Hi Guys, complete novice.

[Myrkk]

Hi,

Am looking for advice on learning welding. I have a blacksmithing forge which requires welding together. Have had it for 4yrs now and not managed to get anyone to weld it together. Welding is on my list of learning to dos so decided enough is enough and after finally getting a quote for welding it together which the Scot in me balks at have decided I will do it myself.

It's steel and from memory around 5mm thick. I don't have any welding equip. at the moment and so need advice on the best to buy.

Was thinking a MIG welder but from reading through some of the stuff on this site [which is brill btw] have found that the 5mm welding thickness claimed by some machines may be a little on the optimistic side.

The majority of my welding post the forge will be of thinner materials or spot welding posts into holes etc.

Any help more than welcome. Have been looking at courses around where I live but they all started back in Sept. even the night-classes so will have to wait a while before I can do any of them, and being impatient [4yrs hahaha] I want to use my forge now!!!!

 

[weldequip]

MMA ("Stick") welding is the way to go for your particular application. £150+ for a decent, traditional transformer based machine or around £350 for the latest technology, again, decent stuff.
You can work on less than 1/2 those prices if you go Chinese but if you want it to work everytime you turn it on
weldequip

 

[Myrkk]

Sorry, just noticed I've posted this in the wrong forum. Feel free to move it.

I'd sort of planned on spending up to £260ish.

Stick welding makes more mess from what I understand i.e. slag to be chipped off but does thicker welds. Is that right? As opposed to MIG welding which is cleaner if a gas is used but has a limit on how thick a weld can be done?

Sorry for all the dumb questions but I'm on a steep learning curve. Currently reading a book called welding basics and this forum....... wish I'd just bought the forge pre-welded ho hum

 

[irondarren]

Kit form forge? most likely the sheet that forms the canopy is about 2mm thick maybe 3mm, then yes MIG would be better. for £260 thats enough to get you a reasonable clarkes hobby unit something like a 151te 30-150amps, twist weldequip's arm enough and for that money he might do you the 151te and an auto darkening helmet ( a definate must when learning), if he is in a good mood

 

[Myrkk]

the forge was bought from the guy I've done a couple of blacksmithing courses with. I didn't get it welded 'cause I was worried it would be too big for the car.

No canopy, so it is the main fire pit that requires welding, it is quite thick and one bit states it needs dis-similar hydrogen rods...? Will have to get the forge and the destructions back from the people who have it at the mo.