learning to weld

[wanless]

Hi I'm looking into getting my first mig welder to start to Learn but with a long term plan to build a chassis for a locost car and to do some auto bodywork.

I will eventually want to weld both thin 0.8mm car panels and 1.6 - 2mm steel box section.

I was thinking of getting a Clarke 151en and purchasing a big bottle regulator. Does this sound like a good idea or is there something more suitable also what would be the best gas for me to learn with and weld both 0.8mm and 1.6mm co2 or a co2 argon mix? Sorry for all the questions

 

[Tman]

Hi I'm looking into getting my first mig welder to start to Learn but with a long term plan to build a chassis for a locost car and to do some auto bodywork.

I will eventually want to weld both thin 0.8mm car panels and 1.6 - 2mm steel box section.

I was thinking of getting a Clarke 151en and purchasing a big bottle regulator. Does this sound like a good idea or is there something more suitable also what would be the best gas for me to learn with and weld both 0.8mm and 1.6mm co2 or a co2 argon mix? Sorry for all the questions

Welder should suit you fine co2 + argon mix is easier to use especially on 0.8 but co2 is a lot cheaper to practice with (same size bottle lasts a lot longer)

 

[wanless]

Thanks for the quick reply so if I go with that welder and a co2 bottle/regulator while I learn/practice and ruin lots of steel then when I think I'm ready switch to a argon mix bottle and regulator for the real stuff

 

[Tman]

Yo

Thanks for the quick reply so if I go with that welder and a co2 bottle/regulator while I learn/practice and ruin lots of steel then when I think I'm ready switch to a argon mix bottle and regulator for the real stuff

You can use co2 for the real thing just mix is a bit cooler for 0.8. You will get less burn through. I would use the more expensive mix on your thin stuff and pure co2 on the thicker stuff. (More penetration from pure co2)
Try your local pub landlord for co2 big bottle normally £10-£15
If you get a co2 regulator you can get an adapter to use mix, saves buying two regulators

 

[V6BOY]

I just got myself a 151en last week im running gasless but not for long very popual welder.

 

[wanless]

Perfect I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and get it with the co2 regulator and just run it with co2 for now and see how I get on also thanks for giving me an excuse to spend more time in my local getting to know the landlord

 

[Tman]

Perfect I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and get it with the co2 regulator and just run it with co2 for now and see how I get on also thanks for giving me an excuse to spend more time in my local getting to know the landlord

Ave come home rolling a few times after telling the mrs just going to get some more co2