tig welder is it for me?

[HandyHands]

Is a TIG setup ideal for a novice ?. The reason I ask, is that I'd like to learn a bit about welding to aid in some of the jobs I'm asked to undertake - namely welding lock cages to gates. At the moment I'm having to pass these jobs onto other parties. I've also a bulkhead that I'd like to weld into my van. There seems to be a variety of different types of welding equipment on the market, so any pointers would be appreciated.

Sorry if this is hijacking the thread. If it warrants a seperate thread, could the mods move it.

Cheers.

 

[Hitachimad]

Personally i think the ideal starter sets are MIG.
Its quite a bit cheaper than TIG.
For welding gates and bits of cars dont bother with TIG, as its only realy anygood for clean metal.
A mig set will weld steel, stainless and ally, but with not such neat results.

 

[Nige F]

and you can get away with carbon dioxide gas on a mig if you know a pub landlord tho argon is better

 

[HandyHands]

Thanks guys. Any advice on suitable makes/models of MIG welder, and more importantly - which to avoid.

 

[Hitachimad]

All depends on your budget....
I would think a clarke one around 140 amps would be fine for a first machine. Go over to http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/index.php?sid=9841c41fc88cf21ff65ad0d0b7791a6c
They know more about budget machines than i do!