First DIY MIG welder.....

[BigRustySalmon]

Hello, I have read a few posts about what welder is a half decent one for a beginner DIYer. Although many of these end up going off topic.

I am looking for a welder up to £300 to start my new hobby in the to art of metal fusing. My first project will be to create a industrial table using 20mm box section (2mm thick) and maybe a bookcase. After this, depending on how I get on, I would like to try things that are more challenging, I have always wanted to make a go-kart so might give this a go.

Obviously I want to get a welder that is easy to use for a beginner and one that will last a good few projects (assume I can successfully weld). It will be connected to the mains so one that does not draw more than 13A from a standard socket is a must.

I have looked online and there seem to be a lot out there for the £200-£300 range. The likes of Clarke and SIP seem quite common, however I saw that GYS was mentioned in another post about DIY welding. As I have no knowledge about the quality of the welders can someone give advice on where I should be looking to get my first one, is a second hand one a possibility? Ideally a quick summary of the brands and if you would recommend one.

Thanks in advance

BRS

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Clarke & SIP wouldn't be a terrible way to go to start yourself off but if you can stretch the budget a little i'd be taking a serious look at the GYS equipment, their smartMIG range is top class for the money you pay. Either a 142 or a 162 smartMIG would do what you want.

Of course there is secondhand, £300 will get you a decent used bit of kit but you've always got to see it working before you part with your cash.

 

[BigRustySalmon]

Thanks pdg and Tom. I am not sure if I will be able to get someone who knows whats what to look at the second hand one as I cant think who I know that can weld.

The GYS 142 looks nice and simple to use with the settings table on the welder, I am sure I could mange to get some metal to stick together. Most of the GYS is from ebay, is this reliable or is there a chance they could be knockoffs?

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Its very, very rare that you find knock off welders with brand names. If you find a reliable supplier online that is GYS authorised then they'll most definitely be genuine.
If you want, post a link to the ebay listing and i'll let you know if they're a reputable supplier.

 

[BigRustySalmon]

Thanks Tom, this one is £50 cheaper than the others @£299

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=111947797848&alt=web

 

[Tom Orrow L]

They are a reputable supplier but not an out and out welding distributor, phone around some of the online distributors (which there are plenty of), tell them the price you've been given and ask if they can beat it/match it. You'll be better off with support from people who know their stuff.