@Andy
An affordable starting point would be the Lidl gasless MIG welder. About £100, plus a decent auto face shield, gloves and other PPE.
The welder has only one control, and is point and squirt, and as easy as it gets for a starter.
Aside from my TIG welder, it is my 'go to' set up as it is simple, and works.
I sent @wokstation one a while ago to get him started.
@Maker_of_Things @Andy @wokstation what would you describe as the requirements for a place to weld safely?
@iris @Andy @wokstation
Well ventilated and fire proof.
Outdoors, or, say, an open garage space.
Clean of flammable materials, dirt, and mess.
Welding has a habit of throwing sparks everywhere, and you can't see it because you have a face shield on. You also can't see if you are on fire either.
Wear leather, or at lease natural fibres, not stuff that will burn and melt all over you.
Have a fire extinguisher to hand, and a fire watcher if you are welding lots.
@Maker_of_Things @iris @Andy @wokstation
I made the mistake of stick welding in my (closed) workshop once. Flipped up my face shield and realized I couldn't even see the other side of the workshop for all the smoke.
Also gave myself quite the sunburn on the inside of my forearms when learning to arc weld while wearing short sleeves.
Don't be me.
@grajohnt @iris @Andy @wokstation
Yeah, good advice.
Even a few seconds unprotected can cause bad skin burns.
Don't do what the You Tubers do and weld in tee shirt, gloveless, and shielding your eyes with your hand while making weld tacks.
