Hi from Suffolk

[mowersman]

Hi, Signed up here a while back, but have only just got round to posting. I'm 17 and a few months ago, I bought my first car, a 1965 Land Rover Series 2. Obviously that means I'm in need of a welder. A good friend of mine has done some bits of it for me, but I don't like to keep asking for him to come round too often. Several questions...
Am I best getting a brand new, but cheaper machine (about £250 budget) or buying second hand and getting a better quality one. I'm guessing spares availability with some older ones may be a problem?
What sort of amp range should I be looking out for. I won;t be welding anything thicker than 5mm, and even that will only be occasionally. I'm thinking of something like a 30-150 amp one. I have a supply that will go up to 20 amps, but any more would require a new cable running from the house.
Can normal MIG welders be used with gas-less wire. I have heard some bad things about gas-less, but my mate does some beautiful welding with gas-less, I think this may be the better way for me to start with as bottle rent seems very high.
Sorry about all the questions, I should probably have posted them in the right section...
Andrew

 

[the snooper]

welcome to the forum

the clarke range of welders are well spoken of and parts are readily available
as for gasless you would be better of sourcing a pub co2 bottle cheaper all round

 

[Shox Dr]

Hello Andrew, and welcome to the forum.

Difficult question; The Clarke's are good welders (I bought a 130e some 22yrs ago, and it is still going strong, in a mates hands. I've built Winch bumpers for LR, and cradles for 6gang mowers with it to name two high stress items. So don't be put off by low amps, it's how the joint is and weld is made.

As for a second hand welder, it's a case of buyer beware, plenty out there, but make sure you take someone with you who knows about electrics/welders, just to be on the safe side.

I've not used Gasless wire so cannot comment on it, however I would be inclined to use Gas even if it's just Pub gas

 

[Chipper]

Hi & welcome Andrew,
Just across the border and an ex 2a Lightweight owner. 151TE should do nicely for most Landy things. Have you joined the S2 club forum, loads of knowledge on there, and there's local pub meets.
Check out the gas suppliers on here. There's one in North Walsham I think, and Adams Gas and their agents (no rent). Plus there's pub gas as said.

 

[chunkolini]

mowersman.
Are you on the wrong website at your age?
Shouldn't you be on Carsmash.co.uk or loud pipes R us?
No only joking, I have a mate who rebuilt a VW at your age. You must both be mad. if so this is the right place to be.
Regards welders, another vote for Clarke, I had the 130 amp version and not a complaint. I did kill it in the end but it took me 6 years and I was nasty to it.

Welcome aboard.
Chunko'.

 

[mowersman]

Thanks for the welcomes and the opinions. What do you lot think about Sealey stuff?
Andrew