Best Welder For A Beginner ?

[BoostSlideWayz]

So ive been really considering buying a welder soon but i need some advice. Im turning into a complete do it your selfer and i have this fascination with just having the ability to make my own stuff when i need it.

My questions are...

Whats best to start off with ? Tig, Mig, Arc ? ( thats all ive ever heard of not sure if theres anything else than that)

What price range should i go for when i shop for one ? currently i have about 300 to spend so im not sure if there are good ones for that price or is that cheap ?

What company welder do you prefer (keep in mind my budget, im sure the price varies depending on the name)


Im thinking of taking a welding class but i would like to at least learn a bit before i take the class so im not completely lost and just fail.

Thanks for reading everyone and the advice !!!

[Corbic]

So ive been really considering buying a welder soon but i need some advice. Im turning into a complete do it your selfer and i have this fascination with just having the ability to make my own stuff when i need it.

My questions are...

Whats best to start off with ? Tig, Mig, Arc ? ( thats all ive ever heard of not sure if theres anything else than that)

What price range should i go for when i shop for one ? currently i have about 300 to spend so im not sure if there are good ones for that price or is that cheap ?

What company welder do you prefer (keep in mind my budget, im sure the price varies depending on the name)


Im thinking of taking a welding class but i would like to at least learn a bit before i take the class so im not completely lost and just fail.

Thanks for reading everyone and the advice !!!


$300 will not buy you a welder worth shit. It won't come close to buying you a Tig set, hell it won't even cover your supplies really.

I think you need to take the class or buy a book first because right now, by saying "I have $300 to spend" is like saying "I have $4,000, should I get a Lamborghini or a Ferrari.. keep in mind my budget".


If you REALLY want a welder, Harbor Frieght offers a Flux-Wire 90amp shitbox. Youtube videos for it. It's sloopy but will make sheet metal stick. You'll need to spend another $50 on a mask, $20 on gloves and $40 on quality fluxcore wire.

Get some metal and bamn, you bought the cheapest, jankiest Chinese welder ever and might have $50 left from your budget...

http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_4198.jpg


As for a quality Name, Lincholns are well respected, a Tig will start around $2,000 for a decent one for Automotive.

[seymour86]

Easiest to do would be MIG $300 will not get you much I would stay away from the harbor frieght specials if you are going to get serious. Miller, Lincoln electric, hobart and Esab are what I would recomend. I would also go with something that is 220v rather than 110v. Some of the welders at home depot say they are Mig capable but they do not come ready to do mig because they do not have a gas solenoid in the machine. This is why if you are buying new I would recomend going to a deticated welding supply store plus you can talk to some of the guys that work there. The dudes at home depot usually dont know much other than what the box says. you can also go used but do your homework. I have a miller millermatic 180 mig and a miller syncrowave 200 for tig. love them both but would love to get a Dynasty 200dx to replace the syncrowave... maybe with my tax return :)

[towlie]

Miller is a good brand to look into

[PerilousActs]

Craigslist search for a used machine. You can pick up lightly used welders at huge discounts. Also watch estate sales. Lincoln Electric, Hobart, Miller, Esab are your big brands. Some of the Snap-On welders are rebadged Millers as well as some of the newer hobarts.

As far as beginning, I taught myself to weld last year. I started with TIG, but I also started playing with a fluxcore mig at the same time. Mig is far far more forgiving than a tig. Tig is a very clean process and becomes a pain in some situations (stitch welding a chassis for example). Mig will be of more use to a beginner as well from my experience.

I will say one thing, a good machine makes a huge difference. I spent a year saving up for my Lincoln Electric PrecisionTig 225. I do not regret how much that cost me at all.

[PerilousActs]

Also, check out the fabrication thread in the technical forum. Lots of advice.

[BoostSlideWayz]

$300 will not buy you a welder worth shit. It won't come close to buying you a Tig set, hell it won't even cover your supplies really.

