OK, a bit about my experience first.
I am a mechanical engineer by trade, although I'm now an IT Manager (it pays better)!
I can gas weld, stick weld and MIG weld.
I have at home an ancient SIP stick welder (still in good service after 25 years), a new(ish) Clarke MW 1503T gas/no gas MIG.
I like nothing better than to get home and spend an hour or two in my garage/workshop getting my hands dirty on my hobby of off-road 4X4'ing.
Believe me, more time is spent repairing/making it stronger than actual driving!
Still, it helps relieve the mind numbing IT cr*p I put up with on a daily basis!
So, to my question:
I would like to purchase a second hand TIG welder.
I want to TIG root weld a roll cage, steering components etc on CDS tube.
I also modify gearbox gears and currently weld them with the MIG (helps subsidise my hobby).
The result is not so good but have seen one welded with TIG and the result is excellent.
I'd like to use it on body repairs too, as I like the greater control offered by TIG.
My budget is maybe £250.
I've looked on eblag and see some units going for that kind of money.
I have 240V single phase only.
What kind of machine & options would fulfill my needs?
What are some good brands to watch out for?
Great website BTW.
Nigel.
I am a mechanical engineer by trade, although I'm now an IT Manager (it pays better)!
I can gas weld, stick weld and MIG weld.
I have at home an ancient SIP stick welder (still in good service after 25 years), a new(ish) Clarke MW 1503T gas/no gas MIG.
I like nothing better than to get home and spend an hour or two in my garage/workshop getting my hands dirty on my hobby of off-road 4X4'ing.
Believe me, more time is spent repairing/making it stronger than actual driving!
Still, it helps relieve the mind numbing IT cr*p I put up with on a daily basis!
So, to my question:
I would like to purchase a second hand TIG welder.
I want to TIG root weld a roll cage, steering components etc on CDS tube.
I also modify gearbox gears and currently weld them with the MIG (helps subsidise my hobby).
The result is not so good but have seen one welded with TIG and the result is excellent.
I'd like to use it on body repairs too, as I like the greater control offered by TIG.
My budget is maybe £250.
I've looked on eblag and see some units going for that kind of money.
I have 240V single phase only.
What kind of machine & options would fulfill my needs?
What are some good brands to watch out for?
Great website BTW.
Nigel.