17 replies to this topic

[gretzky38]

Don't think I'm being cheeky, but....

I was in the same position as you last year, and my wife persuaded me to go on a basic welding course in the evenings at a local technical college, the course lasting 10 weeks. Most places should do them. When it is night school, the programme tends to be more flexible and is led by the needs of the attendees rather than the tutor. I had no interest in arc or oxy-acetylene burning, so was left to practice on a MIG since that was what I was going to be using most. You can get practice on gas and arc if you want to.

I am glad I did because despite reading all sorts of testimonials about MIG welding being like using a marker pen, it was not as easy as I thought. Some of the members who have posted in your topic are spot on about each person having their own preferred settings, with one man's settings not suiting another's. It is probably not a good idea to start practising and blowing holes in new floor pans and sills. It can be an expensive form of trial and error.

Just to add to the debate, I bought a Clarke 130 MIG at Machine Mart discounted to £230, and got an arc-activated mask for £70. These are the best since you don't have to muck about lifting and lowering a single tint welding mask.

Good luck - you can be certain you will be saving yourself a packet!

Cheers

[OJM]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

gretzky38, yeah I'm tempted to go to a night school, but think I'm going to get some scrap metal first and give it a go - if I'm no good, I'll get some training

andysmini1, have a look on Google Shopping or Ebay for a Clarke 90, as you can get them cheaper than Machine Mart (£195), and brand new! Also, a guy on mig-welding is selling a brand new one for £120 - http://www.mig-weldi...ead.php?t=12702

[OJM]

Once again, thanks for all the advice.

Ended up picking up a Cebora Pocket Turbo 130 (Snap-on re brand them as their own) off ebay for £124 - came with two reels of wire, disposable gas bottle regulator and adapter to allow it to connect to a refill bottle regulator. Bargain I think, considering others go for £175! The listing had no picture on it, so people tend to avoid them...top tip there! Take notice of auctions with no images!