what to buy

[leedsbob]

hi all,i am just a complete beginner and i figure i will be better learing on a gasless mig,i have a budget of between 200-350£ ,i think i will aim for a machine capable of either thin sheet or thickish angle iron,i live in leeds and would value your input,many thanks,btw thanks for letting me on board,Bob

 

[weldequip]

You will find it easier learning with gas Bob, especially on thin sheet. Gas-Less gives off a lot of smoke & fumes and it's difficult seeing what you are doing. Fine on thicker stuff, not so good on thin stuff. You can get dual purpose machines giving you the advantage of both. I would factor in an Electronic Headshield in your budget (£50-£60 for a good budget mask) as they make the job 100% easier, especially when just starting out.
weldequip

 

[Drains]

Hi Bob, a thousand welcomes.

You're probably best advised to not go the gasless route to learn on. It's much more difficult as it doesn't like thin steel, and the smoke makes seeing the weld pool tricky.

I can't advise you on prices, but if you take a look at "Big hello from Sunny Chester" in the intros forum, you might see some advice that applies to you (but not the stuff about pubs in Chester... that might not be much help)

Edit. Ha, Weldequip got there first. Your next thing to do is to PM that same fella, and ask what deal he'll do you for what you want. I doubt you'll find a better deal, and he'll sell you everything you need to get going, except the gas. (but if you want disposable bottles, he'll do them too. Only get those if you've very little welding to do)

 

[rtbcomp]

What they say.

You're best learning on the best stuff you can afford, learning on bad kit will only put you off. That's why reputable driving schools use new cars.

Once you can weld you'll be in a position to cope with bad gear.

 

[Welderpaul]

Whereabouts in Leeds are you from Bob?

 

[leedsbob]

hi Paul,i am in north Leeds up by the airport,Bob