In at the deep end...

[willibob]

Hi guys (and gals!!)

I've just bought a Wolf TIG200 to learn how to weld!! I know its a budget machine but it has HF start (and not much else) and I didn't want to risk buying a machine from eBay.

I did a course in gas welding many years ago and haven't welded anything since!!

I just need some gas now (and some bits of sheet steel to practise on). Visited Air Products today and the guy was very helpful but I couldn't help thinking that they're trying to prevent hobby welders from getting started by making it a very expensive hobby in terms of gas. They charge £42 for the gas (no probs with that) and £10/month for cylinder rental and then £14 per transaction on top. All those prices exclude VAT. All seems a bit pricey to me.

What do you guys think?

Any and all advice and pointers is greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Bill

 

[madkayaker]

hello and welcome there is a thread on gas suppliers on here might be something close by.

 

[willibob]

Cheers for that.

I had a quick search and there's a guy called Gasman that seems to cover Manchester.

I'll drop him a PM.

Ta

Bill

 

[madkayaker]

A few have used Gasman and found him very useful

 

[Dave J]

There's a place in Blackburn/Darwen area, that does rent free if that of any help. don't know if they do pure argon but its worth a try, just do a search.

dave

 

[willibob]

Cheers for the help guys.

Much appreciated.

 

[Turbo Gav]

Good luck mate im new to it too

 

[drjim]

Whereabouts in Manchester are you? Parflo in Broadheath do BOC.

 

[Big Mick]

Tygas in Bury do Air Products stuff

Whereabouts are you?

 

[willibob]

I'm in Prestwich.

I got a number for Freshford in Audenshaw from Gasman so I gave them a ring.

Spoke to a guy called Trevor who was really helpful.

Much better prices than Air Products!!

 

[Omniata]

Drop "Chrissi" a PM, she deals with Air Products might get you a good discount

 

[Ashg]

never go into an airproducts dealer and ask for gas as you will get a crap deal. allways ring their main nunber and they will give a much better deal and set you up with an account number which you can use to get the better rate in the local dealer.