Mig welder for beginner/automotive

[Oosti]

Hi there!
I have next to none welding experience, been looking at content online and want to give welding a shot, just as a hobby for now.

I have an interest in cars/4WD’s and eventually want to build a roof rack, trays etc. from what I’ve read a MIG welder would be best as I’d most likely use steel?
If so, how much amp do I need?
I don’t want to spend too much atm, but I don’t want to buy something that’s cheap and will break.
I just need something that will get the job done for now, and if it goes well I can always upgrade.

Cheers!

Oosti

 

[addjunkie]

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/buying.htm

 

[Oosti]

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/buying.htm

Thanks that helps alot!
How thick are metals used to build things like roof racks/trays/side steps etc.... 3 or 4 mm??

 

[123hotchef]

Thanks that helps alot!
How thick are metals used to build things like roof racks/trays/side steps etc.... 3 or 4 mm??

depends whom makes them

 

[Munkul]

Say 4mm to be on the safe side. In practice 2mm with good design usually works for roof racks, 3-4mm for steps, depends what it's for, and how you design it.
I'd buy something capable of at least 4mm, which means around 180amps upwards, but the key thing would be a good duty cycle around 150 amps for 3mm.

Cheap mig welders are a false economy. They weld crap, due to cheap electrical circuits as well as the mechanical wire feed arrangement. If you want cheap, then look for a good quality second hand machine that's been looked after... maybe need to wait for the right one to come up for sale locally? A decent make around 180amps would see you away, though.

 

[Oosti]

Say 4mm to be on the safe side. In practice 2mm with good design usually works for roof racks, 3-4mm for steps, depends what it's for, and how you design it.
I'd buy something capable of at least 4mm, which means around 180amps upwards, but the key thing would be a good duty cycle around 150 amps for 3mm.

Cheap mig welders are a false economy. They weld crap, due to cheap electrical circuits as well as the mechanical wire feed arrangement. If you want cheap, then look for a good quality second hand machine that's been looked after... maybe need to wait for the right one to come up for sale locally? A decent make around 180amps would see you away, though.

Cheers for that reply.
What are some good quality well known brands?

 

[Munkul]

Lincoln, ESAB, Thermal arc, Miller, Cebora, Lorch, Fronius, Hobart, Kemppi, EWM, Murex, Migatronic, Oxford, Butters, BOC, Cemont, Oerlikon... the list goes on Depends what's supported in your area of Aus and see what's available. Different countries have different ranges of welders available to them, for example the US range of Lincoln welders are totally different to the ones offered in the UK.

These are all the makes which do industrial spec machines, there are plenty smaller manufacturers making good light-medium duty machines too, but aren't as well-known. Just do some research on the brands around your area.