but I got my demo unit in new condition for $200!!! Looking at the prices for new 110v welders, the Hobart is only $70 more than the Clarke, and Northern has free shipping on the Hobart, if you are buying on-line! If it were my money, and I was set on buying a new welder, I would get the Hobart from Northern Tool. If the price difference was $125 bucks or more, and I was using it for hobby welding, I would probably get the Clarke, and a bottle of gas. The Clarke's are made in Italy, and they have decent customer service and parts support. I've peeked into mine and it has copper coils in the transformer and choke, and a fair sized heat-sink for the rectifier assembly. The surprising thing is that it looks like the Clarke has a better advertised duty rate (20% @ 130 amps versus the Hobart's 20%@ 90 amps). Again, that free shipping is a real money saver and a deal breaker for me if its an on-line purchase,...I would get the Hobart (It would cost about $60 to ship the Clarke!)

If your buying from a store, you can buy Northern Tool coupons on eBay for a few bucks, and save even more money (including one for $50 off of any purchase $250 or more.)

Good Luck,

cricman

[MicroZone]

Northern has free shipping on anything over $150 right now, so it's a wash. The Clarke package has more accessories and is at least $40 less. He can get a bottle, plug it in and weld. Best bang for the buck. :cool2:

[Clay Walters]

Well, for one Hobart is made in USA (if that matters to you). I suspect the ground lead and gun are longer. I believe it has a true gas solenoid as opposed to a gas switch in the gun. I don't know that one will do anything that the other won't and suspect you'll find loyal fans for each. When I researched this very same stuff a year ago I found numerous posts from satisfied and dissatisfied Clarke owners but only satisfied Hobart owners. I think Sears offers (or used to) some of the Clarkes under the Craftsman nameplate as well. Heck he asked so I just wanted to be certain he knew a quality alternative was out there.

Regards,

Clay

[Joe5688]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll let you know which i decide.

[Joe5688]

i ended up buying the clarke, thanks for the responses

[MicroZone]

Good to know, if you have any questions on it, shoot me a message or get on IM.

[Joe5688]

thanks, i'll talk to u on aim

[Mighty Mouse]

On Northern tools winter cataglog, the price is $459 and comes with free cart and free shipping. GO with the Hobart. I consider it a better value. But if you are on a budget I've heard nothing bad about the clark.