auto dimming welding masks

[David A]

I've acquired a gasless mig welder, I'm only likely to use it once in a blue moon and first plans are to build a spit for the fire pit but illness to get some steel bar for that. Anyway I want to get an auto dimming mask as my worst habit used to be moving the torch about 2" away from where I wanted it when I flipped the mask down.

So are the £30 jobbies on flea bay any good ie safe or are the £60 ones from machine mart a better idea?

P.s. where's the cheapest place to get some steel bar to build a spit roast from?

[David A]

steveo3002 said:

mine was about 40 odd off ebay and its nice enough , check the size of the glass as some are smaller than others

costco list one for £43 and they dont sell poop

http://www.costco.co.uk/view/product/uk_catalog/co...

This looks pretty decent, thanks. Re the lens - given its from costco if it blows I suspect they would be amenable to refund/replace more than most.

Right now need some stuff to weld !!

[David A]

pingu393 said:

It's £43 inc VAT, with adjustable dimming - bargain .

Yep have ordered one of these, waiting for it to be delivered.

Re. Steel suppliers, anyone know these folks: http://www.pyramidsteel.com/ they're up the road so could save on postage costs but just wondering how they compare on price (I've no benchmark really to compare prices against!)

[David A]

Crafty_ said:

I don't see any prices on their site ?

Yeah, thats why I was wondering if anyone had used them before so I'd know if they were generally keen on pricing or not !

[David A]

Crafty_ said:

Ah, sorry I thought you were asking people to compare to elsewhere.

I go to the metal merchant on a Saturday morning with cash, works wonders

You anywhere near Farnborough

If I posted up a list of a few bits would you be able to tell me what you think I should be paying? Won't be much at all as I only want to make spit for the BBQ/FirePit

[David A]

Crafty_ said:

Close, at the bottom of the M3

Yeah post em and I'll try and see if it compares.

Ta, I've not designed it yet but I've seen this site and they have prices:
http://www.metals4u.co.uk/Mild-Steel-Box-Section/4... and http://www.metals4u.co.uk/Mild-Steel-Sheet/55/prod...

25mm x 25mm x 2mm Mild Steel Box
3 Metres £14.19
6 Metres £18.92

and delivery £6 (free over £75)

also ebay for example:
25m*25mm*2.5mm RHS
Price:£6.90 plue £10 for p&p

Just wondering if I went into the local place with cash - would I expect better or worse than these prices? Not a clue about the right price for this stuff so any guidance is much appreciated.

Thanks