Looking into learning to weld

[fishpat86]

I'm going to build a power rack for my home gym later on in the year and steel is the only option for safety reasons. I will be building it out of 3-4mm thick steel box section and I want to weld it myself.

I have read a few guides which suggest a minimum of 150 amps. What is the best option for me with regards to gas or no gas and what should I avoid.

If you have any questions to help me out please ask and I will answer as soon as possible.

 

[shenion]

Depends on your budget. How much you willing to spend.

Gasless will work, but will be messy.

I find arc simpler on heavier stuff. It will also be cheaper. Takes a bit more practice though.

For MIG, the Clarke, 151 or 160 will work. The EN models will allow gasless.

I would not get a gasless MIG as they tend to be real low end. Go for a gas/gasless as it provides more options.

If that is all you need to do, an arc welder will do. 140A and above would be good. Used, oil-filled are great to have unless you need portability.

 

[fishpat86]

So Arc will be fine for steel. I only plan to work on steel for gym equipment so I wouldn't need the ability to weld thin materials. Have you got any suggestions for good arc welders. I'm looking to spend around £200 but I'm willing to spend more if it means better quality and less problems with faults/quality.

 

[keith19]

If you plan to use arc, take a look at this inverter arc welder below. It's not a great deal above your budget, comes from a well-regarded company, and is highly portable should you ever need this. It also doesn't take up much floor or cupboard space if you don't have a workshop.
http://www.weldequip.com/tecarc-165i.htm
Perhaps more important, it will be easier to learn arc on this than with a cheapie 'buzz-box', which most of us have used at one time or another. It should handle 3 - 4 mm with ease from a 13 Amp domestic socket.

 

[fishpat86]

If you plan to use arc, take a look at this inverter arc welder below. It's not a great deal above your budget, comes from a well-regarded company, and is highly portable should you ever need this. It also doesn't take up much floor or cupboard space if you don't have a workshop.
http://www.weldequip.com/tecarc-165i.htm
Perhaps more important, it will be easier to learn arc on this than with a cheapie 'buzz-box', which most of us have used at one time or another. It should handle 3 - 4 mm with ease from a 13 Amp domestic socket.

Comes with a pint so I'm sold.

Cheers for the info.