Art project for total novice.....

[kiltman65]

Hi I'm a complete novice when it comes to welding but I do have an interest in art and want to turn some of my designs into sculptural pieces.

Initially I would be working on 12-24 inch models to get feel for materials, equipment etc but ultimately would like finished pieces to be 72-94inches in 5-10mm steel sheeting (with a yet undetermined internal support) that would then require a professional spray coat finish.

Any ideas as to equipment type, suitable for both model and finished pieces (same grade steel), places to buy (cheap and reliable) and best place for tutuorials?

Sorry if this seems too much at once but any assistance greatly appreciated.

kiltie

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

at 5mm you'd be able to use a range of mig welders, the Clarke 150 or 151 for instance. If you plan on going to 10mm then the Migs get a bit pricey as you're looking for higher power so you may be better off with a decent Arc set.

It depends how 'structural' it needs to be, if it's just odd bits tacked together then you can weld from both sides but 10mm would be pushing my 150 to it's limit and I'd not want to walk on it or under it afterwards in case bits fell off.

A sculpture that's just 'sitting' on a plinth should be safe enough though.

You'll probably find it easier to get good welds with Mig but Arc works out a lot cheaper to run.

Regards
Peter

 

[Bullyterrier]

I would of thought 5mm would be pushing a 150 ampwelder. I have a 185amp and would thought 6-7mm to be max. I would of thought you would need a 250amp mig welder to weld 10mm steel. Try and get a welder more powerful than what you think you will need, as you will at some point be thinking I wish I got a little bit bigger welder.
Have a look at the MTA welders on this website click here for some specs. The MTA 231 or MTA 311 would probably be the type of welder you could do with. They are the same as the portamigs, and if you do a search on this forum you will see the portamigs are excellent machines. If you search on this forum for a member called weldequip and then send him a personal message he is a dealer for the portamigs and he can give you some advice and prices for your needs.
As for tutorials, there is a section on this website follow the links on the top of the page, but you would be better finding someone near you and asking them if they could give you some advice and show you the ropes.

 

[chunkolini]

Hi Kiltman
Welcome aboard.
I would say that the materials you are talking about are probably over specced for starting out. Start off with something light and quick to cut and shape and get a feel for the material before you get into the heavy duty stuff. 5-10mm plate is serious stuff to handle let alone bend and cut. I dont think I have ever used anything bigger than 3mm plate, except maybe for bases for sculpture.

Regards welders, I started off with a Clarke 130 amp mig welder, these are about £200 or so and are great value for money, mine died after 6 years of merciless abuse so no complaints there.

Seriously if you are just starting out in sculpture start with light materials and let your work grow as your skills grow. Good luck and dont listen to the doubters, you have more talent in your toenails than they have anywhere.

Chunko'.

 

[kiltman65]

Thanks for the advice guys, will check and see what weldequip has got. May look at starting with something using lighter materials!!!

neil

 

[zardoz]

This guy from glasgow is selling a full welding set including clarke welder for £200
click this link

 

[Bigjoe]

Hi Neil,
What part of scotland are you in? theres a few of us on here from north of the border.

Regards

Joe

 

[kiltman65]

Hi Neil,
What part of scotland are you in? theres a few of us on here from north of the border.

Regards

Joe

Hi joe i'm in dumfriesshire.