Novice Questions....!

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I've taken an interest in model turbine engines, and have started scrapping together materials to build my own. The types of alloys ill be using are high temperature steels with a thickness of 3 to 5mm, most of which will require some welding. Ive been looking at welders on Ebay, but I'm not sure if the typical MIG welder will work well with high temperature stainless steels. Does anyone have any experience with these types of metals? Will something like this work? I have 0 welding experience, and am currently in the military serving overseas with the Internet and books being my only means of instruction. Is the 'self taught' method dangerous? Would it be best to wait till I get back and take a class? I'm also looking to spend no more than $500 on equipment, as I'm on a budget.
Reply:At the least these metals need to be TIG'ed. While you can find stainless mig wire you won't find high temp alloys like inconel on a spool.
Reply:If you are planning to build a turbine engine from a turbocharger, then yes a mig will be fine. You'll only be welding the combustion canister and its innards, and an afterburner. Most guys use 304ss.Miller EconotigCutmaster 38Yes ma'am, that IS a screwdriver in my pocket!
Reply:Is the 'self taught' method dangerous? Would it be best to wait till I get back and take a class?
Reply:I don't know that there exists a TIG welder for $500 or less that one could ship overseas without spending a month's pay on the freight bill.   My Dialarc HF didn't cost much money, but it weighs some 600 lbs and is 4'x3'x2' and I wouldn't even think of shipping it anywhere.  I would save up some money and buy a little inverter TIG, like the Miller Maxstar 150 STH, for about $1500 and start learning TIG.   The little machine only weighs about 20 lbs with all the cables and even when it's in it's plastic carry case, doesn't take up much more space than a portable radio.  With TIG  you can weld most anything.  Mind you, the Maxstar is only DC, so no aluminum, but any kind of steel will be on the menu.Last edited by DesertRider33; 12-23-2007 at 08:31 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Originally Posted by Joe HIf you are planning to build a turbine engine from a turbocharger, then yes a mig will be fine. You'll only be welding the combustion canister and its innards, and an afterburner. Most guys use 304ss.
Reply:It seems to me you have three seperate intrests.1. turbines2. model sizes3. weldingYou can make small working turbines to see how they function using plastics and epoxies but run them from compressed air not a heat source.-Entertaining and educational.Welding-for the small amount required on model sizes you might be better off befriending a welder over in the maintenance department to do it for you.If you want to learn welding for more then that one hobby then buy tools that fit your lifestyle-portable, inexpensive and not likely to be stolen.