Jonathan Webb
Member
- Messages
- 413
- Location
- West Sussex, England
Hi,
Not sure where I should post this.
I'm seeing a potential client this week about my first substantial commission and trying to get a handle on my options:
She wants a sculpture in steel (I usually work with copper) as this will be about 6' high and therefore a lot of copper, plus strength issues.
I'm looking forward to this challenge - I used to weld a bit when I was a teenager - not great but got my cars through their MOT's and since have occasionally mended the odd thing with my arc welder. So I have (had) some welding ability.
In stock I have an old SIP Topweld 140 buzz box (but it is made in Britain) and new ( 2016 ) 2.5mm Bohler E6013 rods. I also have my Clarke 100E MK2 which has been hibernating for 30 years. I was wanting to get this back to life, and now Hobbyweld etc gases are available, this is more appealing.
I was thinking of 2 or 3mm mild steel sheet (possibly Corten if her budget allows). From what I've read on here & elsewhere, this appears to be at the top end of what the Clarke can handle and starting to get a bit thin for arc.
I suppose my question is, which to use?
I could go with 2mm & the MIG or 3mm & the arc (3mm puts Corten out of the question I suspect)
On a MIG-related note, my local welding supplier sells Futuris wire. Is this any good? It's layer-wound rather than random.
Thanks
Not sure where I should post this.
I'm seeing a potential client this week about my first substantial commission and trying to get a handle on my options:
She wants a sculpture in steel (I usually work with copper) as this will be about 6' high and therefore a lot of copper, plus strength issues.
I'm looking forward to this challenge - I used to weld a bit when I was a teenager - not great but got my cars through their MOT's and since have occasionally mended the odd thing with my arc welder. So I have (had) some welding ability.
In stock I have an old SIP Topweld 140 buzz box (but it is made in Britain) and new ( 2016 ) 2.5mm Bohler E6013 rods. I also have my Clarke 100E MK2 which has been hibernating for 30 years. I was wanting to get this back to life, and now Hobbyweld etc gases are available, this is more appealing.
I was thinking of 2 or 3mm mild steel sheet (possibly Corten if her budget allows). From what I've read on here & elsewhere, this appears to be at the top end of what the Clarke can handle and starting to get a bit thin for arc.
I suppose my question is, which to use?
I could go with 2mm & the MIG or 3mm & the arc (3mm puts Corten out of the question I suspect)
On a MIG-related note, my local welding supplier sells Futuris wire. Is this any good? It's layer-wound rather than random.
Thanks