Newbie needs some advice please.....

[amebb]

Hi there

I am new to this forum and also new(ish) to the world of welding etc.

I have a small project to complete where i have to do some welding on my car.

A few holes here and there need to be patched up and welded etc.

Now, i have had a look on ebay etc and other sites but the variety of welders availiable is vast.

I dont want to get the wrong one etc so can anyone give me some advice on what i should be looking for please???

The metal that i will be welding is Steel..... and perhaps i may even do welding on aluminum too..... but not much.

Also, i have a tight budget too

Anyhelp and guidance would be much appreciated.


Thanks for your help in advance.

Paul

 

[jackjosh]

A tight budget would rule out Aluminum particularly the TIG route. People really need to know your budget to advise on a machine and also if you are prepared to buy a used machine?

 

[cumbriasteve]

For a quick answer:

Try and get a Clarke gas/no gas mig.

A Clarke 90, 100 or 135 should be found for anything between £50 to £150 depending on condition and extras included.

For car work the top power does not really matter, you will be on the lower range all the time.

If 2nd hand you must see it welding nicely by the seller or walk away if you have no skills to repair the faults.

Aluminium is a skill and a machine a fair bit further down the road.

 

[gaz1]

id go for a higher power machine of 150 amps a bit more versatile and i know how you feel on how much .... just to learn been down that rd myself recently

2 machines down too budget either clarke or sip 150s but with sip consider doing the mod conversion on it with ebay or elsewhere see it working first before buying it