What kind of welder - car body, hobby

[Pscylo]

Just for a bit of hobby welding and the like, car body but possibly some structural car welding too at a later date.

I've got some plans for making a cycle trailer from 1/2" electrical conduit that would have to be welded too.

What would you recommend? Anyone got anything secondhand?

There is a course at the local tech college for about £300. Is that likely to be worthwhile do you think, or will a bi of practise suffice for the small amounts that I'm likely to do.

 

[shenion]

Conduit is galvanized, will need to have areas welded grounded down and welding done in well ventilated area or with a respirator.

I used 3/4" conduit for a motorcycle stand as it is much stiffer. The 1/2" is flimsy.

Almost any welder will do. How much you willing to spend?

I like the Clarke ones as a good value. Check ebay for deals, but search forums here or ask on lesser known models.

 

[Pscylo]

Yeah, I've read the warnings about galvanised. I'm not planning on killing myself.

Fortunately I run an unrelated business and have access to a 6000sqft industrial unit with a sliding door big enough to drive a high top transit right in. I figure if I do it by the big door and leave the fire and entrance doors open there will be enough ventilation. Thoughts?

I only really need to carry 100kgs or so, so I reckon the 1/2" will do the trick. The plans I have include a lot of bracing, so the 3/4" may be overkill.

Moneywise, up to about a £100 I guess, though I could go further if needs be. I've looked on Ebay, but so far all I've seen have been ones missing this, or missing that. I would rather buy one complete.

 

[Pscylo]

What about the SIP Handymig?

Can get one of those for £116.50 inc VAT and delivery.

 

[Drains]

Read up on Sips in the forum, and you'll find out why they're so cheap!

Re galvanised:- you must remove the zinc coating before welding if you want a good weld, especially on thin material. In that case ventilation isn't an issue, but otherwise, don't overdo the ventilation or you'll blow away the shielding gas.

The problem with that is you end up with even thinner material.

You can buy painted conduit too. It's pretty thin walled. And you can buy plain tubing, all sorts of sizes like 12.5mm, 3/4", 20mm, 22mm, 25mm, varying thicknesses. If you're lucky there will be a local stockholder who'll have something you can use and will do a cash sale to you.

It's easy to get square tube too (aka square hollow section), which is easier to join - no saddling req'd.

I can't advise you on small welders cos I don't use them... sorry.