ok chaps,
1stly, sorry about the "boring thread" but i have read a few about different kind of welders review / advises thread...so here we go, just one more. Weldequip seem to be quite knowledgeable when it comes to pointing out the "obvious" to us beginers / mere mortals.
Right, i am planning on building bicycle chopper frames / MTB frame / bicycle jigs out of mild steel. Minimum thickness, circa 1mm, max thickness maybe 3mm max (for a particular type of chopper frame).
I am going to take evening classes for a while, but really i am thinking on welding at least for 30 - 45 minutes every day to make sure that i get use to it asap. after all "he who dares wins" and "practise makes perfect"!!!
Now, my guess is because of all this i need :
1 - 150amp upwards
2 - cylinder bottles really (argon)
but i am going to do all this from home, so 13amp one phase business. At the moment, i am fortunate enough not to be "budget restricted" but i would find it hard to stomach >£800 all inclusive (welder / bottle / mask / gloves ...) for what i currently have in mind...
Obviously i have read about the portamig 181, clarke 175Te..etc..but i am open to "beefier" suggestion. Also i'd like it as automated as possible, use friendly, built to last (as i am very clumpsy...)
So let me know your views please.
Thanks a lot
Ralphy
1stly, sorry about the "boring thread" but i have read a few about different kind of welders review / advises thread...so here we go, just one more. Weldequip seem to be quite knowledgeable when it comes to pointing out the "obvious" to us beginers / mere mortals.
Right, i am planning on building bicycle chopper frames / MTB frame / bicycle jigs out of mild steel. Minimum thickness, circa 1mm, max thickness maybe 3mm max (for a particular type of chopper frame).
I am going to take evening classes for a while, but really i am thinking on welding at least for 30 - 45 minutes every day to make sure that i get use to it asap. after all "he who dares wins" and "practise makes perfect"!!!
Now, my guess is because of all this i need :
1 - 150amp upwards
2 - cylinder bottles really (argon)
but i am going to do all this from home, so 13amp one phase business. At the moment, i am fortunate enough not to be "budget restricted" but i would find it hard to stomach >£800 all inclusive (welder / bottle / mask / gloves ...) for what i currently have in mind...
Obviously i have read about the portamig 181, clarke 175Te..etc..but i am open to "beefier" suggestion. Also i'd like it as automated as possible, use friendly, built to last (as i am very clumpsy...)
So let me know your views please.
Thanks a lot
Ralphy