Hi guys..
I have been researching the web and this forum in relation to buying my first ever welding machine and wondered if you could help please.
I am a hobby DIY'er and do woodworking as my main interest as I dont really have much of an idea with metal at the moment.
I am in the process of setting up my man cave... I mean wood workshop lol..and looking at maybe trying to add welding to my skills. It will be for hobby use and not a daily thing.
What will I be welding
I will mostly be welding box section steel or tube steel for the time being (though I would like to weld aluminium too if possible). This will range from 2 -2.5mm upwards. I will be fabricating shelves, woodworking jigs and chainsaw milling guides. The problem I guess is if I want to go lower than 2mm... which at the moment I have not really planned too, but I may consider to later on.
Power
At the moment I only have a 13a mains in the garage but I hope to upgrade this soon so will be able to use more power.
Material
As stated it will be steel to start but I may wish to weld aluminium and stainless later on. Most of the steel I get will have atmospheric rust on as they dont need to look pretty on completion... just be functional. I can clean the metal up easily enough to bare metal if needed to weld. Most items will be painted on completion.
Environment
I will have to weld mostly outside however it is sheltered and undercover. I will have good ventilation too.
Preference
I have read up a little re MIG and ARC inverter kits and these forums have been brilliant. I know nothing of TIG and the gas puts me off.
If I went the MIG route I would not use gas. I cant justify the cost for what I need it for at present and would use flux core wire and gassless. Yes it may not be ideal but as never welding before.. I am after a good weld.. it dosent need to look pretty but that would be a bonus I suppose haha.
The MMA welders I have looked at are parweld 142 xts and 162 xts. Also quite a few ppl mentioned Clarke machines. (I cant remeber which ones)
Also are there multifuctional machines to consider ?
Budget
I only have around £200 at the moment. I may have more next year to upgrade or buy an alternative type, but for now thats my budget
Questions...
1) what welder type would you guys recommend for the above mentioned and what brand and model / best place to buy.
2) what type of sticks / wire / would you recommend and the best place to buy them from.
3) any recommendations for gloves and auto dimming visor (some people mentioned the ebay ones.. could you maybe give a link for an example)
4) is there an alternative way to power the welder other than mains or a generator... i.e. could something step up the power from the mains.
If I need say a 32amp socket would it be best just getting it rated to 50amp and use 32amp fuse say ?
5) finally cutting the metal.. would you just recommed a cutting disc for a grinder / chop saw.. or a cutting torch / plasma ? This would be purchased later on if needed )
Many thanks for all your help guys and I look forward to any replies.
Regards
Mike
I have been researching the web and this forum in relation to buying my first ever welding machine and wondered if you could help please.
I am a hobby DIY'er and do woodworking as my main interest as I dont really have much of an idea with metal at the moment.
I am in the process of setting up my man cave... I mean wood workshop lol..and looking at maybe trying to add welding to my skills. It will be for hobby use and not a daily thing.
What will I be welding
I will mostly be welding box section steel or tube steel for the time being (though I would like to weld aluminium too if possible). This will range from 2 -2.5mm upwards. I will be fabricating shelves, woodworking jigs and chainsaw milling guides. The problem I guess is if I want to go lower than 2mm... which at the moment I have not really planned too, but I may consider to later on.
Power
At the moment I only have a 13a mains in the garage but I hope to upgrade this soon so will be able to use more power.
Material
As stated it will be steel to start but I may wish to weld aluminium and stainless later on. Most of the steel I get will have atmospheric rust on as they dont need to look pretty on completion... just be functional. I can clean the metal up easily enough to bare metal if needed to weld. Most items will be painted on completion.
Environment
I will have to weld mostly outside however it is sheltered and undercover. I will have good ventilation too.
Preference
I have read up a little re MIG and ARC inverter kits and these forums have been brilliant. I know nothing of TIG and the gas puts me off.
If I went the MIG route I would not use gas. I cant justify the cost for what I need it for at present and would use flux core wire and gassless. Yes it may not be ideal but as never welding before.. I am after a good weld.. it dosent need to look pretty but that would be a bonus I suppose haha.
The MMA welders I have looked at are parweld 142 xts and 162 xts. Also quite a few ppl mentioned Clarke machines. (I cant remeber which ones)
Also are there multifuctional machines to consider ?
Budget
I only have around £200 at the moment. I may have more next year to upgrade or buy an alternative type, but for now thats my budget
Questions...
1) what welder type would you guys recommend for the above mentioned and what brand and model / best place to buy.
2) what type of sticks / wire / would you recommend and the best place to buy them from.
3) any recommendations for gloves and auto dimming visor (some people mentioned the ebay ones.. could you maybe give a link for an example)
4) is there an alternative way to power the welder other than mains or a generator... i.e. could something step up the power from the mains.
If I need say a 32amp socket would it be best just getting it rated to 50amp and use 32amp fuse say ?
5) finally cutting the metal.. would you just recommed a cutting disc for a grinder / chop saw.. or a cutting torch / plasma ? This would be purchased later on if needed )
Many thanks for all your help guys and I look forward to any replies.
Regards
Mike