Apart from a decent hammer and dollies, what would you suggest should be on the list for someone starting up doing repairs?
Ive made a flipper file, and bought some Clecos from online as below, which look good to try (the below picture isn't meant to look like an ad either). Is it worth trying to weld up a small bench mounted metal folder, or are the ones listed on ebay possibly worth a go? I was contemplating a hand held joggler tool and also have been looking for a drill attached nibbler, like the ones always shown on tv.
Others on the list are panel some of the panel clams for butt welding. I have a welder sorted now and have successfully set a few things alight.
 
One thing I have leant though, is my you-beute auto welding helmet turns off automatically.
Don't expect the first weld the following weekend to not be burned on your retinas...
 
Any tips on what you have found useful?
 

 
 

Hey Deano, building the RS I got away with a basic mig, grinder, hammer, dolly, sandbag and magnets. You can do most folds by clamping the metal on a straight edge in a vice. Also used a variety of curves to form things, and my old potbelly stove had some useful radius to work from, lol. You can also use pieces of round wood too. Sandbags are handy and easy to make, using sand, leadshot or acrylic beads will all have different effects. In saying all that I bought a couple of repair sections that just would've taken to long and were out of my skill to make.
Trial and error is important, I'd fail miserably, walk away, come back with a fresh head and try again.
Welding wise I was taught without gas first then once the argon was turned on it was a whole new (easier) world. It took a few weekends of welding scrap then cutting it in half and welding it back together before I touched the car, its amazing how much practice you can get out of one piece of scrap metal...
Heaps of stuff on youtube too, great resource to learn from I'm still just an amateur and still go back there for advice .
Good luck with it Drew.. 
 
*EDIT* one last thing, about to start the welding on the Cortina and I'll be buying a decent welding jacket this time, haha, no smell of burning hair and flesh in the garage this time

1mm cutting discs and a variety of flap wheels. You can never have enough.

my  one flap wheel is definitely my best friend. I never knew what they were until a few weeks ago.
Duh. Even my crap welds look not bad afterwards.
1mm cutting disks are on the list, cheers.
 
I found a Detroit electric nibbler for $169 at total tools and think that might we worth looking at.
 

An angle grinder and blades is much better than a nibbler. Tin snips as well. I've never seen the use for a nibbler when doing panel work as their not accurate at all and remove to much stock in the process. Sure if your going to lots and lots of curved work but fixing rust you are best cutting straight sections even if you cut more out. I'm liking Oxy welding but only for panel not structural. Fusion welding is the best but is an art form. Also you need lots of different shaped dollies to replicate the curve you'll fix.

Smith and Arrow on Ebay is a good way to buy flap disc's and cut off wheels in bulk. Free postage and a good price always helps when you are on a budget even better if you and a couple of mates put in, the more you buy the cheaper it gets
 
http://stores.ebay.com.au/smithandarrow
 

cheers macka, great ebay link, their prices on velcro 80grit sanding disks alone would have saved me a heap.
The mixed box of flap disks will be great.
 
The grinder still freaks me out a bit Wiggy to be honest, but the flap disk doesn't make it seem as much of an animal. I had the 5"Ryobi grinder for 12 months before I got it out of the box. (shame)
 
I'll get some 1mm disks, and try cutting some panel patches with it. I just thought the nibbler would be a safer way to go, then tin snip the edge straight. So far I still have all fingers.
Ive got a spotweld drill bit on order and will hold off on the nibbler.
 
Cheers guys, I appreciate the tips

I've seen these little clamps around the internet. They look like they cold be handy for holding things together while welding. I still haven't got myself a set yet.
 

 

That is a good link Macka...
 
Heres one of my dodgey sandbags, smells like toe jam but softens the hammer blows the same as a bought one.
Cheers Drew.
 

 
 

ha Drew, nice one.
Do they come in different sizes? I'm going to make one of those.
 
What about a shrinker/stretcher?
 
Good for small rust repair sections obviously with a bend or flange?
Wheel arch, inner guard, sill return?
$169
CF mag always seems to have ads for a lot of tools not as common here?