I'm another one with training wheels, heya!

[London Lee]

Hey everybody,
After years of wanting a welder, I've finally persuaded my wife that the recent deal in MachineMart (Ex-VAT catalogue prices) was too good to miss!

So after reading and researching posts on here and t'internet, I've bought a Clarke 135TE MIG, and an automatic tint full face mask. I've gone with this welder as its the biggest they build that can still be used with a 13amp mains supply, and is rated 30-130amps so should be perfect for automotive use which I will mainly be using it for.

The welder does come with a mini reel of steel filler wire and a disposable bottle of Co2, plus a hand held mask. I bought some weldors gloves and I have fireproof overalls. Think I'm pretty much ready to put it to metal? - just need some scraps, I had no idea how expensive metal is to buy?! I can swallow the price if I'm building something, just seems a bit steep to waste my practice welds on?!

Anyway, rant over, nice to meet you all

 

[andy m]

You need to go to a large local fabrication shop for some scrap off cuts, I haven't bought a welder yet but have been offered scraps (even ally) when I need them. Give it a try.

 

[cumbriasteve]

Welcome to the forum, try to get some 2mm or 3mm scrap, it's much easier to practice on something thats not going to blow through all the time.

It will allow you to get used to torch angle, distance etc before moving to the thinner material.

You would have probably found the 150amp would have been ok on a normal plug, I would say that's what the majority of owners are running them on.

You will also find the disposable gas bottles last no time at all and are expensive to use.

 

[armalites]

Agree with all of the above.

A Saturday morning riding around some proper industrial estates when the weather is not too bad(more likely to have doors open) you are sure to find somewhere that has steel kicking around.

If you go with the right attitude with some cash in your pocket you can get some good results.Most of all be polite/flexible and try not to look like you are out to fleece them.

These places will be getting maybe £130-150 a tonne scrap so a few quid from you is better for them. You'll be surprised how much you can buy for a few quid.

Be prepared to get dirty(oo err) and have something in your car to put the metal on, old carpet/blanket etc.

If you find a good place then stick to them and don't tell loads of people.

Very often you will find they will be happy order steel for you also.

Also get yourself a rent free bottle/regulator and a conversion kit because those disposables will cost you a fortune unless you only plan to do a few minutes welding.

As with all things in life practice, I class myself a competent welder but I don't do it every day and I still find that my welds at the end of a project are better than when I started.

 

[upinsmoke]

scap yards

I have found scap yards to be a source for steel bits,some will let you sort though the pile,some wont but may help you buy finding the type of bits you need.
I struck lucky a few years back when runnung some brass taps and scrap cooper pipe in. A guy came in with a trailer load of angle that had once been a frame one of those asbestos garages. i bought quite a lot from the scrap man £10 pounds,i drove home in my esate car almost unable to move for lengths of angle alot it was bent though.
Still using it for odd job

 

[London Lee]

Thanks Guys, - that's some great advice... I have a friend that works for a local motorbike shop, so I started pestering him this morning. I have to clear out the garage so i'll be checking out my recycling center while i'm there too.

I figured the 250g Co2 bottle that came with it wouldn't last long, so I did pick up a 600g one aswell, and i'll definitely try and get a rent free bottle, as I figure i'm gonna waste allot of gas while learning.

thanks for the welcome