On Mon, 04 Apr 2005 19:24:43 +0100, Heds
hedleyDOTphillips@SPAMcomsaDOTcoDOTuk wrote:

Thanks for all your advice.

So I should look for a MIG rather than an ARC. Next question is: Gas or
Gas less? I don't really fancy the trouble of bottles and the associated
space they would take up so I think gas less would be best.

I already have an angle grinder, disks, snips etc so that is not part of
my budget. I only need the welder, flip down mask and gloves.

Re going back to the workshops, I live in Surrey now and have not found
anything similar. Also I don't have the time to make full use of the
membership so it would be a bit of a waste.

Hi,

Get a gas MIG, look at the prices of normal vs flux core wire and bear
in mind you'll need more of the flux cored stuff:

http://www.johndavies.co.uk/nminiwire.htm

The budget gas MIGs are set up to take small disposable cylinders, but
can use full size ones with the right adapter. I would have thought a
gas MIG can use flux cored wire too with no problems.

Would be well worth getting some scrap or spare metal to practice
with, and some course notes or a decent book on welding.

BTW How thick is the metal you're welding?

cheers,
Pete.