Absolute beginner

[David_]

Hi all,

Let me start by saying that this forum is amazing. It seems like no matter what I search for through my internet browser, I am always directed to a post on this forum, which, invariably provides the answer that I was looking for. Amazing.

Anyway, a very small bit about me which no doubt is enough to give you an idea of where I am coming from. I am 49, live in Bromley, Kent and have never even touched a welding machine before. Hey, its never too late to learn something new.

There is nothing like a new project to inspire you to buy a new tool and it just happens that I have a job in my garden. I want to fabricate the frame of a garden fence with double door gate (big enough for a vehicle) out of 2 inch square metal tubing. I think an Arc welder is what I am after, so after this post I will be trawling the 'Buying a Welder' section of this forum.

Well bye for now and thank you for both what I have learned so far from this forum and no doubt am yet to learn.

 

[Robotstar5]

Hi David, welcome to the forum. When you find a welder, post up on here, it will save you buying junk

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome to the forum and yes an arc welder will do the job you mention...but will it do the following projects you suddenly find you want to do if you get the welding bug.

I only use my arc welder on very rare occasions now, the mig is so much nicer to use and of course will weld thinner materials without blowing holes in the steel.

I am not being derogatory to arc, it certainly has it's uses and the initial set up can be a lot cheaper...but don't dive in... depending on your budget and future plans it's better to get it right first time.

 

[BillFarworth]

Hi David welcome in the forum!
I do agree with you mate never late for nothing.
Make questions to improve your self!
Yeap an arc welder definitely with some practice will do the job you have in mind.
Keep in touch

 

[Angusdog]

Hi David,

Welcome - this forum rocks! Plenty of range of talent on here but some of the best advice you'll find anywhere.

+1 for a MIG. So many advantages and only a little bit more to buy, but ask around a bit more. I haven't done a lot of arc but tempted to see what my TIG set can do with the right arc rods.

 

[shenion]

Welcome to the forums

As for an arc welder, I'd probably buy an inverter if I had the cash. Probably one that would support TIG later.

A cheap, 140A and up buzz box will do. If you find one of those old oil-cooled units local, jump on it. They will run circles around the cheap buzz boxes. That is, if you have the power to run one. Evan a cheapie wants at least a 16A supply.

With TIG and Arc, I never touch my MIG anymore unless I have some thin metal to do. Mig is easier to learn though and what i started with.

 

[David_]

Hi all,

Thank you very much for your warm welcome.

Having spent the last few weeks comparing Inverter Arc/Tig machine spec/price, I was a little shocked to see MIG welder machines mentioned. This is my situation, I only have access to domestic mains 240v 13amp electricity supply and my budget, though creeping ever upwards, is now at £600.00 inc VAT.

My reasoning for not going the MIG route is as follows:

1) I do not have a workshop/garage to work in, so all of my welding will be done outside. I understand that 'gas' MIG welder may strugle with this enviroment.

2) I know that one should never say never, but, I do not foresee that I will ever want/need to weld thin/sheet metal in the near future.

3) It would appear that successful MIG welding is wholly dependent on the correct setting up of many variables e.g. wire tension, wire speed, gas flow, power setting etc. Given that I am an 'absolute beginner' who does not have the benefit of an experienced welder friend to cast a watchfull eye, I imagine that the learning curve may be too frustrating.

Are my arguments justified?

 

[mowersman]

You will find MIG far far easier to learn that arc. Getting the settings correct is very easy, its all explained in the MIG tutorial, at the top of the page. Once set up, its squeeze button and go, where as arc takes a bit of skill.
If you need to work outside, you have a couple of options, one is setting up a wind break to prevent the gas blowing away, the other is to use gasless wire. Gasless is slightly more expensive than gas wire and a little harder to learn with, but is still easier than arc.
Andrew

 

[Dev]

One thing to bear in mind with arc is if you want to galvanise your work you have to grind the welds very thoroughly to ensure there is no contamination.

I found this a bit of a ****** in the corners.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Perhaps the best idea is to save most of your budget and buy a cheap arc set..commonly called a buzzbox and available for as little as £20 or around £50 for a new one.

I learnt to weld on one and made more gates and trailers than I can remember and it would certainly weld your gates...it was over 30 years old when I sold it and it's getting used a lot by it's new owner.

Then if you decide you want to go further into welding your budget remains for the machine of your choice.

 

[BillFarworth]

good point cumbriasteve.David you could escape cheaply in a such a way and update your kit in the future.