Welder for Me? Ideas?

Started by DTB, August 05, 2006, 04:16:43 PM

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DTB

August 05, 2006, 04:16:43 PM
:help: Just started research on a welder to purchase. :flamer:  I guess I can spend up to $1000-1500. Not sure if I need one that nice though. Mig welders seem to be the ticket for a beginner like me. The Millermatic 175 and 220's are looking pretty hot  :drooling:.  Any other ideas? I'm going to be using it mostly for fabrication of bumpers, cages, and SAS stuff. Will a good 110 cut it? Also, where is some good info for a beginner welder like myself. I know there are classes and books and such. Any good online info?  I appreciate any input. I only want to have to do this once.  :beerchug: p.s. i did use the search function and didnt find alot
RIP KYOTA
Quotetoyminator2000 – There has to be dumb people in order for there to be smart people
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CTENG in KS

#1
August 05, 2006, 04:21:53 PM
If you have that kinda money to spend and a 220V recepticle then you should be looking at mig 175A or larger.  Don't bother with the 110 if have 220!
IFS is best kept at ambient temperature in a pile of scrap in the backyard.  When kept under a functioning vehicle, it tends to greatly diminish said vehicle's offroad ability.     -reklund5

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79coyotefrg

#2
August 05, 2006, 05:09:23 PM
stick welders are usually alot cheaper  than migs,
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BLACKDOG

#3
August 05, 2006, 06:06:06 PM


I've flipped through it, don't own it yet, but this book is really pretty good for beginning welders.  check it out before you buy it, but you'll prolly like it

as has been said, go as big as you can. :thumbs:  Arc welders are cheaper, but MIG will give you some better dexterity when welding in tight spaces.
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#4
August 05, 2006, 06:52:27 PM
Skip the stick unless you just want to have a challenge. Go with a MIG for your first welder. If you have 220V (dryer outlet) try to get a 220v MIG, but if not a 120v will do most anything. Eather a Lincoln or miller will be your best choice. 145 and up with gas if possible.
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freds40

#5
August 05, 2006, 10:36:45 PM
$1k-$1500 will get ya into a nice mig. A Miller 185 or Lincoln are both 230 machines and will weld roughly 22 guage up to about 1/4". These are around $750-$850. A Miller 210 and Lincoln 215(IIRC) will do about 22 guage up to 3/8". They are roughly $1200. If ya have a small bit more cash to spend, a Miller 251 or Lincoln 255 can be had for around $1800 and will do 22 guage up to 1/2". A couple of good sites online for buying are weldingmart.com and cyberweld.com  I purchased a sweet new machine from cyberweld less than 2 weeks ago and can vouch for their service and delivery time. They were easy to work with and I had my new machine in 4 days delivered to my door for about $200 less than any local shops and I didn't pay shipping.
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brainlessfool

#6
August 06, 2006, 12:59:17 PM
just barrow CTENG's when he gets it all set up!
A good day working, that's just sick :reg:

DTB

#7
August 06, 2006, 01:15:29 PM
Quote from: brainlessfool on August 06, 2006, 12:59:17 PM
just barrow CTENG's when he gets it all set up!
hmmm.....mighty tempting. Ordered a Millermatic 175 with the cart for $783 w/free shipping. Guess we'll see what happens :flamer:
RIP KYOTA
Quotetoyminator2000 – There has to be dumb people in order for there to be smart people
Low down & durrrrrrty Rock Stacking Web Wheeler :driving: Too many Yuppies..:shake:...Not enough Hippies :flamer:  Hobbies: stealing cookies, slangin' tacos, owning tequila bars, wheeling with paco

CTENG in KS

#8
August 06, 2006, 02:16:20 PM
You won't have any troubles with that...nice welder.
I am looking at generators now...still cheaper than buying a house.
IFS is best kept at ambient temperature in a pile of scrap in the backyard.  When kept under a functioning vehicle, it tends to greatly diminish said vehicle's offroad ability.     -reklund5

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abnormaltoy

#9
August 06, 2006, 02:18:14 PM
Quote from: DirToyBoy on August 06, 2006, 01:15:29 PM
hmmm.....mighty tempting. Ordered a Millermatic 175 with the cart for $783 w/free shipping. Guess we'll see what happens :flamer:

When you get it, you'll still need to get some consumables. A helmet...I didn't think it was worth the money to get an autodark helmet, until I used one. Get some GOOD gloves and a set of sleeves. A little time welding in a t-shirt will burn you like a week at the lake.
You'll have to get a gas bottle, you buy the bottle from a dealer and the first fill is free.
You'll need a couple different sizes of wire...I end up using .023 and .030 for most everything and you'll need tips sized to fit the wire.
Oh, back to gas, the best all around gas is the 75% Argon 25% CO2. It doesn't penetrate quite as well as straight CO2, but that only matters on steel way thicker than what's on the truck...the mix looks a lot nicer too. Get a bunch of off-cuts from a shop if you can...and just start working it!
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DTB

#10
August 06, 2006, 02:23:11 PM
Good tips AT, thanks. Yup, looking at an auto mask (they're damn expensive though). I kinda like the helmets with the flip up lens too (alot cheaper). Of course, gloves and a bib with sleeves are pretty much required :flamer:  :woohoo: I AM SO EXCITED! :disturbed:
RIP KYOTA
Quotetoyminator2000 – There has to be dumb people in order for there to be smart people
Low down & durrrrrrty Rock Stacking Web Wheeler :driving: Too many Yuppies..:shake:...Not enough Hippies :flamer:  Hobbies: stealing cookies, slangin' tacos, owning tequila bars, wheeling with paco

CTENG in KS

#11
August 06, 2006, 02:28:18 PM
If you need something to get you by till you wanna buy a nice helmet, I've been using an HF $40 autodark hood...the blue one, for about 6 months now...not as nice as the spensive ones, but Ive never flashed myself with it.  Much easier for the learner than using a flip mask I found.
IFS is best kept at ambient temperature in a pile of scrap in the backyard.  When kept under a functioning vehicle, it tends to greatly diminish said vehicle's offroad ability.     -reklund5

4Runner: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=4580.0
Beastmaster: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=34339.0

abnormaltoy

#12
August 06, 2006, 02:29:26 PM
Quote from: DirToyBoy on August 06, 2006, 02:23:11 PM
Good tips AT, thanks. Yup, looking at an auto mask (they're damn expensive though). I kinda like the helmets with the flip up lens too (alot cheaper). Of course, gloves and a bib with sleeves are pretty much required :flamer:  :woohoo: I AM SO EXCITED! :disturbed:

I welded once in a "beater" shirt...the round part of my biceps got totaled! I had a turboized farmer tan for a while.

I got my helmet from HTP at the same time I got the welder. I think it was like $199 but it's a killer.
The things that come to those who wait, may be the things left by those who got there first.

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.
-- Winston Churchill

Censorship, that most subtle tool of oppression, the tool of the fearful and small minded. 8/15/2008

"It is interesting that we are asked to NOT judge all Muslims by the actions of a few lunatics. Too bad gun owners can't get same judgment."
Travis Tritt (I know!)
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