Been lurking for a while trying to decide which welder to get, But I can't decide so I need your advice. I would also be in the market for gloves and a helmet.
The only welding I have ever done was a little 30 odd years ago when I worked for my dad at his car bodyshop, So I would want a machine that is good for a novice. I thought I had made my mind up on a Portamig 186, even mailing weldequip yesterday asking what the lead time was (waiting for a reply), but the more I think about it the more the R-tech 180 and the IFL 170 and GYS easymig 160 (I like the idea of a graph for settings) pop back into my head for their versatility and portability, although when you put a bottle on them especially if they don't have a rack then this limits the potability.
The reason I would like it to be portable is because my garage is carpeted and although it is quite large 8 x 6m it is quite full of stuff, so I would be worried about any sparks flying around and maybe being a fire hazard. So on a nice unwindy day I could weld outside, or am I worrying too much about this?
First job would be to make a nice gate 2m x 1.5m. I did make a nice one out of wood about 8 years ago but it now needs replacing so I thought I would make a metal one which hopefully will outlast me.
It will be for hobby use and probably the thickest material it would see would be the top of a welding table I would want to make, but you never know. Saying that though would i need a welding table if I am worried about welding in the garage.
i like to buy quality tools because you get what you pay for.
Any advice would be appreciated. I live in Flint N Wales if anyone wants to give a novice pointers on welding.
The only welding I have ever done was a little 30 odd years ago when I worked for my dad at his car bodyshop, So I would want a machine that is good for a novice. I thought I had made my mind up on a Portamig 186, even mailing weldequip yesterday asking what the lead time was (waiting for a reply), but the more I think about it the more the R-tech 180 and the IFL 170 and GYS easymig 160 (I like the idea of a graph for settings) pop back into my head for their versatility and portability, although when you put a bottle on them especially if they don't have a rack then this limits the potability.
The reason I would like it to be portable is because my garage is carpeted and although it is quite large 8 x 6m it is quite full of stuff, so I would be worried about any sparks flying around and maybe being a fire hazard. So on a nice unwindy day I could weld outside, or am I worrying too much about this?
First job would be to make a nice gate 2m x 1.5m. I did make a nice one out of wood about 8 years ago but it now needs replacing so I thought I would make a metal one which hopefully will outlast me.
It will be for hobby use and probably the thickest material it would see would be the top of a welding table I would want to make, but you never know. Saying that though would i need a welding table if I am worried about welding in the garage.
i like to buy quality tools because you get what you pay for.
Any advice would be appreciated. I live in Flint N Wales if anyone wants to give a novice pointers on welding.