Got the welder today, and managed to attack some mild steel with it :laughing: . After a bit of practice I manages to strike an arc and sustain it for a bit, but at that point the steel was already covered in burn marks, spatter and melted flux (can't remember the word for it). I had fun playing...
I watched all but the last ~3 minutes of the video. For the electrodes, it recommends storing them in a warm, dry place as they are effected by moisture, yet the driest place I can think of is actually in a freezer, yet they risk getting wet if any ice forms on them. Where would be a good place...
So that machine is a good choice - one step closer to getting welding then! Next, what do I need to know about safety? A welding mask is obviously needed, gloves would be essential too. Apart from that, what would I need? Would suitable protection be given by a pair of jeans and a thick cotton...
Thanks everyone!
A cheap arc welder has came up second hand in my area for £40. Would this one be a good one, or would one of the welders from Lidl or Amazon be a better choice?
http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/gable-arc-welder-and-screen/102378657
Thanks everyone!
I have been looking round and seen some different viewpoints on the subject; for someone in my position that cannot weld yet, but would like to, which is the better type of welder - arc or MIG? Also, what price range could I get a MIG for? All the new ones I've seen are £150+...
Thanks!
I wouldn't be doing car work with it, so that's not a problem. I was looking at a very similar machine (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-396689-130-Amp-Welder/dp/B000WTM264/ref=sr_1_2?s=diy&ie=UTF8&qid=1337719884&sr=1-2) but it made no mention to the minimum current. Would this one be...
Hello all!
I am the sort of person that can't just buy something without wondering how to make my own version. Lots of things that I was wanting to make require welding though - something that has appealed to me before.
Plenty of research narrowed the choice down to either a SMAW or MIG...