Good homeowner welder?

[k0ua]

James,
It will have the HF start as a standard. But it will also offer a switch to choose between lift start and HF. It will have a simple 0-160 amp pedal, that offers full range of control while in Tig mode and it will be optional. Expect about 50-75.00 extra add in if bought with unit. No, you can't limit amps on the panel, but with only 160 amps, it isn't bad to manage your average DC weld of 70-120 amps.

I have the final panel design I created, and confirmed with the factory this week...and am posting here for all to see for the first time. This unit should be in in a month or a little longer. The whole month of February is being taken up by Everlast production alone, and none of its other world wide customers will be in production.

I'll have a final production picture soon.

Oh my.. I may be interested in trading off my PA160. as you know I have started TIGing with the pa160. And have had good results But the HF start and pedal control, and I noticed a Post flow timer too?.. oh man.. my mouth is starting to water.. Keep us up to date. I am interested. Very interested.

James K0UA

 

[Diamondpilot]

For me the best all around welder I have is the Hobart 185. Got it at TSC on sale with a cart and accessories for around $400.

I also picked up a Miller 250 amp stick welder for $100 used.

I also have a 110V Harbor Freight wire welder that is 90 amps that actually does a decent job.

Chris

 

[Beltzington]

I believe my question is pertinent to the OP's so I won't apologize for hijacking his thread. .

I have also been looking at electric welders for home use for a long time and have not yet determined if I should buy a stick welder or a mig.

What is the main advantage of a wire-fed mig other than the ability to lay a continuous bead? Having learned on stick and torch many many years ago I am at least familiar with them but wire-fed is an unknown. Can't imagine a project where I would be concerned by having to stop and replace a rod.

 

[Shield Arc]

What is the main advantage of a wire-fed mig other than the ability to lay a continuous bead?

Easier to learn, no slag to speak of. But cost more.

 

[brewdog]

I have a 10 year old Lincoln 135 Mig 110 volt welder. I think it's called the 140 now. That 110 volt machine has been fantastic for small and mid size work. You would be amazed at welds and work I've done with it. With preheating the steel with my torches, I've welded 1/4" and 3/8" plate without an issue. Not the best thing to do, but if your in a pinch and need to make a repair, it just the ticket. I also like that I can run it in my House Garage if I need to. I won't part with it.

For bigger work, I have a Hobart stickmate 235 AC/DC arc welder. It's been a great welder as well. Seems I only run DC rods on it.

My next investment will be a TIG welder. Haven't decided which brand yet, still looking around.

 

[Beltzington]

Easier to learn, no slag to speak of. But cost more.

I am guessing the "no slag," only applies when using gas, not the fluxwire models?

 

[Shield Arc]

My next investment will be a TIG welder. Haven't decided which brand yet, still looking around.

Here you go! I have the little sister to this one. These machines are so advanced, they'll weld aluminum for you, all you have to do is turn it on.

Miller - TIG Welders - Dynasty 350

 

[Shield Arc]

I am guessing the "no slag," only applies when using gas, not the fluxwire models?

Yes.
You have to run gas with some flux core wires, generally they are called dual shield.
Flux Core-GS= gas shielded. Not much splatter, but heavy slag coverage.
Flux Core-SS= self shielded. Some, to a lot of splatter, some to heavy slag coverage.

 

[Beltzington]

Yes.
You have to run gas with some flux core wires, generally they are called dual shield.
Flux Core-GS= gas shielded. Not much splatter, but heavy slag coverage.
Flux Core-SS= self shielded. Some, to a lot of splatter, some to heavy slag coverage.

What happened to the "no slag" comment. Be gentle, just trying to understand. Thanks.

 

[k0ua]

Solid wire (no flux) is run with gas, hence very little slag. (next to none)

James K0UA