Welding

[tiznutbrnt]

Considering we are out in the middle of somewhere, I find I wish to learn how to weld.

I had an ark and watched a weld one time and took the wand and did a pro job according to the one that was showing me.

Now what do I get to not only learn with, to do repairs or if I wish to build something.

[k.a.m.]

tiznutbrnt, when you say you took the wand. Are you referring to a mig gun or stick welding? Wire fed is a lot easier than stick, and I would suggest getting a machine that requires 220V. instead of a 110V. machine.
Hobart 187 is a good machine. The MillerMatic 180 is a good machine as well just more expensive. Miller makes Hobart. I hope this helps.
_________________
Always remember slow and steady wins the race.

Hybrid Cooker

[tiznutbrnt]

it was a stick.

At this time, until we can sell our ATV's, Golf Cart, and Motorcycle, I have to watch every penny spent or I barter my way to getting something.

Is a used machine easy to find ??

EDIT:
Thank you all for all the help given to the less fortunate.

[SoEzzy]

Craigslist, ebay or the local hock shop, all are sources of used equipment, but better to be able to see it working before you buy just an empty box with no guts!
_________________
Here's a change Robert.

I still work here!

[gbque]

Not sure if any of these are viable but...


http://rmn.craigslist.org/tls/1938308468.html

http://eauclaire.craigslist.org/tls/1929707051.html

http://madison.craigslist.org/tls/1940264190.html

http://madison.craigslist.org/tls/1925355558.html

http://madison.craigslist.org/tls/1928668625.html

http://madison.craigslist.org/tls/1919961883.html
_________________
In the shadows of Lambeau

[tiznutbrnt]

[Jarhead]

I agree with k.a.m. on the welder. 110 is a royal PITA.
Get a good 220v wire fed welder, used or new (just make sure it works), an Auto darkening helmet, a pair of welding gloves, some clamps and magnets, a long sleeve shirt, blue jeans, boots and a good GRINDER.
Then git after it.
The gloves, shirt, jeans and boots, you will only do without one time! If you do, you will have a sunburn that you will never forget. Don't ask me how I know about sandals.
_________________
Gunny 3073/4044/8411

Jarhead's World Blog
KCBS CBJ & HMFIC Debbie's Q Shack

[Stainless]

I personally use a hobart 180 with gas for small stuff. It's a lot easier to use without melting everything. Then I use an ac/dc cracker box welder for stick welding heavy metals. The first is 110 and the stick is 220v. Migs won't weld rusty metal as well as stick so it really depends on what your welding.

[tiznutbrnt]

So a used 220 wire feed is going to cost about $200 ??

What machine should not even be looked at ??

[Stainless]

In my opinion for price, versatility, mobility and most well rounded, i would suggest a lincoln cracker box welder. They're everywhere for cheap, no moving parts and you can buy different rods for different uses and you can weld anything with them.

[doug]

[tiznutbrnt]

Does any of these make sense.

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result/?category=&q=welder

[Stainless]

I personally wouldn't buy any serious piece of machinery from them. My work bought a plasma cutter from there and it only lasted a month.

[tiznutbrnt]

I am NOT a business.

For just puttering around with around the house, what amp unit should be bought, should it be wire feed, or ark.

Should I think about two different machines or just stay with one.

What else needs to be known ??

[pyronoel]

You still won't be happy with the quality of any welding equipment bought at harborfreight

I've started to do a little welding on the side, and bought a 120v Lincoln WeldPak100 , it's good for 1/8" steel. Flux core makes it super portable, just a bit slaggy. But if you went with an arc welder, you have the slag anyway.

I have a MillerMatic 175 -discontinuted now, current replacement is the 180.
I've had it for 10 years, only feed it consumables, never a single repair. Many days it sits there humming for 8 hours.

My thought, if you are only going to have ONE welder, and you need to spend the least, a 220V ARC would give you the most bang. I just don't see getting a 220v mig very cheap- not to mention the gas bottles you have to fill up. My bottle is $55 --my smoker build is on the 3rd one.

[BigMikeIA]

I wouldn't even buy my welding GLOVES from Harbor Freight. I made that mistake, the liner wasn't sewn in to one of them, so the glove liner came right out with my hand when I took it off for the first time.
_________________
It is easier to ask forgiveness than permission.
Foil is the enemy.
Liar #44

UDS

[Stainless]

[rykymus]

tiznutbrnt: 6 months ago I was exactly where you are. Little to no welding experience and none of the appropriate tools. I bought a big red tombstone looking Lincoln 220v stick welder for $120 thru craigslist and I love the heck outta that thing. I agree that most of the stuff at HF is junk. I have blown through 3 of their $20 angle grinders already. In the future, I'm going to buy a little better quality grinder elsewhere. But the HF cheapies have gotten me through my first build. I also agree with BigMikeIA about the welding gloves. In fact, I wouldn't skimp on the gloves either. I paid about $45 for the auto-darkening helmet at HF and it has worked fine thus far. I made the mistake of buying the cheap face-shields for grinding at HF. They got scratched up so quickly that I had to buy new ones every month. I finally went and got a really good one that is holding up much better. (And I can even see through it!) I collected the little things like magnets, clamps, and the like, most of the from HF, a little at a time since I too was on a budget. (Still am.) With perserverance and patience, it can be done quite well on the cheap. But be for warned, you will get hooked cuz building smokers is just plain fun. (It's also a good excuse to hide out in the garage and drink beer! )

[tiznutbrnt]

Thanks so much all boy's and girls.

If you are a list lizard and see something for sale in MOO land, Please let me know.

[tacklebox]

Where you at in Mooville?
Here's some around my neck of the woods

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/1951674405.html

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/1949691483.html

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/1947603915.html
_________________
~Joe
This post is not intended to offend, unless I intend it to
Life is like a penis, some times it gets hard for no reason
Pompous Ass Bigoted LIAR #69