I think you need to take the class or buy a book first because right now, by saying "I have $300 to spend" is like saying "I have $4,000, should I get a Lamborghini or a Ferrari.. keep in mind my budget".


If you REALLY want a welder, Harbor Frieght offers a Flux-Wire 90amp shitbox. Youtube videos for it. It's sloopy but will make sheet metal stick. You'll need to spend another $50 on a mask, $20 on gloves and $40 on quality fluxcore wire.

Get some metal and bamn, you bought the cheapest, jankiest Chinese welder ever and might have $50 left from your budget...

Flux Wire Welder - 90 Amp & Other Welders - Harbor Freight Tools (http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html)

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/370x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_4198.jpg


As for a quality Name, Lincholns are well respected, a Tig will start around $2,000 for a decent one for Automotive.


Alright, so i know not to buy one just yet now lol. I had no idea how expensive they ran. I looked online and all the ones i found were cheaper so i was just assuming they were around that price for a decent one.

*edit* looking around on ebay and found a lincoln for about 328 refurbished.... not sure if thats worth it either ? i mean im not exactly ready to invest 2k on a welder that i have no idea how to use yet. but i am going to look into the class though...

[thenooblet]

Miller and Lincoln are the best, hands down.

Also, older welders are the better because they have good copper in them and the currents flow better.

:2c::2c:

[rick johnson]

i bought a brand new miller mig welder for $650. it is thew millermatic 140. you need to plan on spending like $1200 if you get it all new. the welder is awesome for the price and even has auto set by the gauge of the metal you want to weld to help with setting the feed and heat level till you figure everything out

[rick johnson]

the other $550 will pay for things like gloves mask and gas

[camaro379ss]

go with miller.

As for which type mig is the easiest, tig will take a bit of practice.

[310R]

They are right mig should be the first.I purchased a lincoln 220v wire feed,can't remember the name something 200 or 220.I have done 4 toyota straight axle swaps with it.I have never had a hiccup or a problem.All of these rigs are beat on hard weekly and nothing I welded has failed.I spent $1500.00 on it 6 years ago and it has paid for itself 3 times already.Don't skimp it will last a long time if you don't.

[kenshinS14sks]

move to offtopic please

[pandaroo]

for a cheap muliprocess welder get a ac/dc buzz box stick welder and buy a tig torch set up. they actually make kits for this with every thing you need. (google tombstone tig) im able to weld pretty much every thing i need to weld with tig or stick although mig is quite handy sometimes. also if you can take a class do it!! you wont regret it. all you do is sit a booth weld. you get tones off seat time and you dont have to buy all the consumables and metal you go through. right now im learning to be a pipe welder and would probably cry if i knew how much money in pipe ive welded up lol.
hopes this helps brutha!

[ayuaddict]

When I was 16, I bought a $280 or so flux core mig from Home Depot. I actually still use it to this day occasionally (like if i need to weld shit at somebody's house). I like it.

[ixfxi]

whatever machine you buy, make sure its made by a popular company (which have already been mentioned) because you will need to buy consumable replacement parts.

a welder is a machine that needs servicing. if you cannot replace a component on your gun or in your machine, then the machine is now considered junk.

i saw one of our friends (diego) welding with a 110v horror-freight welder... holy shit, i have home amplifiers bigger than that junk. i saw him make some sparks, cant say he welded anything though.

in addition to the machine, be prepared to supply it with proper electricity. you'll need the proper amp service (outlet) for a 220v machine, so do your research.

[BoostSlideWayz]

Thanks for the replies guys... i saw a few things i liked im not sure where else to look but ebay. i know lots of ebay products are looked down on but some stuff isnt too bad.

Clarke 160EN mig/fluxcore 220V welder KIT new | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Clarke-160EN-mig-fluxcore-220V-welder-KIT-new-/320683902216?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item4aaa400508#ht_734wt_1137)

this is something that caught my eye.. do you guys suggest stuff that uses gas or just electric ? because im new to this so not sure.

