Ello Ello

[Rhubarb Chopper]

Hi Guys

Welding Newbie here so bear with me (how many times have you heard this before!!)

I haven't done any welding what so ever but want to get into it.

I have thought about doing an evening course at a local college

or

Getting some decent books on the subject (read up on here), a cheapish welder and just practicing at home on scrap.

I'm not looking to gain employment, just want to learn some new skills. (Would like to knock up a stand in 30mm SHS for a home brewery)

Whats the best way of getting into it, is MIG the best for beginners?

Thanks in advance

 

[richy_B]

Hi Guys


I'm not looking to gain employment, just want to learn some new skills. (Would like to knock up a stand in 30mm SHS for a home brewery)

Welcome Rhubarb Chopper

I am a newbie too, so don't believe anything I say, with the exception of. "That is an admirable reason to learn to weld
Oh and for mig welders, cheap sometimes = misery.
Some proper welders will be along soon, they will put you right.
Rich

 

[chunkolini]

Morning Rhubarb Chopper
(Quality name)
Yes, Mig is best for starting out. A short night class can save an incredible amount of random profanity, or get a mate to show you the ropes and then start the profanity.
I treied books and they wer not too much help, definitely a skill tolearn by doing it.
Avoid SIP welders.

Chunko'.

 

[Rhubarb Chopper]

Cheers Guys

A night class it is then. I'll have a dig through the forum for a good beginners MIG welder...unless you guys can reccommend one? say around the £300 mark

Ta

 

[penfold]

Clarke is the only game in town at that price for a new welder. Secondhand; BOC, Cebora, Portamig(only if you are lucky and find a cheap one!), any of the other low-end commercial/high-end DIY machines. Do not buy a SIP or a Cosmo. Don't buy any other no-name machine without checking here first, we have lots of wise welders here.

 

[chunkolini]

Clarke Clarke Clarke.
I had a blue 130 amp version and it took 6 years of horrible abuse, like running at full power for a couple of hours at time to leave it feeling 'delicate'.
Cheap and cheerful, a rare combination.

Chunko'.

 

[Rhubarb Chopper]

For a few quid more than the 130 amp Clarke you can get the Clarke 160TM MIG. Would this be a bit gnarly to use for a beginner? I think i would prefer to buy something that will suit a beginner/intermediate level....maybe?

 

[rhubarb7]

Morning Rhubarb Chopper
(Quality name)
Yes, Mig is best for starting out. A short night class can save an incredible amount of random profanity, or get a mate to show you the ropes and then start the profanity.
I treied books and they wer not too much help, definitely a skill tolearn by doing it.
Avoid SIP welders.

Chunko'.

He's not chopping me up

Welcome to the forum

 

[xboxjoner]

hi rhubarb chopper, practice, trial and error is how I learnt and have been a full time welder for 16 years now, dont buy a cheap welder, and get it where you can get after sales support if needed and as the others have said clarke is a good starting point.

 

[chunkolini]

160 amp version would be a great starter with power to enable you to move onto bigger and mader things.
Rhubarb, another cider drinking herefordian? I am in Ross, just up the road.

Chunko'.

 

[Rhubarb Chopper]

Cheers for the replies Guys, arent you a friendly bunch!

Chunko, I am a North Shropshire Cider drinker based in Oswestry!

 

[xboxjoner]

160 amp version would be a great starter with power to enable you to move onto bigger and mader things.
Rhubarb, another cider drinking herefordian? I am in Ross, just up the road.

Chunko'.

I hope its bulmers cider that we are all drinking.

 

[chunkolini]

Bulmers?
Hack spit, good for cleaning shoes and that's aboput it.

Broome Farm at Peterstowe just outside Ross, the real deal.

Chunko'.

 

[xboxjoner]

Bulmers?
Hack spit, good for cleaning shoes and that's aboput it.

Broome Farm at Peterstowe just outside Ross, the real deal.

Chunko'.

home brew is best because you don't know how strong it is untill you've had a few.