Topic: Welding

[Enjoi]

I am thinking of buying a welder, and having a few buddies teach me how to weld. I have a question, what type of welders do you guys have, and what would be a good choice for a welder

[lanulos89]

i got an old craftsman arc welder, great for booger welding, case closed.  learn/buy a tig/mig welder.

[wrangler387]

Best choice would be a tig, easiest would probably be a mig. Do you have your own house? As in can you wire up a 220v outlet? How much are you looking to spend? what exactly do you need to weld? I have a lincoln 135amp mig welder, it is for 110v. Eventually when i get my own house etc.. i'm probably going to get a miller TIG. I suggest you look into local classes that teach welding, you can try out a few different types (ARC, MIG, TIG etc.) and pick which one will fit what you need best (price, function, ease etc...).

[Bounty Hunter]

Get a MIG, 220 if your wallet and wiring can handle it.  If not, a 110 unit is pretty good to learn on and for smaller projects.

[Jesse-James]

I have each of the three at my shop. If you can wire a 220V where you use it , then you definately want a Mig. Make sure get the argon gas with it, FLUX CORE SUCKS. If you only have 110V a mig isn't worth using on any more than more than sheet metal. In that case you want an arc welder, they can do more with less voltage. Takes more skill to get a nice bead, and if you're starting out make sure you get some anti spatter spray, you'll do a lot less cleanup with the grinder. You don't really NEED a Tig unless you're doing stainless or aluminum, the they're invaluable but expensive. As far as brand, I always stick with Miller, hasn't let me down yet. Lincoln is good too. I have a Miller 480v single phase Mig at my shop, a monkey can run a nice bead with that thing.

So, 110v Arc
      220v, Mig

That's my $0.02 :nothing:

[wrangler387]

As for gasses, get the right mix for what you plan to do... you can get away with argon for everything typically, but it cools the puddle the fastest so you'll have to bump up the amps to get the penetration. Mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum all have different recommended gasses (A pain when you are a hobbiest, which is why most just go with straight argon). Although flux core does have some splatter, it's not that bad, it is harder to make a nice bead with it though IMO. It will allow you to do thicker metals then MIG will if you are stuck with a smaller 110v unit.

[YJmechanic]

definitely if you are just starting get a mig.  sorry but i just don't like 110 welders.  hopefully you can run 220.  brands look for better cause if you buy cheap you'll regret it later.   a welder should be a long term investment.  go for a miller, lincoln, or hobart.  watch for cheap models or lincoln and hobart.  the sell them at tractor supply and lowe's but they are downgraded from the industrials.  but still better than a generico brand.  also look up cornwell tools.  they have welders that are actually miller parts assemble by cornwell and they are a little cheaper.  

i have a hobart 1800,  a lincoln 175sp , and a miller 165  no complaints from any.  but i have had cheapos and they were always messed up somehow.

[wrangler387]

I agree about the 110, thats why i asked if he can run 220v. I'm definately looking forward to the day I have my own garage... I'm going to go crazy with tools  :twisted:

[Jesse-James]

One other thing, when you do go to buy one check out places that rent welders. We got a good deal on buying one that had been rented twice (Millermatic 251 pictured below), normal price was about 2300.00 we got it with a full warranty for 1700.00.

[wrangler387]

^ didn't even think of that, that's a great idea.

[PirateIron]

They also have some pretty good deals at Harbor Freight.

Which has a big Thanksgiving sale coming up in a few weeks.  They also sell Hobarts at Harbor Freight if you want to shell out the extra cash.

I agree on the 220v solution and you may also want to entertain getting an AC/DC/DC reverse model, so that you can run a variety of welding rods effectively.  Stick welders are lower maintenance and don't have any moving parts. Also, if you are learning, you should take a short class and learn the proper fundamentals so that you don't practice poor welding techniques and endanger yourself or others.

Stick welding IMO, is the best to learn on; because it forces you to learn correct puddling, penetration and fillet size and appearance matters.  If your intent is to build things, you may also want to consider taking a welder fitting class so that you understand geometrical strengths and components of metallurgy.

[dexetr30]

If your intent is to build things, you may also want to consider taking a welder fitting class so that you understand geometrical strengths and components of metallurgy.

I agree with this statement 100%. My welder should arrive this coming monday and I've signed up for classes at my community college. It's seems as though the money spent on the class will be well worth the the education and experience.

I got a Hobart 125. It's a 110v mig/flux chore but I'm also getting the mig kit to go with it. It's what I could afford for now and as soon as I can step up to a 220v version I will.

Here's what I got:
http://www.americasprideonline.com/welders/Hobart/125.shtml

[Enjoi]

thanks alot guys, ive decided to just take a few classes at the JC since im already there, next question how hard is it to wire up a 220 volt, my friend told me its the plug that u stick your drier and such into it.