TSC has this small portable $56 torch welding/cutting kit, I am thinking about picking up. Says it welds up to 3/16" steel. Not sure in its cutting ability though. It uses 2 1 lb(???) Oxy Acetylene bottles.

As I have never welded before I think this might be a good start for stuff like sheet metal body work and stuff like a skid plate etc. Would not plan on welding the frame or anything and possibly maybe doing a bumper with it as I think that DOM etc really aint that think anyway right? Also thinking of using it to make a steel square tubing frame for my flatbed.

I know at least from the guys at work the easiest way to learn to weld is to get a MIG and use flux core. But right now even a $300 MIG from Harbor Freight is outta the budget.

 

Gas welding is really sloooooow. That's one big drawback.

 

Oxyfuel welding is a dieing art. Not all that hard, but I wouldnt recomend it for body work or andthing you want to look pretty.

Practice ALOT before commiting to oxy-welding something worthwhile. Tee & lap joints suck in all positions with oxy-fuel.

 

I have one, don't do it!. Although it works OK for some things it doesn't/will not weld 3/16 worth a crap... If you are trying to braze almost anything it works great.... I should add that the bottles empty fast that is why it's not good, if you are welding quite a bit, then you run out fast...

 

Those little ones are mainly for sweating joints. You will run out of gas very fast. Oxy welding is a lot of fun and good start prior to trying TIG. I would not try it on body panels. it will be way to much heat for way to long. I

 

x2!

Great for getting the feel of the motion for TIG

 

thanks for the input guys, maybe I will just wait, but for $56 bucks. lol

 

I picked up one similar to that and it did work for small stuff, but that was about it. You'll burn up a tank of gas just about as you get the steel hot enough to start welding. Would be fine for jewelry or small model making use.