I'll start with saying I'm totally brand new to welding. Ill also say i talk aaot so I'll apologise for the lengthy post upfront!
I've spent the last week or so googling the living day lights out of the internet trying to learn as much as I can about what I need to get started.
I'm looking to start making my own steel frames for furniture as I'm already a half decent wood worker and make table tops etc Nd like the whole industrial reclaimed timber with steel frame look.
I got the idea to try my hand at welding after looking at a few steel frames at first / shows and thinking the construction looks simple enough and some of the welding wasn't exactly top draw (not that my efforts may be any better!)
I'm thinking I'll need to weld sheet upto maybe 5mm on occasion but most of what I plan on will be 3-4mm. Ix section and small tabs of 1-2mm sheet.
So far I've learnt that aside from a machine and mask I'll need gloves, c clamps, magnetic clamps and wire in 0.6 and 0.8.
I have also learnt in theory what the pros and cons of transformer Vs inverter are but am still not sure what is best for the novice user in reality.
In terms of gas I am guessing I will need to find someone who does bottle rental near me on Hertfordshire as the disposable bottles don't offer value for money.
So what machines have I looked at so far..
GYS smartmig 162 (cheapest)
R Tech 180 (most expensive)
Parweld XTC 171c
These 3 seem to be the most common I see mentioned.
Budget wise I can go to about £650 max but this needs to get me everything I need to get going with the sort of projects I want to do. Also really need to run of a 13amp plug although I have space in the workshop CU for a dedicated MCB for a welder in future.
I know these tyoe of threads have been done a million times but I'd love some specific feedback on my requirements.
Cheers
I've spent the last week or so googling the living day lights out of the internet trying to learn as much as I can about what I need to get started.
I'm looking to start making my own steel frames for furniture as I'm already a half decent wood worker and make table tops etc Nd like the whole industrial reclaimed timber with steel frame look.
I got the idea to try my hand at welding after looking at a few steel frames at first / shows and thinking the construction looks simple enough and some of the welding wasn't exactly top draw (not that my efforts may be any better!)
I'm thinking I'll need to weld sheet upto maybe 5mm on occasion but most of what I plan on will be 3-4mm. Ix section and small tabs of 1-2mm sheet.
So far I've learnt that aside from a machine and mask I'll need gloves, c clamps, magnetic clamps and wire in 0.6 and 0.8.
I have also learnt in theory what the pros and cons of transformer Vs inverter are but am still not sure what is best for the novice user in reality.
In terms of gas I am guessing I will need to find someone who does bottle rental near me on Hertfordshire as the disposable bottles don't offer value for money.
So what machines have I looked at so far..
GYS smartmig 162 (cheapest)
R Tech 180 (most expensive)
Parweld XTC 171c
These 3 seem to be the most common I see mentioned.
Budget wise I can go to about £650 max but this needs to get me everything I need to get going with the sort of projects I want to do. Also really need to run of a 13amp plug although I have space in the workshop CU for a dedicated MCB for a welder in future.
I know these tyoe of threads have been done a million times but I'd love some specific feedback on my requirements.
Cheers