Recommendations on Welder for Beginner for Farm

[RickB]

Miller Thunderbolt.

 

[Big Barn]

I really like my Miller Maxstar 150STL. Dual voltage and only 14 pounds. I got it one year old off eBay for $450.

Terry

 

[Shield Arc]

On the job, all we ever got were DC only engine drives. I thought AC was for Tig welding aluminum. The subject of SMAW with AC comes up every once in a while. Few years ago, I tried it I was shocked over the sound it makes! The first picture is over head with 6011 on AC. The next two pictures are vertical up hill open root plate with 6011 on AC.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

WADR, the thunderbolts don't hold a candle to the PA200 units...according to many customers who upgraded, including one fellow recently as last week that called me up.

All you need is a DC inverter welder.

 

[Whatswrong]

Whatever you decide on ,practice ,practice , practice . One of the worst messes I ever made was trying to patch my grain loader with my cousins mig .

 

[Turbys_1700]

I've got a Lincoln AC welder I picked up at a pawn shop for $100 and a MIG 180 Chicago Electric unit off Craigslist for $150. It was new with a 10 foot cord. Deals are out their if you are patient and take your time.

With $600 you have lots of options from Everlast or as RickB stated the Miller Thunder Bolt series. Stick is a must on the farm. The mig I use is great for lighter stuff.

 

[chado613]

Thanks for all the tips guys. Much appreciated

 

[CJONE]

The PA200ST is hard to beat for a overall welder. You can run it off of 120v and produce a good weld, in 240v it will run 5/32 7018 and 1/8" all day. Obviously with the 5/32 you have to watch duty cycle but nobody I know has to repair anything with 5/32. Good unit. I have many different units and like this one a lot. CJ

 

[Texasmark]

Hi All,

Just looking for some advice on an entry level welder for the farm. My research has suggested that a stick welder would be the best option.

Not looking to spend a fortune either, Any feedback is welcome on brands/model or anything else for that matter !!

Thanks

Miller 130 240v ac/dc stick for heavier welding....one half inch and up, 7018 rod of choice for everything, 6011 for general if deep penetration is requiered. However I haven't found a deep application the 7018 can't handle. I started with 6011s and found out about 7018 later on and have stayed with them

HF 151 240V Mig gas for everything else, using .030 solid steel wire.

I'm not a welder but I can do a nice job with these 2 implements

 

[BAP]

A stick welder will be more forgiving when trying to weld outside in the wind. Also, repairing equipment that is rusty is easier using something like 6011 or 7014 rod than MIG welding.