12 replies to this topic

[Rob Tomkins]

Hi there,

 

I need to make to make some small patch repair welds to my mini, they are on the N/S sill and the OS rear arch. 

I'm not that experienced with welding though I plan to practise/teach myself over the winter to undertake the work in the spring.

 

Can anyone advise me on a good starter MIG weld set up with gas?

Any other tips on metal gauge and wire would be very useful.

 

Any other tools people have found useful would be great to know

 

Thanks

Rob

[RedRuby]

The most recommended welder seems to be the Clarke 135TE, but instead of using the small gas canisters that come with it upgrade the regulator and use larger gas canisters, again hobby gas seems to be a popular choice. Not a welder myself but 0.6 or 0.8 wire seems to be the norm.

[kezzkitkat]

Or use boc volkzone deal personally better than hobby weld gas
Use the search button there many many thread in the bodywork section regarding tool and etc

[cal844]

We got a sealey supermig 185, had only been used twice, came with 3 wire reels, 2 medium gas bottles, spare tips and a mask for <£300 iirc it was on Gumtree so look around before buying new!

[alex-95]

The most recommended welder seems to be the Clarke 135TE, but instead of using the small gas canisters that come with it upgrade the regulator and use larger gas canisters, again hobby gas seems to be a popular choice. Not a welder myself but 0.6 or 0.8 wire seems to be the norm.

This, I would go for 0.6 wire so you don't need as much heat.

[slidehammer]

I have seen people getting excellent results with the Clarke range of hobby migs. 150amps and you can weld chassis repairs if that is ever likely to want to do and will run on 13 amp supply. You want 0.6 wire for body work, you don't want gassless - too messy (too much splatter) You want a gas similar in make up to BOC Argo Shield Light (don't waste your money on CO2 the welds are not as consistent). I believe BOC do small bottles without rental but and not sure if this is true. Also practice, practice, practice before you go near the car. Don't believe all the rubbish you read in car magazines about being able to mig weld within an hour, whilst it is one of the easiest forms of welding it still takes time to get good strong welds. I have had to put right plenty of poor welding that people have paid money for. Once you get the knack it is extremely rewarding to see neat strong welds. Good Luck

[limby2000]

A good idea for filling-in holes because you will be making them as you get the hang of it, get a piece of copper plumbing pipe and flatten it with a hammer, put it behind the hole when you fill it in. The copper will get very hot.

[Swift_General]

I have a SIP 150 Turbo which I use with 0.6mm wire. I used to have to rent a gas cylinder but there seems to be a few companies doing rent free deals now which means that even if you're not going to be using your welder that often it's still worth getting a refillable cylinder rather than disposable unless it literally is just a one off job (in which case I guess you wouldn't be buying a welder in the first place). I use a CO2/Argon mix from these people http://www.sgsgases....mig-tig-welding (as they have a distributor about a minute's drive from me). I can't recommend the SIP welder simply because I know a lot of people don't rate them - but I've get along with it fine and it produces decent welds but I've owned it for 19 years so guess I'm just used to its foibals! MIG welding is not hard and you can teach yourself but it does require practice, particular to weld the thin steel of a car body.

[minivan2007]

Id say it depends on your budget , ive always had Lincoln electric welders byt they arent cheap , as every one else has said is practice practice practice , also play around with your machines settings 90% of mig welding is good prep and machine settings that suits you ,

[dyshipfakta]

I have to say I disagree on some points.mainly that fancy gases are required. Pub gas co2 is super cheap and welds clean up perfectly and I'm not very good at it. I personally see no reason at all for argon/unobtainium mix particularly for hobby use.

[FlyingScot]

All of the above, but if you want some more reviews, helpful tips and a generally good forum go here http://www.mig-welding.co.uk

FS

[sonikk4]

I used to use C02 only and had no issues at all with the quality of weld. Its only been the last 6 years or so that i have been using Argoshield light. Without doing a side by side comparison its difficult to judge but i would quite happily use either.

[David128]

There are some very good instructions on you tube. Practice  Practice Practice