Want to learn how to weld. What welder to buy?

Howdy,

Just bought a new MK1 GTi, however it needs welding on certain areas, (Floor pan, wheel well etc)

Instead of paying ££££ for a professional to do it, I thought I'd give it ago. I've never welded before.

There's shedloads of different types of welders out there, haven't a clue which one to go for.

My budget isn't massive, but I understand you get what you pay for and so on.

Would something like this be up for the job?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/111072679662?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

Thanks.

As you said, you get what you pay for.

I wouldn't even consider that welder. I'm sure others will be along to say how great it is.

There will be vids on you tube that can advise you on what to look for.

Rule of thumb is the more amps the better the penetration
Gas gives a cleaner weld.

Heat on your body panels is not your friend. Warpage occurs if you don't let it cool down after each spot.

An ex welder.

clarke tend to be a good welder, i own one and know several other people that do and swear by them

135te or 151te are the normal ones around

a bit more expensive than the one your looking at

I've got a Clarke 100e mk2, its great for body work and all that. I payed £100 with a large spool of wire and some gas (I upgraded to a knee high co2) 

I could tell you my settings I use for bodywork, but then another welder with use a totally different setting! So it's all preference. 

Best thing to do, get one 2nd hand if possible and watch a few videos of body work welding, cut some scrap and start practising. 

Where are you based? 

The most expensive part of the welder will be the gas if you go the MIG route.

I went through loads of those little disposable canisters before I upgraded to a 5 foot bottle and it's a lot more cost effective.

As with all tools, buy the best you can afford as it will pay for itself in the long run. You are better buying a better welder second hand than a cheap one new.

Buy a couple of doors from a scrap yard and practice on them, it's better to use the thickness of metal used in cars and get used to how (surrounding) paint and panels react to the heat of welding. It will also teach you a valuable lesson in spatter - I learnt this to the cost of a rear windscreen!.

http://bit.ly/16HhibK

Is that the one you've got brad? And you say it's good enough for bodywork? 

I'm in Harrogate. 

I'm going to buy that welder and then practise on old scrap metal before I even think of touching the mk1