Getting Started

[cerebus]

I read a few build threads and they were amazing, so I think I'm going to bite the bullet and attempt some minor sheet metal work myself. I took a welding class in school so I have some basic concepts. So....

- What equipment am I looking at for start up costs?
- What kind of welder should I get? Mig / Tig and why?
- What kind of sheet metal do you buy and where from?
- Any other tips or tricks?

-I will probably use a cut off wheel for most of the removal

[Skirkpat]

Tig is the best, it also is the hardest, and most expensive, if you want to do it perfect, start with the best....

That said, almost all do-it yourselfers, including me will use a Mig. Get a gas shielding set-up, not the flux core...you can get by with a small machine, but it limits what you can work on in the future. I have a Millermatic 210, it is much larger than what I need, but I never will run short on power.

You will need at least a 4 1/2 angle grinder, a good air comressor, and a D/A sander. clamps, the list goes on. you will have 1500 on up in decent equipment.

[cerebus]

Where do you guys get your sheet metal and what gauge / thickness?

[Sinister]

Not to sound like a smart a$$, I get my sheet metal at a metal place. look in the Yellow Pages or Google for your location. I use 18 or 20 gauge.