Another new welder..

[StuM]

Hi All,

Just a quick intro..

My VW T3 van is likely to need some attention in future, so I thought I'd use that as the perfect excuse to start to learn to weld - something I've wanted to do for a while.

After reading many threads on here, I have managed to buy a second-hand (used once, spotlessly clean) Clarke 135TE welder. I need to get gloves, a mask and some scrap then start my steep learning curve.. expect to hear from me again!

Thanks for all the info so far.

Cheers,
Stu

 

[chunkolini]

Welcome aboard.
Good choice of welder for starting out, have a look on Fleabay for autodarkening masks start from about twenty five quid. I would reccomend getting a regulator and using a refillable gas bottle, the disposables are depressingly expensive to use.
Have a look at the tutorials on this forum.
I learned all by myself and almost went mad.
Have fun.

Chunko'.

 

[StuM]

Thanks for the welcome.

I've found a local(ish) supplier of rent free gas, so I'll change the regulator and go that route once the disposables are empty.

Thanks for the tip on the helmet. I was a little concerned that £25 ones might not be the safest but glad to hear that they are ok.

A friend did a welding course a couple of years ago and took to it well, so in the first instance he's going to get me started (along with the excellent tutorials on here)

Cheers,
Stu

 

[chunkolini]

I have two of the £25 jobbies for my students and they work fine.
I have a bit more bling for my personal welding hat.

Much much pricier but more comfortable and it bounces when dropped.
I also feel like a princess when I wear it.

 

[StuM]

I also feel like a princess when I wear it.

I'll go for cheap and dull I reckon!

 

[strada]

Pmsl bloody hell chunko, i bet some folk get a right shock when you lift your lid up

welcome aboard Stu. As you can see its full of mad people on here, but they are nice mad people,lol