I'm looking into getting a classic car that inevitably will need welding. Most that I have seen need at least a wheel arch replacing and another common spot is under the rear windscreen (Screen out job).
The cost to have the screen out job done is high so I'm interested in having a go myself at some point if I have enough skill. Bodywork has always been something I've been interested in getting into.
My plan is to start practising with a mig welder just to get a knack for it and then buy a scrap wheel arch panel to cut out a section of to then practice spot welding a patch, grinding it back, filling and painting. (I don't intend to paint the actual wheel arch myself - just the scrap one to get an idea of my finish and where to improve). I'm in no rush and a particular car I am interested in will easily make it to summer of 2024 without too much further decay as it is only showing early signs.
I have read a lot on different welding machines and there seems to be a contrast of either buying a cheap 2nd hand one just for car welding, or buy a very good one as it will help you with your welding.
So far I am not sure whether to get an inverter as I hear they can offer automatic adjustment of wire feeds etc but I'm worried about it getting knocked in the garage, or a transformer one.
I have looked at the welding shop linked to the site and the mig welder at about 495 seems great but im not sure if this is overkill if i am only doing body panels and could just buy a used sealey/clarke?
Thanks
The cost to have the screen out job done is high so I'm interested in having a go myself at some point if I have enough skill. Bodywork has always been something I've been interested in getting into.
My plan is to start practising with a mig welder just to get a knack for it and then buy a scrap wheel arch panel to cut out a section of to then practice spot welding a patch, grinding it back, filling and painting. (I don't intend to paint the actual wheel arch myself - just the scrap one to get an idea of my finish and where to improve). I'm in no rush and a particular car I am interested in will easily make it to summer of 2024 without too much further decay as it is only showing early signs.
I have read a lot on different welding machines and there seems to be a contrast of either buying a cheap 2nd hand one just for car welding, or buy a very good one as it will help you with your welding.
So far I am not sure whether to get an inverter as I hear they can offer automatic adjustment of wire feeds etc but I'm worried about it getting knocked in the garage, or a transformer one.
I have looked at the welding shop linked to the site and the mig welder at about 495 seems great but im not sure if this is overkill if i am only doing body panels and could just buy a used sealey/clarke?
Thanks