Brand New To This

[smugley]

Hello all,
Firstly an introduction, I'm a Classic Car nut with an ambition/capability mismatch. I've always wanted to start repairing the bodywork on my cars myself - I can get along mechanically but now it's time to learn how to weld.

I've inherited an Sealey PM130XT MIG welder from my father-in-law who has used it a fair bit on his tractor/trailer collection.

I have a few questions before I take the leap - I'd really appreciate a gentle shove in the right direction:

1. My welder has a Current Range of 35-130 Amps - what would be my limitations with this i.e metal thickness etc..

2. I haven't got any safety gear at all, so need to go shopping. What are the best makes/models for aprons or gauntlets?

3. On the same vein, I've been looking at arc activated helmets, but what exactly am I looking for, i.e. DIN numbers? I'm thinking of around £75 as a starter budget.

Any help would be most welcome.
Cheers!

 

[madkayaker]

hello and welcome. 35A is a little high for modern body work but should be ok for the older thicker stuff with practice. Gloves etc are bit of a muchness really. Arc helmets are great worth sending Weldequip a PM as he supplies lots of welding gear.

 

[smugley]

Good stuff, thanks for that. I'll pm Weldequip soonest.

 

[madkayaker]

he will do service bits for your welder gloves the whole lot!

 

[gavuk]

Hi smugley ,welcome to the forum,i have an old 130xt ,will do anything on a car up to 3-4mm with no edge preparation,for thin body panel stuff i use on-off technique (see welding tutorial) get some scrap and practise before starting on your pride and joy,if father in law has well used the welder may need a new liner ,weldquip your man for that too,i bought a cheap parweld auto helmet ,think weldquip is stocking another type now,you will want to move away from disposable gas (if thats what you have) its very expensive.....Gav

 

[wallopadonkey]

i got my sif auto helmet from weldequipe is spot on and came in below your budget

 

[smugley]

Thanks guys, all good gen. I'll ask about the liner (erm...what is it???), and make a shopping list. I'm certainly going to take this slow time, when I get some scrap and have a go I'll post some pictures.
Cheers

 

[smugley]

Hello all, (especially newcomers, like myself)
Just received a brand spanking new SIF auto helmet from Weldequip, top man. Very rapid service and friendly to boot.
Recommended!!!!