welder type

[lockhaven]

I am thinking of getting a welder but do not know what to get. I have looked at the welders that use the roll of wire and at stick welders. I want to get something that will cover the broadest spectrum of tasks. I want to be able to make attachments for my tractor and do repairs on the tractor and lawn mowers.:confused2:

 

[JDgreen227]

There is a "Welding" forum here on TBN, I posted a query there recently about getting my first welder and the members were very helpful. Your query should be moved to that forum. Good luck !!

 

[JasG]

I would also ask in the welder forum.

That being said for myself I have a fluxcore/mig welder. 90% of the time I use it at a friends farm. Mine is 135 amp 120v model and I have yet to find something I can't weld with it.

It is slower than a stick and I can't lay as heavy a bead. Yet the fact I can take it with me, even use a small generator has been well worth it. I can set it up for aluminum.

It does take a little more prep work but if I can repair farm equipment that takes a beating, what more could I want?

Many people find they can learn faster on a wire welder vs a stick. I use both at work and for light stuff I use the mig at work, heavy the stick.

Someday I would like to find a engine driven welder generator, then I would have it all. Not at this time though.

 

[k0ua]

All of the welding processes have their place and their advantages and disadvantaged. I can tell you what I have, and how I use it.

I have a small Oxy/Ace rig, I use it mostly for heating now, and I did use it for some light welding of small pieces. I now TIG most small things since I got my TIG torch.

Primary welder is an Everlast PA160 DC stick welder. It is a a very good welder and seems big enough for all I need to do. I bought a TIG torch, regulator and argon cylinder and now am enjoying using and learning more about TIG. TIG gives you great control for delicate work, of course it takes more skill and practice. The stick welder function is great for most farm type repairs and fabrication of heavier materials. Stick (SMAW) takes more time to learn to weld well than MIG (GMAW). MIG units typically cost more. Especially 220 volt MIG's that are suitable for welding larger materials. MIG is way faster than TIG for welding light materials. If using a Flux core wire feed welder (FCAW) you can reduce cost's (no gas) and you can weld outside (something you cannot do with MIG, unless there is no wind) but the results are not as pretty as MIG. So they all have their place, and ideally you would have one of each But I am doing well with my stick rig (cheap and works well and makes strong welds) with my add on TIG torch (great control on light materials). Hope this helps a little.

James K0UA

 

[MossRoad]

I moved your thread to the welding forum. More folks will chime in here than on the front porch since the topic is so specific. :thumbsup:

 

[RPW]

For the majority of farm welding you probably get a good stick welder. If you can swing it I'd look at an engine driven as you'll be able to repair in the field.

 

[Shield Arc]

What kind of budget are you looking at?
I've bought engine drives as low as $200.00 used, and $9,000.00 new. I've bought new electric machines as low as $300.00 to as much as $6,000.00.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Here is my advice based on my experience...

You'll get more welder for you money if you buy a stick.

It's easier to learn how to make a pretty weld with a wire feed, but both wire feed and stick require some practice to get a solid, sturdy weld.

Although you should prep your material the same for both wire feed and stick, stick is a lot more forgiving of rust, dirt, and corrosion.

 

[monckywrench]

There is a magic formula proven down the ages:

Stick first, DC capability preferred, then a cheap small MIG for sheet metal if you do enough to justify it.

Don't forget brazing with a torch works well for sheet metal repairs, brackets and many other things.

Brazing should be more popular than it is. Note the bend test sample!

The Home Machinist! • View topic - Oxy/Propane - The Poor Man's Substitute

 

[flyerdan]

Probably for farm use, a good stick machine would be a good choice because they're pretty cheap on craigslist and aren't at all fussy about a bit of dirt or rust. I've got everything covered here with a Millermatic 250 and a Hobart Tigwave 250 that will also do stick, plus my old Airco 300 that is pretty much obsolete now.
A small 110v wirefeed with flux core will be good for sheet metal and is portable, they show up fairly cheap as well. If you plan on doing quite a lot of medium duty (.187 to .375") of fairly clean materials inside, a good 220v wirefeed with 75/25 or steelmix gas is the best choice.

 

[bearcreek paul]

An Ac dc stick welder will give you the most bang for your buck for what you are looking to do.They can be had for 200 and sometimes less.Cons are heavy and a bit more practice than a mig.You can pickup an inverter for 250 or so.Much more portable and about 150 lbs lighter.I'm a recent convert to the Inverter Welders.Who said old dogs can't learn new tricks.Now if money is no object what Shield Arc said is the way to go.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

Probably for farm use, a good stick machine would be a good choice because they're pretty cheap on craigslist and aren't at all fussy about a bit of dirt or rust. I've got everything covered here with a Millermatic 250 and a Hobart Tigwave 250 that will also do stick, plus my old Airco 300 that is pretty much obsolete now.
A small 110v wirefeed with flux core will be good for sheet metal and is portable, they show up fairly cheap as well. If you plan on doing quite a lot of medium duty (.187 to .375") of fairly clean materials inside, a good 220v wirefeed with 75/25 or steelmix gas is the best choice.

Flyerdan brought up a good point that hasn't been mentioned in this thread yet... Stick is more forgiving of wind. I haven't tried it, but I hear that MIG welding is nearly impossible with a breeze blowing.

 

[Shield Arc]

Mig is a nightmare in the wind, but I've run Innershield in 80 to 90 MPH wind in Alaska. Couldn't hardly stand up or walk, but I could set on my azz and weld all day.:laughing:

 

[undercut]

I don't have anywhere in doors where I can weld so I'll always be outside where there might be wind. Stick it is! I'm also not going to have access to 240 all of the time so I'm looking at 120/240 inverters. If I want to connect to a gasoline generator to make it portable, any suggestions on what I should be looking for?

 

[rcowan]

That depends on how much amperage you are gonna pull.
Plus you need one that has the outlets that fit your welder connector.

RC

I don't have anywhere in doors where I can weld so I'll always be outside where there might be wind. Stick it is! I'm also not going to have access to 240 all of the time so I'm looking at 120/240 inverters. If I want to connect to a gasoline generator to make it portable, any suggestions on what I should be looking for?