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[HolyCount]

I have decided to have a go at MIG welding -- but know absolutely zilch about it  

Looking at up to 5mm steel, nothing fancy, just buggy frame and panels. Aim to try to self-teach  :-?

Not looking to spend a fortune on an all singing and dancing machine as it will not get that much use if I ever master the dark art --- probably try for a second hand bit of kit from The Bay ....... What do you suggest I look for, power wise? Will be running off normal domestic supply.

Any help and advice appreciated  

[waspy]

Here you go HC. Have a look see on here

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/

[HolyCount]

Here you go HC. Have a look see on here

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/

Excellent Pete    Thanks for that -- I have bookmarked it and will no doubt score as many "hits" there as here !!!

[waspy]

Been having a think. Go to some night classes & get taught properly, it doesn't cost much & it's well worth it (i did this some years back).
I think about 195 amps is about as much as you can have on a single fase (please correct if i'm wrong). You should go for as high as you can afford, small welders are ok, but it's like small engines, they have to work harder than a big one & so they burn out in time.
HTH

[Mr Skrunts]

Been having a think. Go to some night classes & get taught properly, it doesn't cost much & it's well worth it (i did this some years back).
I think about 195 amps is about as much as you can have on a single fase (please correct if i'm wrong). You should go for as high as you can afford, small welders are ok, but it's like small engines, they have to work harder than a big one & so they burn out in time.
HTH

Think I would tend to agree if you are welding framework on a moving vehicle.  If it was just for exhausts etc then no big deal.

[Debs.]

Here you go HC. Have a look see on here

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/

Excellent Pete    Thanks for that -- I have bookmarked it and will no doubt score as many "hits" there as here !!!

I`m a member there too!

[Ken T]

You are going to have to grind the metal edges into a Vee before welding 5mm, and do a multipass technique, eg a root run down the bottom, a couple of filling runs, then a capping run at the top to finish off. Its actually easier to do than it sounds. Worthwhile doing as the demo does, do a sample and try and break it, to give confidence in your technique before doing it for real.  

ken

[HolyCount]

Been having a think. Go to some night classes & get taught properly, it doesn't cost much & it's well worth it (i did this some years back).
I think about 195 amps is about as much as you can have on a single fase (please correct if i'm wrong). You should go for as high as you can afford, small welders are ok, but it's like small engines, they have to work harder than a big one & so they burn out in time.
HTH

Think I would tend to agree if you are welding framework on a moving vehicle.  If it was just for exhausts etc then no big deal.

Framework has all been done professionally --- I am just tinkering with welding on pedal boxes, exhaust hangers, the odd bracket and wing mirror extensions .... stuff like that.

Nearest evening course is a dozen miles away over 34 weeks and, unfortunately, current circumstances (health-wise) mean I cannot commit to arranging much in advance as I don't know, one day to the next, how things are going to be  

[Ken T]

Actually signing up for a welding course is a good idea, 'cause their equipment will be 3 phase so can easily cope with 5mm, plus if you speak nicely to th  tutor, you can poss bring in your frame and do it there !. Another advantage is you get a chance to weld for real without buying another "clarke bargain" so you will learn what kind of machine to go for later.

Ken

[Ken T]

If you want it cheap and cheerful, an arc welder will weld that kind of stuff no problem, and its a lot easier to set up, no fiddling about with gas and wire feed etc.

Ken

[Vamps]

I have a little Mig that can be used with or without gas, does a good job on small stuff, ideal for any work on cars etc.  

[Kevin Wood]

I would second the advice to join an evening course. I found an introductory course local to me. 10 weeks of 2 hours in the evening each week. Cost was about 70 or 80 quid IIRC and it was great.

Could just play with all the various types of welding, with tuition when I needed it. I got through way more than 80 quid's worth of consumables so it was worth it for the practice alone.

Kevin

[Kevin Wood]

Just to add, normally 130 (true!) amps or so is about the limit for machines that plug into a 13 amp socket. Larger welders will need a higher rated mains connection although you may get away with very intermittent use or use at a lower than maximum current from a 13 amp socket with regular fuse changes(!).

If money is tight and the welds aren't going to have to be pretty mma (arc) welding might be worth considering. No gases required and you'll get better penetration per buck. Aldi had mma welders for 30 quid the other week. Might well have been rubbish but perhaps worth a punt if you're on a budget?

There's more to worry about in a cheap MIG welder.. Wire feed mechanism, for example, whereas an MMA welder is just a power supply really.

Kevin

[waspy]

Just to add, normally 130 (true!) amps or so is about the limit for machines that plug into a 13 amp socket. Larger welders will need a higher rated mains connection although you may get away with very intermittent use or use at a lower than maximum current from a 13 amp socket with regular fuse changes(!).

If money is tight and the welds aren't going to have to be pretty mma (arc) welding might be worth considering. No gases required and you'll get better penetration per buck. Aldi had mma welders for 30 quid the other week. Might well have been rubbish but perhaps worth a punt if you're on a budget?

There's more to worry about in a cheap MIG welder.. Wire feed mechanism, for example, whereas an MMA welder is just a power supply really.

Kevin

This is why mine comes from the 30amp cooker feed

[unlucky alf]

are you after a gasless mig or one with a bottle?, only ive got a gasless one i`ll be flogging & ive only used it twice, i bought it as my gas one was kept at work, but now im unemployed its at home with me again so the gasless will have to go