Clarke Welders?
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 327
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From: Midwest
Clarke Welders?
I'm looking at either Hobart 140 or 180, or the equivalent in Clarke MIG welders. The clarkes are at least $150 cheaper (even after you add the shielding gas kit), and have a longer warranty. That, and they appear to be a US company. Anyone have any experience with them?
From the looks of the prices, I could get a Clarke, a shielding gas kit, a tank of gas, a cart, and a couple spools of wire for less than just the Hobart. But I've not read much about the Clarkes, and my search of the archives revealed no answers.
From the looks of the prices, I could get a Clarke, a shielding gas kit, a tank of gas, a cart, and a couple spools of wire for less than just the Hobart. But I've not read much about the Clarkes, and my search of the archives revealed no answers.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 172
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My grandfather has a Clarke and it's working ok. He got it for the reason that you stated is that it was cheaper than a Miller he was looking at and he figured for what hobby welding he was planning on it would be fine. He now wishes that he had spendt the extra money and got the Miller because the hobbies are now bigger and he's using it more often. I've used it on some things before and it was ok. The only thing I didn't like about it is just basic temp controls (1,2, and 3 with A&B) and if you were on a longer bead sometimes it would kick off till it cooled down. Since it's only 110 if the metal is thick we'll still use the stick welder.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 521
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A very good friend of mine owns one, and keeps it at my garage 
. I haven't used too many other ones (to compare it to), but this one works real good. No problems in 2 years or so. It doesn't have a infinate heat range (just 4 positions), which is a drawback. I've been getting decent welds anyway. I don't use it for big stuff (over 1/8"), and use the 220V stick welder for those jobs.
. I haven't used too many other ones (to compare it to), but this one works real good. No problems in 2 years or so. It doesn't have a infinate heat range (just 4 positions), which is a drawback. I've been getting decent welds anyway. I don't use it for big stuff (over 1/8"), and use the 220V stick welder for those jobs.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2004
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My dad has had a clarke in his auto shop for over 15 years now. It has payed for itself many times over. Never a bit of problems, just add wore and gas. I haven't had any experience with other welders just my opinion on clarke.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 521
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Wow. I just noticed my post is nearly identical to goodie350's post. We must have been replying at the same time (I type pretty slow). My appologies for the repeat info, doesn't add much - and makes me look like a idiot. It is interesting that we both had similar things to say...
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 239
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I'll say the same thing as everybody else, I bought it because it was cheaper but it works great for my shop. I have a 115V welder so the only thing I really use it for is body work or to tack heavier pieces in place so I can stick weld them. I've used a lot of different welders and a Hobart is my favorite but for the money the Clark is a good buy.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 77
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I've got gas tanks and a stick welder and i can do almost anything with them. with the stick arc machine i've done everythinig from thin *** sheet metal to heavy machinery parts. i wouldn't buy a mig because its capabilities are so limited, unless you really need a quality finished look.
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Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 327
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From: Midwest
I already have a nice Miller 220v AC/DC stick welder, but I'm looking to supplement it with a gas-shielded mig for certain specific jobs (exhaust systems, for example). Since I use the stick for anything heavy-duty, I'm planning on getting a 110v Mig...
It's between a Clarke and a Hobart. The Clarke is much less expensive, and I'm just trying to figure out why...
It's between a Clarke and a Hobart. The Clarke is much less expensive, and I'm just trying to figure out why...
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