Hi guys, this is my first post here and I just wanted to ask a couple of newbie questions so please bear with me.
I have just started a full nut & bolt restoration of my 1954 Sunbeam Talbot Alpine classic car and although I am proficient mechanically, I knew very little about welding .. and it needs alot of welding. Here's my web site http://alpine.letusfixit.co.uk/
So being unable and unwilling to fork out £000's to a body shop I enrolled at my local college and am learning panel beating, metal forming, welding and paint refinishing so I can do it all myself .. and thoroughly enjoying every minute.
Now its time to take the plunge and buy a Mig welder. I've read alot of comments on the various models and also read the excellent advice on this site .. including the "Buyers Guide"
I'm coming to the conclusion that a Clarke 135TE Turbo or 151TE Turbo is the model I should go for - all gassless models of course. My main reasons are 1) the excellent recomendation from here 2) MachineMart are everywhere so spares should be easy and 3) the price seems reasonable
I will only be using the MIG for this project so I don't need a commercial/profesional welding machine so I think either one of these models will do.
However I do have a question on the Gas suppliers. It would appear that the disposable bottles are gonna cost me shed loads given the amount of work I need to do, so I should look at BOC but I understand they are very expensive.
When buying from MachineMart should I ask them for a Big bottle regulator knowing that I will need one very soon - or is eBay cheaper ?
Also whats the story about approaching a friendly pub landlord ? I know they use bottles for the beer but even if I cross his palm with silver he can't loose a bottle for a year can he ? Whats in it for him and how best do I go about persuading him? I'm presuming the gas in them is the correct type I need CO2 ?
I'd like to think that I'll have the bodywork panels repaired, replaced and all welded up and complete in about 12 months .. are there any other gas suppliers in the North West I should consider ? Hmm .. I wonder if the college will do a deal ? lol
Thanks
I have just started a full nut & bolt restoration of my 1954 Sunbeam Talbot Alpine classic car and although I am proficient mechanically, I knew very little about welding .. and it needs alot of welding. Here's my web site http://alpine.letusfixit.co.uk/
So being unable and unwilling to fork out £000's to a body shop I enrolled at my local college and am learning panel beating, metal forming, welding and paint refinishing so I can do it all myself .. and thoroughly enjoying every minute.
Now its time to take the plunge and buy a Mig welder. I've read alot of comments on the various models and also read the excellent advice on this site .. including the "Buyers Guide"
I'm coming to the conclusion that a Clarke 135TE Turbo or 151TE Turbo is the model I should go for - all gassless models of course. My main reasons are 1) the excellent recomendation from here 2) MachineMart are everywhere so spares should be easy and 3) the price seems reasonable
I will only be using the MIG for this project so I don't need a commercial/profesional welding machine so I think either one of these models will do.
However I do have a question on the Gas suppliers. It would appear that the disposable bottles are gonna cost me shed loads given the amount of work I need to do, so I should look at BOC but I understand they are very expensive.
When buying from MachineMart should I ask them for a Big bottle regulator knowing that I will need one very soon - or is eBay cheaper ?
Also whats the story about approaching a friendly pub landlord ? I know they use bottles for the beer but even if I cross his palm with silver he can't loose a bottle for a year can he ? Whats in it for him and how best do I go about persuading him? I'm presuming the gas in them is the correct type I need CO2 ?
I'd like to think that I'll have the bodywork panels repaired, replaced and all welded up and complete in about 12 months .. are there any other gas suppliers in the North West I should consider ? Hmm .. I wonder if the college will do a deal ? lol
Thanks