Teaching yourself to weld?

[bmouthboyo]

Hi Guys,

I have over the past 4 years learnt a lot about mechanics and amassed a fair amount of tools. However one area has always been a mystery / out of reach... Welding.

I have not background in welding etc but am not shy trying new things and think I am pretty thorough when learning things.

Would if be worth trying to source a local MIG welder and giving it a go on my van for small work such as rear lower tale panel, window edge etc? Obviously I would practice on scrap metal, but I was wondering if it at all possible to competently weld having no experience before in little time? I am not talking massive amounts, and understand a lot of the time and skill goes into the fabrication but tryign to decide if worth the investment.

Thanks guys

[CovKid]

Yes and there are some great sites online, complete with videos (as well as Youtube) that should help get you started.

[PetenAli]

I did a term of evening classes a few years ago which was very helpful to get started. But I think there's no substitute for practice like you say.

[jimpainter]

Its definatly worth learning. I taught myself and now do it for a living.

Try
mig-welding.co.uk

[bmouthboyo]

Ah thanks for encouragement guys. I'll look into evening college courses and see I'f any local units about.

Will report back

[bmouthboyo]

Would I need to spend a lot in equipment for fabrication? All I have is an angle grinder lol

[boatbuilder]

You can get by with tin snips (i use aviation snips), a vice, a hammer, various bits of metal/steel rods etc for shaping,
small angle grinder (115mm) with cutting and thin (1 or 1.2mm) grinding discs. I even use some old woodwork chisels to cut metal in hard-to-reach places. I just keep sharpening them with the grinder when they break or pieces snap off! Goggles and ear plugs are a must-have obviously. A spot weld drill bit is handy if you are replacing entire panels. You can make your own from a standard metal drill bit if you have access to a bench grinder.

[jamesc76]

get ya self a mig plant, go to scrappys and buy /beg a few rusty winds/ doors of um and try making them good, best way to learn!

[Fumar]

Im in a simialr boat myself..

I have done some welding before, the basics are very easy to pick up.

What I've learnt on my research.. avoid cheap non major brand welders.. often have poor feeds, hard to get parts etc.

Check the Amp levels for 1mm (body panels) needs to be able to go as low as 30 AMP allot seem to have a min setting of 50amp which will just blow holes in thin metal.

Gass Migs are easier to use and give a better finish than gasless.. but I will be using mine ouside and a slight breeze makes gas migs hopeless..

Lots of usefull info on here http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/tutorial.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jamesc76]

Gass Migs are easier to use and give a better finish than gasless.. but I will be using mine ouside and a slight breeze makes gas migs hopeless..

Lots of usefull info on here http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/tutorial.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I weld outside most of the time and only use gas mig, ideally you want a set of regulators that you can turn up the flow of gas to over come "breeze " issues until you get the hang of it!

[jimpainter]

Clarke welders are a good range, affordable, nice to use and reliable. Easily available at machine mart and plenty of spares backup.

[bmouthboyo]

I have had my eye in this sig weldmate. I know sig don't have best reputation but only after something for odd jobs.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260957968789? ... _500wt_922

I messages him for more details and he says it's rated 90amp, so thinking not that ideal?

Any idea on what's most should pay for this?

Cheers

[Fumar]

I have had my eye in this sig weldmate. I know sig don't have best reputation but only after something for odd jobs.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/260957968789? ... _500wt_922

I messages him for more details and he says it's rated 90amp, so thinking not that ideal?

Any idea on what's most should pay for this?

Cheers

I think its range is 40-90AMP Halfords had these on sale with full set up for £50. I dont think they are as good as the clarke equivelent.

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=97824" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[trentjim]

That ebay one looks better than the Halfords cheapies... It has variable wire feed for a start!

[jimpainter]

For bodywork 90 amps is more than enough. For replacing panels you will be looking at using 25-30 amps otherwise ou will be blowing holes. That said i have a 90 amp clarke that will do chassis work no probs. Plenty of penetration etc with the right preperation.