First time

[Sonic4]

Hi All,

I am interested in learning to weld in perticully automotive welding. I first need buy a welder I don't have a huge amount of money to spend on equipment first time round may upgrade if I am any good at it.i have looked a toolstation screwfix machine mart but don't know what I'm looking at.

Have help or suggestions on what I should buy would be a great help.

Thanks Dave

 

[gordon stephenson]

Welcome Dave, You have come to the right place,

 

[Craig-SM]

Welcome Dave. If you’re on a budget then look at used equipment. For thin material you d t need to worry about maximum amps but lower output and control. Avoid disposable bottles and go for hobby gas bottle type with Argon/CO2. Keep an eye in the for sale section.

 

[gaz1]

welcome dave

plenty of scotish members on the forums

im going to link to a post for you ive been down the same road with my first mig welder so you will find im honest and blunt with what i post

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/which-welder.92380/#post-1360585

to note it also depends on the thickness your welding as well the clarke 151 is up to 0.8mm/5mm

automotive welding is one of the hardest to do as its usually less metal than frame building from new

 

[Sonic4]

Thanks for the info will steer clear of ebay i will have a look at machine mart.

More questions shortly

 

[Shedendman]

Welcome Dave
The big question is "whats your budget"?
Factor in things(as mentioned) gas,mask,gloves. Tools,ie grinder,clamps,i could go on,the list never ends

 

[Sonic4]

I have around £260 in mind I have a grinders etc need mask looking at sip auto tint from tool station or the Clarke one from machine mart. I has looking gas/no gas mig in machine it was 210 + 45 for the mask + 8 for gloves. So just just over the £260 I would rather not spent £260 but it seemed a reasonable starting point.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/010110125/

Cheers Dave

 

[slim_boy_fat]

The Clarke machines enjoy quite a good reputation for beginners.

 

[gaz1]

If you get a mm voucher off forum you can get a 151 blue for 220

 

[Sonic4]

I have had a hunt about I can't find the mm voucher can you point me in the right direction please.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

I have had a hunt about I can't find the mm voucher can you point me in the right direction please.

Afaik, MM send them out to previous customers [although I never got one ] - they crop up on here from time to time, when Members get one they won't use themselves.

 

[Seadog]

Afaik, MM send them out to previous customers

That is correct SBF. I've had quite a few although I've not yet bought anything sizable. Maybe they're trying to tempt me into an expensive purchase . I always offer them on here.

 

[Sonic4]

Will anyone be will to offer me a code they will not use I would be most grateful. I did sign up MM newsletter hoping the may send me one but they didn't.

 

[gaz1]

brother just got a book from them will see if theres a voucher in there but will have to wait till post is open for that check

 

[Sonic4]

I request a catalogue for the same reason. Lol