i want to learn how to mig weld, there are lots of little jobs i need to do and having the ability to produce a respectable weld would make a lot of them easy for me.

so my questions is what tools do i need to learn how to weld, obviously mig welder mask etc but what type, im a complete novice so added detail and explanations of how and why will help considerable,

also where can i get the equipment from at reasonable/cheap prices, second hand etc

cheers

Get down to your local college, they often do 10 week+ free courses throughout the year aimed at increasing the skills of unskilled labourers.

Well worth it, but they are obviously highly subscribed.

I have at least 2 spare helmets, so don't buy them!

Have a look at Aldi at the moment. They are doing a special on a gas/gasless Mig. To be honest, it looks like a Clarke welder in disguise.... Alsi also have a load of other very useful welding bits this months - clamps, overalls etc.

that aldi welder doesn't look too bad for the money. once you get used to welding you'll probably want something better. but should be alright to learn with

http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/2867_9841.htm

Lots of usefull stuff HERE to get you going, including kit tips.

Got to second going on a college course.

For £100 or so I got a 30 hours tutored training, good equipment, all the steel I could want to practice on and a City and Guilds qualification!

I got on so well with them they even let me stay on to build the chassis there!!!

Cheers,
James

Buy a welder and start practising on scrap, we learned to weld by making a car !
Nowt's fallen off yet, well, nowt important anyway...

A couple of hours with Martin Keenan,should get you proficient.



http://www.mkengineering.co.uk/weldertraining.htm

Hi,
I third the local college course. While I am at no stage to build at least I have an SVQ in mig welding. You learn all about correct welding techniques and all about getting the right penetration. I really enjoyed it and found it relaxing after work. This despite the learning about not to pick up hot metal with your hands...

Cheers,
Don.

i,ll "4th" the college course, thats what i did, started in january on an 11 week course & now my Haynes chassis is 80% welded together, the course was brill, i bought my mig 150amp off the mig welding forum for £50 which included 2 pub style gas bottles.
have fun its great when it works..... eventually

cheers
andy

I fifth the college route. Just finished my 10 week Wednesday evening course, I reckon I used more weld than the college fees were.
And took home some roof joist end repair brackets, 2 home made O rings on wall plates to lock up my trailer and pushbikes and some wrought iron railings to beef up the security on our gate
Also had a quick blast at brazing which Im sure I will use and spot welding.

Andi

[Edited on 19/5/09 by Andi]

ok so i just checked out the city college in coventry and they offer a 10 week course, attending twice a week for £230, plus there is a £36 exam fee and £100 for materials. it says the course is Welding Introductory Skills - City & Guilds Level 1 , is this a qualification?

more info here

opinions please

Find a cheeper course - I am doing 15 weeks ( 2hrs per week) DIY welding for just £90

No exam but supply most of my own metal after first 5 weeks.

Paul

definitely worth getting proper instructions, but £366 is a bit much...

I bought a new mig from ebay a couple of weeks ago - although I am now managing to weld with it, I am finding it a little difficult to get a good weld with proper penetration without burning the metal away. A bit of professional tuition would be a a good idea for me, too - but I am managing after a fashion. Its all a question of balancing power and wire feed speed.

I was impressed with the welder I bought, though - ebay shop was selling it, £125 for a 130a sealey. they are still selling them - take a look.......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-SEALEY-SIEGEN-MIG-WELDER-130-AMP-WITH-KIT-S0771_W0QQitemZ400049906012QQihZ027QQcategoryZ113743QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trk sidZp1742.m153.l1262

good luck, Steve.
Rescued attachment My new toy.jpg

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Originally posted by omega0684
ok so i just checked out the city college in coventry and they offer a 10 week course, attending twice a week for £230, plus there is a £36 exam fee and £100 for materials. it says the course is Welding Introductory Skills - City & Guilds Level 1 , is this a qualification?

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quote:

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Originally posted by UncleFista
Buy a welder and start practising on scrap, we learned to weld by making a car !
Nowt's fallen off yet, well, nowt important anyway...

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quote:

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Originally posted by Paul (Notts)
Find a cheeper course - I am doing 15 weeks ( 2hrs per week) DIY welding for just £90

No exam but supply most of my own metal after first 5 weeks.

Paul

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i paid £350 for a 26week nvq level 2 in tig welding but also covered mig gas and arc.

worth every penny. i could weld ok to start with but im significantly better after the course.

ok so now who can recommend me a good beginners welder, at the moment the Aldi one is looking like the best bet, i have been reading through http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/ to get more information and i reckon i wo'nt need a welder any more than 130-150 amps max (maybe this is a little over kill, but according to the calculator on the site that should be able to weld up to about 4mm. im only after a 'hobby' welder really, but i concerned about buying and getting stuck with a hump of junk!

if you register on www.mig-welding.co.uk
theres a chap called weldequip
he makes/builds welders
HTH

if you are still looking for welding tutoring then send me a u2u. I am now working for myself and welding most days and not far from Cov.