Some other stuff http://cgi.ebay.com/LINCOLN-WORK-PAK-125-MIG-WELDER-120V-U2699-1-REFURB-/130480032807?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item1e61374c27#ht_6645wt_1137

http://cgi.ebay.com/Lincoln-Weld-Pak-3200HD-K2190-MIG-Welder-/160577021417?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item256322e5e9#ht_666wt_1137

[Leetheslacker]

I started on that HF flux core booger box. Got it for $80 on sale, got a good mask and good wire. And I'm really glad i did it. It had a lot of limitations, IE, can't do sheet metal for shit without blowing holes through it, but it got my foot in the door and some feeling of what welding is like.

I recently went out and bought myself a miller 140, and I'm in love with the thing. Sheet is no longer a problem, nor is cleaning up booger spatter. It was about a grand for the welder, a cart, and a huge tank that i now own, not lease. And it was worth every penny.

[PerilousActs]

^^ owning a good machine is where it's at. Cheap ones break often, safety systems are not there, etc. Though, I'm not one to deny that they do the job.

Tanks aren't too bad. Just priced a refill today on a 5ft and it was like $40 for argon.

[ixfxi]

Thanks for the replies guys... i saw a few things i liked im not sure where else to look but ebay. i know lots of ebay products are looked down on but some stuff isnt too bad.

Clarke 160EN mig/fluxcore 220V welder KIT new | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Clarke-160EN-mig-fluxcore-220V-welder-KIT-new-/320683902216?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item4aaa400508#ht_734wt_1137)

this is something that caught my eye.. do you guys suggest stuff that uses gas or just electric ? because im new to this so not sure.

Some other stuff LINCOLN WORK-PAK 125 MIG WELDER 120V U2699-1 REFURB | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/LINCOLN-WORK-PAK-125-MIG-WELDER-120V-U2699-1-REFURB-/130480032807?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item1e61374c27#ht_6645wt_1137)

Lincoln Weld-Pak 3200HD K2190 MIG Welder | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/Lincoln-Weld-Pak-3200HD-K2190-MIG-Welder-/160577021417?pt=BI_Welders&hash=item256322e5e9#ht_666wt_1137)

dude, stop asking people on a forum and go read a book.

you're posting ebay links, the first thing i saw is that clarke is made in china. if you want a welder with no replacement parts or support, then buy that. by the way, ebay doesnt make or sell anything, its a fucking service (marketplace).

gas shielding is needed if you want a non-contaminated weld. that, or buy a stick welder and deal with slag.

if you want to weld CHEAP, pickup an oxy-acetylene torch welder. you can create some really nice welds at a fraction of the price of mig/tig. but stop asking people for forum advice (hear-say) and get factual information from a book, written by someone with history/experience.

here you go, go get your jumper cables:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Golfcart--Welder/

[FLMadness]

lol...go to harbor freight and get some cheap hobart welder if you on a budget

[Catch240]

stick = messy as fuck
mig = welders hot glue gun
tig = sweet welds

if your only planning on using you welder for basic car repairs(rot) and house projects a 200 amp mig welder will be more than enough.

If you want to get serious go with a 200 amp tig welder. I prefer miller, but lincoln also makes good welders. and youll need a welder capable of doing ac current if you want to weld aluminum.

If you go with a tig welder expect to drop 3k for a decent one. A decent mig welder can be found for $600-750.

[29psiHybrid]

Hobart Handler 140 is an awesome 110v welder for the money! I've got one to play backup to my Miller 180 Syncrowave TIG.

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/9013/1013174.jpg

[duffman1278]

Also, older welders are the better because they have good copper in them and the currents flow better.
:2c::2c:

Uhh...can you please expand on this? What is "good" copper and how does it flow "better"?

