Couple of questions on a handymig set...

[Evil Twin]

I've just won a used Sip Handymig on eBay, to start strengthening the body on a car restoration project. So the first thing I'll be sorting out is a new reel of wire, and a new liner to get a good starting point.

So as this will be the first Mig set I've owned, I've a couple of questions:

From the brands available in the UK are there better makes of mig wire for tackling mild steel, or is the Sip wire ok? The set I have uses 0.6mm wire and has a smaller but rusty reel fitted if this helps.

Next question regards liners: are they generic one liner fits all affairs, or do I have to buy a sip liner?

When replacing the gas cylinders, is CO2 or a CO2/Argon mix preferred when doing general car body repairs, the prices seem the same from halfords, so I presume they will be sensibly priced when I get my trade discount there.

Finally should I replace anything else while I'm in there, besides the gas cylinder, liner and wire.

 

[the snooper]

wire quality does vary, i dont think you will have a problem getting a liner for it as long as its the same o/s diameter as the original
but what i will say is stay clear of the small disposable gas bottles they only last about ten minutes and co2 / argon mix will be better for mild steel

 

[BillJ]

stay clear of the small disposable gas bottles they only last about ten minutes and co2 / argon mix will be better for mild steel

Also, at least as far as the little disposables is concerned, you get a lot more in the CO2 cylinder since it's liquefied. CO2/Argon is pressurised but still stored as a gas. So the trade-off between them is more welding time per bottle vs better weld quality.

 

[biodoctor]

as the other two posts say avoid using disposable bottles,although the rental charges on bigger bottles look expensive you need to compare the cost against the amount of disposables your going to get through,and the bigger bottles give a better weld imo,there's loads of posts about gas prices on here,have a look at the shielding gas section,as for the wire have a look in the weldequip shop.

Jerry

ps,welcome to the forum

 

[Evil Twin]

So what are my options for changing over to a larger refillable bottle?