"I'm not really a welder"
Discussion
It's true, I'm not.
But I might want to dip my toe in the flux tin of self-fabrication.
What would be the best rig for welding stuff like re-bar or mild steel plate/box section?
And what should I expect to pay for decent kit?
Also, what makes/models are reliable/good value for money.
Thanks.
PS: max 20A SPN elec supply where relevant.
But I might want to dip my toe in the flux tin of self-fabrication.
What would be the best rig for welding stuff like re-bar or mild steel plate/box section?
And what should I expect to pay for decent kit?
Also, what makes/models are reliable/good value for money.
Thanks.
PS: max 20A SPN elec supply where relevant.
The plate would be easy with a stick welder, though the rod would be trickier, this would be the cheapest course and you could probably pick up a cheap secondhand set to give it a go.
MIG/MAG single phase 20A would have plenty of output for 5mm plate, the rod would take a little practice as you will tend to miss with the wire sometimes.
TIG single phase 20A would handle 5mm, however it is a slower and more expensive process, a lot of TIG sets can also be used to stick weld though so this would give you some flexibility on what process you used.
Get an auto darkening mask, a lot of the cheaper ones are fine, I have a Parweld one and the only issue I have is that if I have the spot lights above my bench on it will darken randomly as you move your head even without an arc struck.
To sum up, find a cheap stick set and give it a try, if you cannot get on with it try and find someone to give you a go with MIG and TIG and see which suits you and your budget.
MIG/MAG single phase 20A would have plenty of output for 5mm plate, the rod would take a little practice as you will tend to miss with the wire sometimes.
TIG single phase 20A would handle 5mm, however it is a slower and more expensive process, a lot of TIG sets can also be used to stick weld though so this would give you some flexibility on what process you used.
Get an auto darkening mask, a lot of the cheaper ones are fine, I have a Parweld one and the only issue I have is that if I have the spot lights above my bench on it will darken randomly as you move your head even without an arc struck.
To sum up, find a cheap stick set and give it a try, if you cannot get on with it try and find someone to give you a go with MIG and TIG and see which suits you and your budget.
A kid walking along the road finds a welding mask...
He's walking along playing with the mask when a stranger stops and asks if he needs a ride. The kid is a ways from the part of town he's headed to so he accepts. After a bit the guy says "Hey kid, do you know what frottage is?" The kid says "Nope." The guy continues "How about voyeurism?" The kid says "Sorry, but no." The guy says "What about blowjobs?" Finally, the kid pipes up "Look, Mister...I'm not really a welder. I just found the mask."
He's walking along playing with the mask when a stranger stops and asks if he needs a ride. The kid is a ways from the part of town he's headed to so he accepts. After a bit the guy says "Hey kid, do you know what frottage is?" The kid says "Nope." The guy continues "How about voyeurism?" The kid says "Sorry, but no." The guy says "What about blowjobs?" Finally, the kid pipes up "Look, Mister...I'm not really a welder. I just found the mask."
bobtail4x4 said:
A kid walking along the road finds a welding mask...
He's walking along playing with the mask when a stranger stops and asks if he needs a ride. The kid is a ways from the part of town he's headed to so he accepts. After a bit the guy says "Hey kid, do you know what frottage is?" The kid says "Nope." The guy continues "How about voyeurism?" The kid says "Sorry, but no." The guy says "What about blowjobs?" Finally, the kid pipes up "Look, Mister...I'm not really a welder. I just found the mask."
That's the one I remember and expected .He's walking along playing with the mask when a stranger stops and asks if he needs a ride. The kid is a ways from the part of town he's headed to so he accepts. After a bit the guy says "Hey kid, do you know what frottage is?" The kid says "Nope." The guy continues "How about voyeurism?" The kid says "Sorry, but no." The guy says "What about blowjobs?" Finally, the kid pipes up "Look, Mister...I'm not really a welder. I just found the mask."
Get a 180 amp Mig welder, and you will be able to weld easily the rods and the plate, with good penetration. Mig is so easy to pick up.
You will need to hire a bottle of Argoshield gas, or whatever is the flavour of the month nowadays.
I have a cheapie 130 amp Mig and it is good up to about 3mm plate, on a good day. Have to make sure everything is good and clean, including the earth clamp.
You will need to hire a bottle of Argoshield gas, or whatever is the flavour of the month nowadays.
I have a cheapie 130 amp Mig and it is good up to about 3mm plate, on a good day. Have to make sure everything is good and clean, including the earth clamp.
paulwirral said:
bobtail4x4 said:
A kid walking along the road finds a welding mask...
He's walking along playing with the mask when a stranger stops and asks if he needs a ride. The kid is a ways from the part of town he's headed to so he accepts. After a bit the guy says "Hey kid, do you know what frottage is?" The kid says "Nope." The guy continues "How about voyeurism?" The kid says "Sorry, but no." The guy says "What about blowjobs?" Finally, the kid pipes up "Look, Mister...I'm not really a welder. I just found the mask."
That's the one I remember and expected .He's walking along playing with the mask when a stranger stops and asks if he needs a ride. The kid is a ways from the part of town he's headed to so he accepts. After a bit the guy says "Hey kid, do you know what frottage is?" The kid says "Nope." The guy continues "How about voyeurism?" The kid says "Sorry, but no." The guy says "What about blowjobs?" Finally, the kid pipes up "Look, Mister...I'm not really a welder. I just found the mask."
Follow up really to the "Why do you call your dog Porky?"
Google "Mig Welding Forum" and then follow the most obviously named link you find.