[KrazyS13]

God I want that Miller 180! Gonna pick up a Miller diversion soon to get my foot in the door with tig. It gets pretty good reviews and is around 1200 for just the welder.

OP, as others suggested DONT waist your money on chinese made shit.

[UNISA JECS]

So ive been really considering buying a welder soon but i need some advice. Im turning into a complete do it your selfer and i have this fascination with just having the ability to make my own stuff when i need it.

My questions are...

Whats best to start off with ? Tig, Mig, Arc ? ( thats all ive ever heard of not sure if theres anything else than that)

DEPENDS ON YOUR NEEDS, BUT SINCE YOUR ASKING THAT ON THIS FORUM ITS PROBABLY GONNA BE A AC/DC TIG MACHINE THAT WOULD BEST SUIT YORU NEEDS.

What price range should i go for when i shop for one ? currently i have about 300 to spend so im not sure if there are good ones for that price or is that cheap ?

THAT'LL BUY YOU A NICE TIG HELMET AND SOME GLOVES

What company welder do you prefer (keep in mind my budget, im sure the price varies depending on the name)

AGAIN DEPENDS ON YOUR NEEDS, WITH A BUDGET OF $300 YOUR ONLY OPTION IS GONNA BE A CHEAPO MIG FROM TEH LIKES OF HARBOR FREIGHT...

Im thinking of taking a welding class but i would like to at least learn a bit before i take the class so im not completely lost and just fail.

THATS A GOOD IDEA IM IN THE SAME BOAT BUT IMMA TEACH MYSELF

Thanks for reading everyone and the advice !!!

I soon realized that my needs are gonna require a TIG AC/DC and so with that the cost goes way up.

This is what I bought so far for my setup, just in the is picture alone your looking at ~$1,000 and still dont have the Miller Dynasty 200 DX but im about half way there, that unit runs ~$3,000 alone just for the unit itself.

TIG Auto Darkening Helmet, Contrator Kit with foot pedal, TIG Gloves. Now just need to save up and buy the Miller Dynasty 200DX so I can learn to TIG weld and put this shit to use.

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u159/zilvia_album/100_1349.jpg

And this is the TIG on the right that im saving for:

http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u159/zilvia_album/max_dyn200.jpg

[PerilousActs]

I love the portability of those machines. Have you looked for a used one in order to save a bit of cash?

Here is my Lincoln Electric Precision Tig 225 rig. Picked it up for $2k and still has 2 years left on the factory warranty. Came with a purchased tank (not rented), rods, pedal, torch, regulator, cart, and all papers.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/217426_1751397023711_1202430096_31633589_5949752_n .jpg

[UNISA JECS]

Yea I found a good deal on a used Maxstar 200 DX (DC only) (which is the one on the left side of that pic above) for $1200 but I want AC capability and pulse and frequency control cause I plan on doing intercooler piping in aluminum and some SS exhaust and whatever else comes to mind after I get good.

[duffman1278]

Yea I found a good deal on a used Maxstar 200 DX (DC only) (which is the one on the left side of that pic above) for $1200 but I want AC capability and pulse and frequency control cause I plan on doing intercooler piping in aluminum and some SS exhaust and whatever else comes to mind after I get good.

Too bad the added AC feature makes those inverter machines cost double the price of the maxstars.

I bought myself a syncrowave and for what I do and need it's more than enough however it sucks power like a motha.

As was mentioned though OP, 300$ will not get you that far. A used TIG machine with AC and DC can run you anywhere from 1100$ -4,000$+

[aalbert240]

So ive been really considering buying a welder soon but i need some advice. Im turning into a complete do it your selfer and i have this fascination with just having the ability to make my own stuff when i need it.

My questions are...

