NEWBIE - RECOMMENDATIONS

[gumshu]

For a newbie like me who knows squat about welding, what would you guys recommend that I buy for misc. repairs and perhaps building a few implements... stick, Tig, Mig??? I wouldn't want a top of the line welder, but nothing too cheap either. Thanks

 

[Ed of all trades]

A simple lincon stick welder works great for the larger stuff. I have an AC unit that is about 40 years old and was used for most of the repairs on a working farm. A mig is great for the thinner, sheet metal ect. It depends on what you are going to do and how much you want to spend. I ran a welding service for a couple years and Miller welders are what I like, but that is just my idea. Many others will like other brands. Leave the TIG alone until you get to the point where you know more, and just buy one at a time some people never get to the point where they like hot balls of metal bouncing off of your skin. It is also good to take a class or find a GOOD welder that will teach you how. many never learn the important little things that make a differance.

 

[tinman565]

Spend a few extra dollars, and buy a brand name AC/DC stick machine. You won't be disappointed sir. As mentioned earlier....have someone who does this for a living give you some lessons. It takes practice....simple as that.

 

[Shield Arc]

You should look at Everlast, and Longevity machines. I have the Everlast PowerArc 200, it will stack 6010 effortlessly, and runs 7018 every bit as nice as any machine I've ever run. But Longevity's Stickweld 250 has adjustable hot start, and arc force, not sure about their Stickweld 140. These two options make life so much easier!:thumbsup:

 

[Zork]

Go to TSC and buy a Forney welding book. It will give you all sorts of information about welding, plus some other useful techniques and tips.

 

[gumshu]

Thank you all for sharing this information. It will get me off to a great start.

 

[k0ua]

It have the little Everlast PA160 DC stick machine and it has done all my fabrication and repair work. It is cheap and easy.. Their little PA140 also looks good. If you are going to be doing a lot of sheetmetal then a MIG is probably the way to go.. Me I just TIG it with my PA160 and add on scratch start TIG torch. TIG takes time to learn ( I am still learning) Stick takes some time too, but is worthwhile in my Opinion. I have heard MIG is the easiest to pick up. Some schooling or a buddy that knows how to weld and has the patience to show you could be worth a lot.. It took me a while to get to the level I am at all by myself, (and I am not very good). It is a journey, but it is fun and rewarding. I fixed this last Saturday:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/249487-oh-no-my-bucket-broken.html

James K0UA

 

[Shield Arc]

TIG takes time to learn ( I am still learning)

And you will continue to learn until the day you die, (hopefully many many years from now)!

 

[weldermike]

Well said shieldy. The more I learn, the more I realize I still have alot to learn. I like to be very well rounded in all aspects of the trade, and its never ending!

 

[Sockwell]

Watch sites like Craigslist. I had been using my Bobcat 250 to weld in the barn. I wanted an AC/DC buzz box to stick weld just so I wouldn't have to listen to the noise. After a couple of months, saw a Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC that had been traded in on some antique fishing lures. Got it and some HD jack stands for $400. It didn't even have heat marks on the clamps. Just took a little patience.