Welding advice

[Merlin]

Trying to get the rear floor/wheel-arch seat belt bolt out I nackered the metal surrounding the anchor plate.  New part is quite dear & also I recon I will have other parts to repair soon so I am wanting advice on what type of welder to buy to do general floor/other body repairs in a RRC.
I am OK with tools & will learn to weld without many probs. but would like advice from the experts on what type & how much to pay for a welding machine.
All suggestions welcome please--MOT looms!!!--Cogs.

[mark.yellow.series.3]

i repair welding sets for a living, for a welding hire company.
if you need some advise PM me.

cheers mate.

[steanlol]

Hi imho i'd go for a mig welder , there a good all rounder for what you need .
Buy the best you can afford , i've got a 170amp from B&Q and its plenty powerful for what i want it for , been welding my trailer and using 6mm angle in places and its worked very well .
Get a full size or even half size bottle of gas from a proper welding supplies , dont bother with the disposable ones , too dear in the long run .
You can get a full size gauge off ebay for the same price as the equivalent one you would need for the disposable bottle .
Try a welding course for beginners at a college if theres one near you
Hope thats some help for you
Good Luck

[bullfrog]

I have a 140 amp ARC and a 150 amp MIG
For panel work generaly migs are better as you can run 0.6mm wire annd low amps so wont blow holes.
The arc is better for heavier stuff as you can run 2mm or more rods.
The mig will be easier to learn as once you've set it you only have to move along.
With an arc you have to move in as well so its a little harder. Go to a local fabrication firm and ask for some scrap from their scrap bin.
Any one can stick some weld down but getting the correct penetration and fusion is an art. :shock:
If you are doing structual stuff then def go on a beginner course.
I started when I was 12 so have a fair idea.
have a look at Machine Mart as some of theirs are ok. I paid a £10 for my arc from a car boot and fitted a fan to cool it ( you can apply more amps fr longer). A switch is fitted so I can turn it off for low amps enableing the welder to warm up. :!:
The mig also has a fan although this is fixed on.
I got my mig from B&Q asn they mis-priced it and I saved £130 !!!
When you have welded something turn it over and check to see thsat the weld has passed through, colour change is also a good sign.
Also try on some rusty metal as this really is an art.
Good clean metal is the key though.
Its worth paying out for a good mask and some leather gloves,cap and appron/jacket as burns and arc eye are NOT nice ! 8)  8)  8)

To sumerise : go on a beginner course(worth every penny)
Shop around and ask at fabrication firms They weld everyday so have a fair idea, Most will take 5 mins to help.
Dont go cheap but dont spend more than £300.
Get good safety gear
PRACTICE  :D

CO2 is ok but argo mix is purer. A lot of pubs now have a special mix called "pub gas" and this is not good to attempt to weld with . Welds will be contaminated.

[woody]

i get my gas  (Co2) from the local pub :lol:

[Mark2Disco]

looks a bit unsafe