Whats best to start off with ? Tig, Mig, Arc ? ( thats all ive ever heard of not sure if theres anything else than that)
all are a lil tricky if you are a begginer a class is a great idea.
What price range should i go for when i shop for one ? currently i have about 300 to spend so im not sure if there are good ones for that price or is that cheap ?
like other member said 300 is just enough for a welding helmet a some gloves and maybe enough to enrol into a class.
What company welder do you prefer (keep in mind my budget, im sure the price varies depending on the name)
sometimes those name brand welders are a lil more expensive but work like a charm look for reviews on the machines.

Im thinking of taking a welding class but i would like to at least learn a bit before i take the class so im not completely lost and just fail.

Thanks for reading everyone and the advice !!!
hope this helps

[s14>integra]

I would definitely vote for getting class time. I'm taking welding classes at my school and I've learned Oxy and Arc welding(Or stick welding as some people call it). And after using nice welders and seeing how much they really help I would definitely recommend saving up to get a nice welder. If it's something you are serious about why cheap out and get something that will be harder to make pretty welds with? If you just wanna throw some metal on then by all means buy something from Home Depot. lol

[bb4_96]

For me it wasn't as much as everyone else I guess

Millermatic 130 - $300
65cf tank filled - $150
regulator - $100
hoses/wire/contact tips ~ $100
cart(casters and angle iron) - $20

Only time I need a Tig is for aluminum and thick stuff. Either buy a lincoln or miller mig, there just isn't enough support from the suppliers/weld shops for the smaller brands. Plus I've heard things about them not being able to ramp up fast enough. Definitely buy a gas compatible machine as only having flux core capability will leave something to be desired down the road. Don't think you need to go out and buy a $124387235706972 Tig setup if you're only doing basic repairs, especially if you are a novice welder. It's much better to suck with a $600 investment than a $876895976359 one.

[tinys s14]

I bought a small arc welder from harbor freight

[Darren]

Where i'm from, we don't have "harbour freight" but we have a store very similar called "Princess Auto".

After having bought one of these cheapy Migs (90) and using it for a couple years, i can say that i'm 100% sure it's stunted my growth as a welder.

Don't bother with the crap, save your $300 and put it towards a real unit. After trying a couple of friends' welders (Miller 220 & Lincoln 140); there is no comparison. You will struggle at welding everything and wonder if it's you or the machine. I guarantee that most of the time it'll be the machine.

Even if you save $500 - $600 and look for a sale for a 140 amp Lincoln or Miller 110 unit, you'll be doing yourself a HUGE favor.

Good luck

[doubleclutchinlikeishould]

I bought a Craftsman 130 for $150 off a mechanic I work with- it was practically brand new. Set up for fluxcore. Got my hands on a 20lb bottle, had it filled with argon, bought an auto darkening mask and a spool of wire, and Im welding up to 1/8" steel with decent penetration for under $300.

Its no Miller 220, but for sheet metal or exhaust work, it does the job. I actually modified my front bumper core to fit my intercooler, and welded it up with this. Works for me.

Definitely go with a Mig though. Definitely the most versatile in the automotive industry. Tig is way outta your pricerange, and youll probably just blow through everything with a stick welder.

[turbo2nr]

good thread!

can some one post use full info about welders

i.e.
- what amps and volts are good for what metals
- what to look for in a mig
- different gasses to use and what purpose to use for
- different wires to use for different material
- heat ranges
- fair price ranges for used welders
- needs for welding - steel, stainless steel, exhaust,aluminum ect

im such a noob to welding but id like to pick up a welder soon and start to mess around.

[bb4_96]

^ Miller's website has all of that info. Tables, charts, guides, all of it.

[doubleclutchinlikeishould]

good thread!

can some one post use full info about welders

i.e.
- what amps and volts are good for what metals
- what to look for in a mig
- different gasses to use and what purpose to use for
- different wires to use for different material
- heat ranges
- fair price ranges for used welders
- needs for welding - steel, stainless steel, exhaust,aluminum ect

im such a noob to welding but id like to pick up a welder soon and start to mess around.

