Hi, forgot to introduce myself, how rude!

[reggieroo]

Hi guys,

I posted a few weeks ago & forgot to introduce myself.

I'm Paul, from the Shire (Worcestershire, to those of you who haven't watched Lord of The Rings). I own a Land Rover Range Rover so thought it about time I taught myself to weld properly instead of relying on help which never comes.

I think one of the skills you need when owning any old land Rover is welding, unless of course you have extremely deep pockets to pay garage prices.

So here I am, looking for a decent welder & some advise on how to get the job done right. I currently own a gasless SIP Handymate which I don't like at all, probably the reason why I never got into welding properly. I used to a few times in the past & I've had it for around 15 years but every time I used it I had wire feed problems. Also it has a live torch which is a pain when your not very good at welding.

I think with a non live torch & an auto darkening mask that will make things alot easier to begin with. Also a gas mig should be better for me than gasless. Although I wouldn't mind the option of both for when I'm a little more experienced.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome to the forum.
A Clarke MIG around 150 amp would suit you well and you would find a great difference in use to the SIP.
For a bit of DIY welding the cheap auto screens on Fleabay are good value for money, mine cost £25, I have owned it for 6 months, everyday use and abuse and it's lasting well.
For gas do a local search for an independant supplier, much cheaper with no silly bottle change charge.

 

[jackjosh]

Hi
If you can wait and look around, there are bargains to be had. I got a Clarke 150 TE with loads of gas, regulator and an auto dimming SWP headshade for £125. After a lot of research and after taking advice from various members I went for a Clarke as they are considered good machines but when they do go wrong the stores support is also there.
Hope this helps