Welder Recommendations

[California]

re the heavy Tombstone welder, my $50 Wards PowrKraft AC230 is similar capacity, and weight. It's a beast. 3/8 2011 rod takes about half throttle.

Prior owner adapted a bottle truck to make it portable. Current is varied by a lever that pulls a slug in/out of the transformer core. And the cables are removable for storage. They attach with tapered brass plugs.

I've done some good work with this for example a trailer hitch added to my box blade. My first project was to repair where a pin tore out of an old garage door hinge.

But I've bought several smaller welders since. A dual voltage small flux-core welder is more convenient. I very seldom drag out this big guy, any more.

 

[hgl1tbn]

Hello to all,

In my 60's and have had a ranch for 30 yrs. Any and all metal fixes I have taken to a nbor, but now it's time to get my own welder.

My main applications would be fixing existing broken things [like BBQ pits, metal fence, farm machinery, etc]. I am sure if I enhance my welding skills, I will engage in many other metal-based projects if I had one.

Looking for make and models of welders that would fit my needs. I know you get what you pay for, and not looking for really cheap products, but do not want to bust the bank either. If you have any questions, pls let me know?

Thank you in-advance for your help & suggestions!

I am not a "welder" by any means, however I have 2 of them. A Lincoln MIGPAK(?) and Lincoln tombstone AC/DC.
The MIG is what I use for light stuff like body panels and basic light stuff.
If I need to cut something with my oxy torch or band saw cause it is too thick for my manual hack saw (because I am too old, retired and not that ambitious anymore) to use it gets stick welded.
Basically less than 1/8 inch = flux core MIG, anything bigger = Stick even tho' both will work for either.
Both require nearly the same skill set so see above retired comment.
Starting out I would get a 110/220V MIG and let the nbor tackle the rest till you find out if any welding is in your future.
Just remember, if you are just starting out and it will hurt someone or something if your weld broke then DON'T!
Happy welding.

 

[Cub 7275]

Squirt gun strikes again......


Neighbor returned from a trip yesterday and said the trailer jack scraped the ground when pulling out of a gas station. At least that bead would have looked suspect before the paint went on. The scary ones are those that look good but only have fusion at the outermost edges so they look ok on visual inspection.

 

[dieselscout80]

I have a PrimeWeld MIG 180 and its the best welder I’ve had. Comes with a no B.S. warranty for three years. This machine will make you look like a pro welder. Primeweld is in New Jersey with a full staff. When you call they answer and help you right away. Best $550 bucks I’ve ever spent. I went the 15 foot Lead and not sorry I did.

I like that welding cart.

 

[California]

Squirt gun strikes again......

View attachment 3653582
Neighbor returned from a trip yesterday and said the trailer jack scraped the ground when pulling out of a gas station. At least that bead would have looked suspect before the paint went on. The scary ones are those that look good but only have fusion at the outermost edges so they look ok on visual inspection.

I don't understand how anyone could 'weld' like that, just laying bead on top of one side. Amateur here, but the minimum spec while welding is that the pool has to cut into both sides of a joint and have some obvious depth.

 

[paulsharvey]

I don't understand how anyone could 'weld' like that, just laying bead on top of one side. Amateur here, but the minimum spec while welding is that the pool has to cut into both sides of a joint and have some obvious depth.

I think to some minor degree you miss an important point. That Jack held for a while, maybe years. Not every repair needs to be permanent. Bridges, gas lines, ecr yep; a non structural weld like that, with no danger and no real cost if it breaks... no so much. Yes, a good weld is always better than a bad weld; but Sometimes a bad weld is better than a broken part (not always).

 

[ArlyA]

I think to some minor degree you miss an important point. That Jack held for a while, maybe years. Not every repair needs to be permanent. Bridges, gas lines, ecr yep; a non structural weld like that, with no danger and no real cost if it breaks... no so much. Yes, a good weld is always better than a bad weld; but Sometimes a bad weld is better than a broken part (not always).I

I thought he was referring to a smallish welder filling a large gap. Takes multiple passes.

 

[paulsharvey]

My point, is not expressed well; if you never did some kinda iffy welds, you would never do any welds; cause you got to start somewhere. Not every weld needs X-rayed, (or posted on Instagram).

 

[paulsharvey]

I thought he was referring to a smallish welder filling a large gap. Takes multiple passes.

Yes, but the welding community is bad about "gate keeping" and attacking everyone. Truth is, sometimes slag inclusion doesn't kill, or undercut, ect. Sometimes you just need to stick this piece to that piece, and butt ugly, non text book stuff is fine.

Even on TBN, not as bad as it used to be; guy buys a welder, and posts a picture or 3, cause he's proud he did he's first weld. Boom, 12 guys attack him, his welds, his shield, his welder, and his dog.

Not often you see somebody say "good job, but next time give it 15 more amps, and try a slower weave"

 

[paulsharvey]

I thought he was referring to a smallish welder filling a large gap. Takes multiple passes.

Looking at it, it looks like there was no gap prior to hitting the jack. They just got no penetration on the tongue and all on the jack plate.

The nice part about metal work and welding; if you look at it, assuming the jack tube is fine; wire brush; smack it with a 4# sledge to get it sitting right, and run another bead. No harm, no foul.