learning to weld

[marcomerola]

hello i haven't actually done any welding yet but i am planning on buying a welder to learn with. any recommendations, things to consider before buying etc. I will just be welding cars so mainly steel but maybe sometime in the future hopefully welding alloys.

 

[Robotstar5]

Hi, welcome to the forum.

Something like a Clarke 135 or 151 would make a good starter welder and even cheaper when Machine Mart have one of their VAT free offers, keep an eye out for folks offering spare vouchers on here.
Post on here when you are considering a particular model for advice.

Also factor in the cost of gas (disposable bottles only last a few minutes) and PPE (mask, gloves etc.)

 

[J.B. Welding]

Hi,
Welcome to the wonderful world of welding. I would try to avoid gasless mig wire and get either an arc welder or a small, quality mig and a bottle of co2/argon mix. If you can find somewhere that rents or sells bottles you can get prices together for your kit. Do you have a budget in mind?

 

[marcomerola]

i was thinking of just getting a cheap one to begin with until i have learned to weld then upgrading, is this wise or should i just go all out and buy a decent welder to learn and keep for a while? being young, living with parents and working full time budget is not so much of an issue i just may need to save a bit more.

 

[Tman]

i was thinking of just getting a cheap one to begin with until i have learned to weld then upgrading, is this wise or should i just go all out and buy a decent welder to learn and keep for a while? being young, living with parents and working full time budget is not so much of an issue i just may need to save a bit more.

It is much the same for almost any tool you buy. Buy cheap but twice. Buy a decent welder and it will last you well. The 135 + 151 are really decent machines. Pub co2 gas makes for really cheap practicing.

 

[marcomerola]

the Clarke 151en and 151te, whats the difference between the two and what one would be recommended?

 

[J.B. Welding]

Being a bit biased as this was my first mig, but it did seem to have loads of power and served me well and is still going strong for mate.

Sealey SuperMig 195 <img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.co.uk/e/ir?t=revicent-21&l=ur2&o=2" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />
“The Sealey SuperMig 195 is a very very good machine...”
Written on: 22/06/2004 by will2 (1 review written)
The Sealey SuperMig 195 is a very very good machine for 1st timer to learn on. It's not expensive if you buy from the right place . No problems with anything except the shortish earth clamp, but that is not lengthened till 250 amp + machines. Sealey are very good value for money. To get the best deals you have to work through a dealer. If you look at the website you can be fooled, this 195 amper. retails around £800 on the website, but I picked a new one up for £350 no vat. (read more

I agree with this guy!

 

[skotl]

The other point about buying a decent one first is that if you tire of welding, you'll get most of your money back when you sell it.