My first welder for a green old guy

[dragoneggs]

That's how I feel too. I hadn't made a weld in about 20 years, never used MIG (only stick), and within a couple minutes I was getting very nice beads from a wire feed MIG machine running flux core. Then started getting fancy with weave, zigzag, and cursive-e patterns to play around with the bead quality (seems like a simple zigzag look best for me). If I can say that, it would have to be easy. That said, I am sure my limited confidence will break down as soon as I need to weld upside down or something...

I don't get underneath my welds whether during or afterward... :ashamed:

 

[s219]

I don't get underneath my welds whether during or afterward... :ashamed:

Not worried about that part, it's making the weld that is so much harder for a rookie! If the weld is garbage, then I wouldn't want to be underneath it before or after either!

 

[dragoneggs]

Not worried about that part, it's making the weld that is so much harder for a rookie! If the weld is garbage, then I wouldn't want to be underneath it before or after either!

My comment was half in jest... but half honest.

 

[stihlman]

I would watch Craigslist and classifieds for a used Lincoln Idealarc 250 or Miller Dialarc 250. The AC/DC versions can be picked up from $300-$600 in good shape. They are bulletproof machines that will last a lifetime. Take them home, remove the covers and blow them out with compressed air and your good to go. Here are the machines I'm talking about

 

[Big Barn]

I would watch Craigslist and classifieds for a used Lincoln Idealarc 250 or Miller Dialarc 250. The AC/DC versions can be picked up from $300-$600 in good shape. They are bulletproof machines that will last a lifetime. Take them home, remove the covers and blow them out with compressed air and your good to go. Here are the machines I'm talking about <img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/welding/410823-my-first-welder-green-old-image-jpg"/><img src="http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/files/welding/410824-my-first-welder-green-old-image-jpg"/>

Is that YOUR Idealarc in the photo? I'm currently dealing on a 250 AC/DC just like it to restore.

Terry

 

[stihlman]

Yes it is, I got it at a local flea market for $130. I sanded it down and a buddy with a body shop put a great paint job on it. It is a 1976 model year

 

[Big Barn]

Yes it is, I got it at a local flea market for $130. I sanded it down and a buddy with a body shop put a great paint job on it. It is a 1976 model year

Very nice job!

Terry