Advice Please total novice

[Katanauk]

Hi great forum and very educational I hope this is the correct place to post this question ...

I'm about to purchase my first mig setup but on a very tight budget so some advice on what minimum spec I would need to 1: Weld Calor Gas bottles (making a wood Burning stove) and 2: Tac or Join 2 1mm thick mild steel sheets together (heat shield) this may be my only project for some time but I would like to do it myself and don't want to spend more on a welder than I need for this Job... Any advice would be grately apriciated Many thanks in advance

 

[rtbcomp]

Welcome to the forum, I've moved this to the "Buying a Welder" section.

There's loads of advice in this section, and have a look in the "Projects" section for other members' stove builds.

 

[Richard.]

What's a tight budget. With fabrication the welder is not always the biggest expense.
Welder
Mask
Gloves
Gas
Wire
Grinder
Grinding and linishing discs
Do you have a bench and a good area with power to work

 

[Katanauk]

I have a grinder and place to work with power but thats it so far so starting from complete scratch I was looking at some of the hobby Clarke welders initially ... Thanks

 

[Richard.]

Ok and all you need to weld is 1mm thick sheet right?

 

[Richard.]

Is Tig an option for you? Requires a lot more skill and will need to be aware of distortion more as it's a slower process but if your making nice fabrications that will be on show the Tig process can produce some wonderful welds.

 

[Katanauk]

Yep 1mm mild steel sheet but I think the gas bottle is 4 mm but only need to weld the flue pipe and the door hinges I think

 

[Katanauk]

Tig not really for me at this stage ty

 

[Richard.]

Ok what's the budget. The old clankes are pretty good little machines 90-100 amps will be plenty for the 1mm. 4mm you are looking 140amp machine plus really

 

[Katanauk]

Around £200 I was hoping many thanks

 

[Richard.]

Might get ya one not sure to be honest. Have you looked around for a used machine.

 

[Rubber Duck]

If you're new to all this and have not used a grinder before, get into the habbit of unplugging it when changing disks and always wear goggles.........I can not stress that enough!!!!!!!
Grinders can be lethal in the wrongs hands.