Welding

I've never leaned to weld and whilst I have no doubt that I could, for the outlay against the amount I'd use it, it's probably never going to cost in.

So I'm wondering...

Sometime in the future I'm going to either fit recovery points or, if the budget stretches, a winch bumper. How much would I be looking at to get these welded on properly ?

I went to a local fabricators Saturday to fit my ORA front bumper, so had the brackets welded in place, also I have a KAP rear bumper with the cut outs for rear lights so had these blanked off as I have rewired my lights up top, welded up a few splits in the KAP bumper as it is old and a little battle scared, Also had new recovery points welded to the KAP bumper where it mounts to the chassis. Also bent my SJ transfer lever which took an hour between us to fit perfect in the jimny hole without any cutting!.
Took between 8:15 - 11:30 and handed over 40 beer tokens The welding quality is also faultless.
I could have put this money towards my own MIG welder but I wouldn't be able to get anywhere near to this guys skills.
Next time I need any welding doing I know where i'm going!

if i was you i would invest in a welder, its so handy and very easy to use once you learn the settings for different size metal, its very easy if you have a steady hand, its my best friend. you can buy a good one for about 250quid. cheaper in the long run.

i paid £60 before to have some 2 bits of welding done and ot was only small brackets. if you nhave a friend with one thats even better.

/\ +1

a mig is a very forgiving welder , a bit of prctice and you can look like an expert

I will do in the future, It's a skill id love to have, i'd never be the best welder but as long as I could make a strong weld id be happy.

There are a'lot of tools on my wish list like a compressor but only when funds allow
(stupid morgage!)
Id be well off if I didn't have the jimny!
I have a garage and a van full of tools, and my other half cannot understand why i'm always popping to machine mart ect, and she doesn't even see what's stashed in my van.

Machine Mart till the 30th VAT off Clark tools, 10% off everything else.

I've just bought the £299 Clark 151te Mig for £249.
Well pleased with that price...

I keep tempting, each time I get the offer cards through the post I have to spend out on something else.
I think I will go the gasless route for the amount that I will use it.

to be fair even though they are "budget" clark welders are very good

when we first set up the fab shop we had a clark tig 130 it lasted for 10 years used 8hrs a day

supergaz wrote: I keep tempting, each time I get the offer cards through the post I have to spend out on something else.
I think I will go the gasless route for the amount that I will use it.

Get a gas/gasless unit, like the Clarke 151EN, then when you realise that you want nice looking welds you just buy the regulator, wire and some bottles of gas.

One of the greatest skills to have I think

Constantly making things with mine, and its great to have even if you just tack everything in place then get someone else to finish it off for you if its something you really dont want to mess up!.

Get one bought!

Keefe wrote: Machine Mart till the 30th VAT off Clark tools, 10% off everything else.

I've just bought the £299 Clark 151te Mig for £249.
Well pleased with that price...

good choice i have the same welder ive had a few differant welders & this 1 is by far the best so far

Couple of e-books that you may find useful
Haynes
Dummies