MossRoad
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Just a quick search.....
Looking at entry level welder
- Thread starter shooterdon
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- Views: 3059
chim
Elite Member
Couple of thoughts:
You say you have no experience. Before welding something like the example (lifts 4,000#) I'd get some experience.
I wouldn't use strut if you're looking at that capacity.
Welding galvanized requires some very good ventilation to avoid damage to your lungs. With care there's no problem. When I weld galvanized steel I always grind the galvanizing off where it gets welded. Generally, if the grinder is throwing sparks, you've removed enough to weld it.
WIF (Welding Is Fun) so go ahead and get to it
You say you have no experience. Before welding something like the example (lifts 4,000#) I'd get some experience.
I wouldn't use strut if you're looking at that capacity.
Welding galvanized requires some very good ventilation to avoid damage to your lungs. With care there's no problem. When I weld galvanized steel I always grind the galvanizing off where it gets welded. Generally, if the grinder is throwing sparks, you've removed enough to weld it.
WIF (Welding Is Fun) so go ahead and get to it
Tinhack
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I don't see a hint of square tubing in your example. I see round, channel and flats. Simple job to copy. Keep it simple. Your welds will be the weak points. Drill pipe will be stronger than square tubing.
2manyrocks
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Rather than spend $500 on welder stuff, I wonder if a set of SSQA forks might be worth considering?
OP
shooterdon
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Just to share more info.
The bags I lift weigh about 1600 lbs. Here is a picture of the lifter I had made locally, and it has no issue handling the weight:
The PITA with it is having to thread the loops over the "forks" when moving bags around. I have thought about making a frame to hold the loops open as I move forward but when the bag is on sitting on the pallet or ground the sides are not always lined up due to the flex in the bag and the wood squishing the bag around.
I think having a "cross" frame I can sit on the bag with hooks for the loops will be easier to use. Then have pockets on the cross frame for the forks. It should be easy to level the cross frame by adjusting the wood splits in the bag.
There will not be much load. Maximum distance from the lift point to the hooks will be about 12" and there is 400 lbs of weight at each hook.
The bags I lift weigh about 1600 lbs. Here is a picture of the lifter I had made locally, and it has no issue handling the weight:
The PITA with it is having to thread the loops over the "forks" when moving bags around. I have thought about making a frame to hold the loops open as I move forward but when the bag is on sitting on the pallet or ground the sides are not always lined up due to the flex in the bag and the wood squishing the bag around.
I think having a "cross" frame I can sit on the bag with hooks for the loops will be easier to use. Then have pockets on the cross frame for the forks. It should be easy to level the cross frame by adjusting the wood splits in the bag.
There will not be much load. Maximum distance from the lift point to the hooks will be about 12" and there is 400 lbs of weight at each hook.
2manyrocks
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I would not use strut for that. Part of the problem is making the bag holder strong enough that it doesn't get warped in use. If that bag just had some wire stiffeners like yard leaf bags to hold it open and hold the loops open, that alone would help.
WranglerX
Super Member
Think you are really going to be disappointed with the $150 machine.... The thing about welding is the machine is never big enough to do the projects that keep getting bigger and bigger..... Found that out when I got Hobart Handler 140 ($700) and now long for a Hobart 210MVP ($1200) because projects out classed smaller machine.... IF you are going with a 120V machine go to top line of capabilities as the limit out at about 1/4 inch (140 AMP) .... Anything smaller is just playing with frustration as a partner....
Last edited:
WranglerX
Super Member
Your $150 MIG machine aint going to cut it..... You are going to need a full 120/140 amp machine for that sort of project....
rangerfredbob
Veteran Member
I would definitely look on the used market but yeah I'd lean toward a dual voltage unit at least, you're going to want 1/8" wall tubing or pipe at least, don't think strut is going to hold up... that's the top of the 125A cheap units, the Titanium unlimited 140 would probably cut it but you'd get a better deal in the used market like posted above...
I would practice a fair amount before jumping in to a final project, on youtube I think it's weld.com with their videos, they're really good, I learn stuff from them but I'm not professional just a hobby welder...
I would practice a fair amount before jumping in to a final project, on youtube I think it's weld.com with their videos, they're really good, I learn stuff from them but I'm not professional just a hobby welder...
