I'm Mat... I'm 34, living in London. I normally work as a programmer (Java and C++, 3d graphics, etc) but like to work on other stuff in my free time. I'm currently building a CNC machine, hence the welder (which lives in the kitchen). I have a degree in physics, more than 10 yrs in...
115V... you crazy people :)
flux core: not used it, but the smoke apparently gets in the way, it doesn't smell nice, and the job isn't as neat. better if you can't get out of the wind though.
replacing floor: the metal is thin, get lots of practice! :)
0.7 may be better for thinner...
Can't help with all your questions, I'm sure Malcolm will pitch in though :)
.8 vs .6: depends on thickness of metal. I generally work with 3mm steel and do fine with .6, although .8 may be better.
gas flow: dip the end in upturned pint glass of water, time how long it takes to empty...
Gas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_inert_gas_welding
Nice article (that I've helped with a bit :) ) Gives rough guidelines to litre/minute settings. I started with that, figured the flow meter on my reg is near useless (cheap Clarke thing) and instead adjusted it till it gave the right...
Be CAREFUL
Hi there,
what we now call "230v" in the uk is really 230V +/-10%
This is 207 to 253V, so things sound about right there. Sounds like you have a generous electricity supplier or a dubious voltmeter supplier.
>The receptacle is just a standard 220V with two hots and a ground...
gas
> True enough it must be possible to bolt something on. You'll probably know that it's bad to weld things directly onto the welder.
Heh yep... I also know not to weld to the gas bottle too :)
All finally solved..... 10m of cheap B+Q narrow poly tubing, a few home made brass...
Learning
Well, I really tried to take all the shortcuts and get welding in about 10 mins, which I am proud to say..... I totally failed at. The hard bit isn't the welding itself (that's easy, at least on the 3mm steel I play around with), it's getting it all set up correctly.
After a few...
Sorry for late reply...
Mine is the "Ferm MIG 150T Welder 230V". It has a small indentation for a mini-bottle (60 L things) and no shelf for anything larger. Also has a tube that doesn't look long enough to reach the top of a size X bottle.
It looks possible to weld up a little shelf and fit...
hmmm
I would suggest that anyone going above 10A (2.3 kW input power) checks their electrics carefully.
Ignore output power as the voltage and current are hard to measure/predict. Check the input power specs on the welder itself.
Consumer grade heaters and kettles often reach 13A (3 kW)...
Halfords
My comments today look like I'm a Halfords salesman, but here goes anyway...
Halfords sell the small 60L disposable bottles of gas (Pure CO2, Pure Argon, and the usual 80-ish% mix, about £8 each) as well as the Al wire, and I believe stainless wire too (wire is the usual stupid £11...
bottles...
It seems that the alternatives are:
- BOC etc.... £40 / yr rental, £40 per fill up or whatever it is. (the little Size X bottles).
- Landlord special as above.
- Disposable 60 L bottles.
I know the disposable are expensive at £8 or something a go, but the breakeven point vs. BOC...
gas
Thanks for tip... info so far:
Air Products: transferred me to local branch, got answerphone.
BOC Agent: "BOC account holders only"
BOC Tradequip: a lot more helpful, just need to turn up with proof of address and proof of bank account.
hmmm wire thickness
Hi again Malcolm and folks,
so you'd suggest 0.8mm for anything above 2mm steel?
I've been using 0.6mm for 3mm, which kinda works but perhaps not with the penetration I'd prefer... this might explain it ?
If you are getting responses like "no changing facilities for women", that sounds like an equal opportunities issue to me. Mentioning their legal responsibilities to play fair might not help with relations further down the line, but might help you jam a foot in the door.
"Not suitable for...
screwfix
I've also got a screwfix welder (the Ferm 150T thing). I think Ferm is Screwfix' own brand?
Mine is the Ferm MIG 150T, which looks identical to a "Sealey Mightmig 140 Amp Turbo Mig Welder" (available here: http://www.welduk.com/Details.asp?ProductID=353) This might help you find...
boc/air products
I'm also trying to find a gas supplier (have found BOC and Air Products near where I live in West London).
As a private individual (no company or anything) can you give me any tips on how to approach these companies? I guess I kind of assume they only deal with...