Welder Recommendations

[tstex]

Hello to all,

In my 60's and have had a ranch for 30 yrs. Any and all metal fixes I have taken to a nbor, but now it's time to get my own welder.

My main applications would be fixing existing broken things [like BBQ pits, metal fence, farm machinery, etc]. I am sure if I enhance my welding skills, I will engage in many other metal-based projects if I had one.

Looking for make and models of welders that would fit my needs. I know you get what you pay for, and not looking for really cheap products, but do not want to bust the bank either. If you have any questions, pls let me know?

Thank you in-advance for your help & suggestions!

 

[EddieWalker]

The easiest to learn on, and the one capable of welding most anything is going to be an AC/DC arc welder. Preferably a used one is you are trying to save money. They never wear out. Just don't get one that is AC only. The DC welding is a lot easier with better results for beginners.

Then it's just a matter or figuring out what welding sticks to use for what you are doing. I use 6013 for almost everything on my place.

It's also a good idea to take a welding class. It's a lot faster learning curve when you have somebody explain to you what you are trying to do, how to prepare the metal, and to know how to accomplish it.

 

[ArlyA]

After years of welding stick and and some innershield wire, then switched to solid wire (MIG), I got myself a MIG when I wanted one for home.

 

[tstex]

thank you Eddie and Arly.

one of my nbors in the country has a NG relay station welding fabrication business.. I will learn from him. I just today thought of getting my own welder, but wanted to seek your thoughts first. I'll ask my nbor too. Arly, cannot read that make and model? Can you pls post your welder info

thanks again

 

[Oaktree]

I'll second Arly's recommendations to go with a MIG welder. MIG welding is relatively easy to learn, only drawback is that you can't do it outside but many/most MIG welders are also capable of doing flux welding too.
I have a Hobart Handler 140 that I've been pleased with. Only a 110v, but it's done anything I've wanted to do.

 

[part-time-Farmer-NC]

When I was learning to weld there weren't any trade schools offering it. I got old metal and practiced. Adjusting the amperage as needed to get a good looking bead for that type of metal. Ended up making and selling tree stands as a side gig. Never got rich doing it but made family and me what we wanted/needed adding little things to make it better. That too was when they weren't many tree stand options.

I bought for my retirement a couple of years ago a Lincoln 225. I think it only does AC but it seems that when you add DC it doubles the price of a welder. I wouldn't be afraid to get a used one either of a brand name that is.

Youtube is full of great videos on welding to get you started. Get a good shield, gloves use good ventilation and practice.

 

[ArlyA]

Gosh, I have liked this 220v Everlast. I'm sooooo glad I didn't get a straight 110volt machine. I have welded 3/8th and thicker materials with this machine.

 

[ArlyA]

I'll second Arly's recommendations to go with a MIG welder. MIG welding is relatively easy to learn, only drawback is that you can't do it outside but many/most MIG welders are also capable of doing flux welding too.
I have a Hobart Handler 140 that I've been pleased with. Only a 110v, but it's done anything I've wanted to do.

I just use a cardboard box as a wind block. MIG's get used outdoors all the time.

 

[dadohead]

Just like you, I had always taken my welding work to someone else. Now retired I wanted to tackle bigger jobs (I designed and built my own rotary cutter). I talked to the weld engineers and manufacturing guys I used to work with. They all said to get a 220V MIG wire welder. Every one of these guys own a Miller 211. I didnt shop around... just went to Airgas and got one. Lots of good welding videos on YT. Getting better. Some days the welds look great... some days, wth?

 

[chim]

#1 - I'm not a real welder. I'm a hobbyist.

I'd suggest a dual voltage welder. I started welding on the in-law's farm in the 70's with an A/C Lincoln Tombstone and bought a MIG welder maybe 20 years ago. A few years back I added a dual voltage stick welder that is often the "go to" machine. There are times when it's handy to be able to use 120V (keeping in mind the capability is less than when operated at 240V)

My 200STi Everlast inverter stick welder has been a good addition. It's a smooth dual voltage DC machine and I use mostly 7014 electrodes. Being an inverter machine, it's lighter than my tool box and very portable. Between the light weight and lead extensions, positioning the machine is very handy compared with my wirefeed machine. For example, it allows working all the way around a trailer without moving the welder. I recently repaired a hand rail at our church parking lot with it running it on a generator. (If you do that, be sure the generator and welder are compatible. My welder specs a generator with less than 5% THD).

For a lot of years my Millermatic 175 glued everything together successfully. Mine is 240V only. It has gas capability but I mostly use fluxcore. It has handled some heavy duty welds without failures. Haven't shopped for any but would look for a dual voltage machine today. They have a 211 that sure looks nice.