Newbie looking for advice about starting out

[danielgomez]

As above looking to get back into some mig welding have done wee bits in the past but has been that long ago have forgotten most of what i was taught.
For a mig welder what should i be looking at buying?Mostly going to be hobby stuff repairing old vws.
What welding masks get your vote?

Any advice is great.
Dan.

 

[SwissTony]

Need to know your budget first.

 

[Dusty]

Forget the cheepy deals you see in supermarkets/etc, you'll be looking for a mid range machine really. As an old car nut with a VW t25 bus and an Old Disco to repair I'll go first with a recomendation; Clarke 160tm 150amp mig.
Should cope with anything youre likley to want to do, will run at lower (most)settings from a 13amp plug, take a full size Y gas bottle Argon mix.
There are several owners on here so problems are easily sorted.
You'll need a decent auto helmet, gloves etc wire/tips etc
cost u around £300 to 400 ish, (or one repair labour charge on a typical bodyshop bill)
weldequip does a good deal, but there are other suppliers of course...
Have a good read round here there's plenty of good info to be found.
Dusty

 

[drjim]

+1 for the 160TM

 

[danielgomez]

Thanks for that guys,Tony my budget depends on how much i would be needing to set myself up with a good rig and all the other items mask gloves etc etc.Can always save up if im a bit short.
Will look at those ones you recomended Dusty.
Will keep you all posted was going to go for a part time welding course not go much free time though but will try and remember what i was taught few years ago and brew some coffee and head to the garage one i get some equipment sorted out.Also will prob be asking many many questions on here.
Dan.

 

[1969 Vernon]

Welding Machines

I like Miller welders I wouldn't own any thing but a Miller. Helments are a personal choice one great helment for me is a Huntmans 2 old school flip and weld But I'm old school. Good luck with you choice. Vernon

My Welder is a 251 Millermatic (Wire feeder)