Welding

So i need to do some welding, and i need to buy a welder. Ive never welded before, but done braiseing with gas.

So do i buy Arc or Mig? Whats easier to get a decent finish?

Definately a Mig(gas), for easy clean work. You can use a Flux Core wire in a Mig but using Solid Core wire and sheilding gas makes for a much cleaner job !

Things to watch out for when looking for a MIG

Get a duel Gas/Gas Less one it will take both flux wire and solid wire
Also with the right gas and wire you can weld aluminum and stainless steel

Single phase 13A (If you want to run it of a domestic supply)
About 150A out put is good for cars etc (the more amps out the better but it cost more)
I have seen a 230Amp MIG running of a 13A single Phase supply and it was ok,
but this was a £2000 + commercial machine.

Most MIG's claim to be able to weld 6mm steel but don't get too hung up on this detail as there are ways around this and most car work is no where near 6mm.

Watch out for the duty time at full power (again you pay more for a better duty time)
The duty time is the time you can weld at full power before it over heats and the thermal cutout kicks in, some MIG's come with a fan (Turbo MIG) which aids cooling and extends the duty time.

There are a number of good deals around on 150Amp machines for the DIY / Home market at the moment so shop around and look to pay between £130 and £200.

PS
If you are running this from home make sure the wife is not watching
her favorite soap when you start welding.
They have a habit of knocking out sky / freeview boxes.

Dont have a wife so all is good.

Wavey said:

Dont have a wife so all is good.

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Clever man!