Lots and lots of information on there about welders and welding.
I have a 185 Amp Portamig. It will do up to about 3mm on a 13 amp plug. Put on a 20amp plug and you can get full penetration on 6mm plate. You can probably get cheaper machines with the same power, but the Portamig is really easy to use and can go as low as 15 amps for welding body panels.
Also - dig into the options for Gas - you really need Argoshield light (or similar) - I've got a contact with BOC under a "Volkszone" deal - but I'm not sure if it's still available.
Lots and lots of information on there about welders and welding.
I have a 185 Amp Portamig. It will do up to about 3mm on a 13 amp plug. Put on a 20amp plug and you can get full penetration on 6mm plate. You can probably get cheaper machines with the same power, but the Portamig is really easy to use and can go as low as 15 amps for welding body panels.
Also - dig into the options for Gas - you really need Argoshield light (or similar) - I've got a contact with BOC under a "Volkszone" deal - but I'm not sure if it's still available.
You can get rent free bottles these days but you do want a suitable gas mix as this makes the welding easier.
I would also suggest a power file to clean the metal surfaces before welding, a decent self darkening mask and lastly cover up when welding. The UV from the arc can give you sun burn.
I would also suggest a power file to clean the metal surfaces before welding, a decent self darkening mask and lastly cover up when welding. The UV from the arc can give you sun burn.
A friend of mine bought a gasless wire welder, 'flux-core', from Harbour Freight in the USA. I had heard all the bad vibes about that sort of thing, but for a 120 amp welded this thing did really, really well.
While I was at his place he welded some steel tube onto his hot rod frame, and I thought it would be a disaster, with some rust and paint still on the tube in place.
I would not even attempt to do such a weld with a Mig. This cheapie welder blasted a good solid weld right into that stuff. Horribly messy weld, but it certainly looked strong.
Might be worth considering for simple fabrication. I think the flux being right in there at the weld point, rather than as a gas cooling the weld, might be the key to good penetration.
While I was at his place he welded some steel tube onto his hot rod frame, and I thought it would be a disaster, with some rust and paint still on the tube in place.
I would not even attempt to do such a weld with a Mig. This cheapie welder blasted a good solid weld right into that stuff. Horribly messy weld, but it certainly looked strong.
Might be worth considering for simple fabrication. I think the flux being right in there at the weld point, rather than as a gas cooling the weld, might be the key to good penetration.
King Herald said:
A friend of mine bought a gasless wire welder, 'flux-core', from Harbour Freight in the USA. I had heard all the bad vibes about that sort of thing, but for a 120 amp welded this thing did really, really well.
While I was at his place he welded some steel tube onto his hot rod frame, and I thought it would be a disaster, with some rust and paint still on the tube in place.
I would not even attempt to do such a weld with a Mig. This cheapie welder blasted a good solid weld right into that stuff. Horribly messy weld, but it certainly looked strong.
Might be worth considering for simple fabrication. I think the flux being right in there at the weld point, rather than as a gas cooling the weld, might be the key to good penetration.
Do NOT consider starting out with gasless. It does have its uses, but generally it's freaking rubbish.While I was at his place he welded some steel tube onto his hot rod frame, and I thought it would be a disaster, with some rust and paint still on the tube in place.
I would not even attempt to do such a weld with a Mig. This cheapie welder blasted a good solid weld right into that stuff. Horribly messy weld, but it certainly looked strong.
Might be worth considering for simple fabrication. I think the flux being right in there at the weld point, rather than as a gas cooling the weld, might be the key to good penetration.
Smiler. said:
Thanks all. Off to G00gle I go......
http://www.weldequip.com/mig-welders.htmI've got a PortaMig one. It's excellent.
I've had the cheapy SIP/Clarke ones, they're a bit crappy and hard to get good results.
You can get gas from these guys: https://www.hobbyweld.co.uk/find-an-agent/ with no monthly rent.
With welders, it's very much buy cheap, buy twice.
That said, I do also have a Clarke stick (arc) welder. It's good for what it is
King Herald said:
I was thinking that for welding re-bar to flat plate it might be an easy and cheap option.
Stick would be better and cheaper for that job. With a half decent set and good rods, it'll far out perform MIG. Plus, if you get half decent on stick, it'll put you in good stead for MIG, which is almost idiot proof.normalbloke said:
King Herald said:
I was thinking that for welding re-bar to flat plate it might be an easy and cheap option.
Stick would be better and cheaper for that job. With a half decent set and good rods, it'll far out perform MIG. Plus, if you get half decent on stick, it'll put you in good stead for MIG, which is almost idiot proof.OP, don't forget to buy a grinder and some flap discs too. Unless you buy a welding mask with a grinding function then I'd recommend using a full face shield for grinding rather than goggles, they don't mist up as easily and protect all of your face, getting grinding sparks up your nose is not that nice.
Toltec said:
normalbloke said:
King Herald said:
I was thinking that for welding re-bar to flat plate it might be an easy and cheap option.
Stick would be better and cheaper for that job. With a half decent set and good rods, it'll far out perform MIG. Plus, if you get half decent on stick, it'll put you in good stead for MIG, which is almost idiot proof.OP, don't forget to buy a grinder and some flap discs too. Unless you buy a welding mask with a grinding function then I'd recommend using a full face shield for grinding rather than goggles, they don't mist up as easily and protect all of your face, getting grinding sparks up your nose is not that nice.
I have one I bought from Screwfix some 15 years ago, £85 and apart from adding an extra cooling fan to stop it overheating, when on full power for longer periods, it has seen great service ever since.
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