The voltage/amperage will determine the power of the welder- IE, the thickness of the metal that you can weld. If your welder isnt powerful enough to penetrate into the metal, youre essentially just "gluing" metal parts together, rather than actually making them one peice. I think a 220 Miller is good to 3/16 or 1/4" thick, but it really depends on the model.

What to look for in a mig- honestly, I just buy the biggest I can afford, which wasnt that big. The wire you use is dependent upon the metal youre welding... ie aluminum wire with aluminum. The wire thickness is dependent upon the thickness of the workpiece (how much penetration you need). The gas is also dependent upon the metal being welded. Steel is welded with argon, stainless with argon and co2, and ive never welded aluminum so i cant help ya there. There are a lot of variations of the gas of choice depending on the situation.

The idea behind the gas is to protect the arc from oxygen. Oxygen will turn your weld into shit. By laying a film of argon, or whatever, over the arc, it prevents the weld from rapid oxidation. Fluxcore and stick welding accomplish this differently than MIG or TIG. The "IG" in both MIG and TIG stands for Inert Gas, which obviously indicates that they use a gas. Stick and fluxcore use flux, a ceramicish kinda material that burns off as the electrode burns down. As the flux burns, it also prevents oxygen from reaching the weld, but it leaves behind a residue called "slag," (more common with stick welding). Stick and fluxcore generally dont produce as "pretty" of welds, but fluxcore is by far the cheapest setup.

If you want a QUALITY welder, stick with a Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln- and spend over $400 on a used one. Anything cheaper than that (unless its a really good deal) wont be powerful enough. My 110v does the job for stupid stuff, but to do any REAL welding, I need at least a 220.

Hope that helped.

[BoostSlideWayz]

thanks for the info and all the responds guys... I think what ima do is maybe hope i get some money for my birfday haha. so far ive made and extra 140 $ so im just gonna wait till my b day hopfully be able to spend maybe 8 to 900 o a welder then.. and then save up for the other stuff like gas, sticks, mask , gloves, etc.

I would really like to have a tig because ive been watching lots of videos on the end result and the welds just look soo good. i will study more and read any more replies because lots of you guys seem like experienced welders witch is great to learn from!

[turbo2nr]

doubleclutchinlikeishould- awesome post clears up alot

thanks!

[atutt]

Fuck this thread makes my brain bleed...

How many people are actually Welders for a living?
Apparently everyone.

Take my advice. I'm a CWB and TSSA cert'd welder and have been for about 7-8 years..

If you want to weld. Don't touch an electric welder. Pick up some torches and learn how to has weld and braze...You'll be a far better welder in the end. And you'll pick it up and appreciate it more.

I wish I had done this... I can't use a set of torches efficiently to save my life...

[PerilousActs]

^^ completely agree. That's on my list of things to pick up over the summer.

Here's a Hobart 175 for $425, doubt it'd be worth shipping, but maybe it'll help someone:
Hobart welder (http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/tls/2288278920.html)

[doubleclutchinlikeishould]

atutt, I agree with you that learning to weld with acetylene will produce a much better welder in the long run, as the skills translate almost directly to tig. However, given that the OP is not a welder by profession, nor is he looking to become one, I cant say Id suggest spending several hundred (or thousand) bucks on an acetylene setup and all the materials to go with it for the sole purpose of learning how to weld. If his ultimate goal is simply to be able to put two peices of metal together, MIG is it. A monkey could MIG weld- and thats what makes MIG so great. Its easy, its relatively cheap, and its effective. If the goal is to learn to weld, Id say start with stick, then move to acetylene, then TIG. If the goal is to be able to weld in the most cost effective way, MIG all day.

[IBoughtAS13]

I have a Miller Passport 907401 at my shop. It is a really good welding machine and will weld up to 3/8" think steel.

There is a setting for wire speed as every person moves at a different rate. You are also able to set the voltage depending on the thickness of the wire you are using. It has a small bottle on the inside to be portable so you won't have to carry around a 20lb bottle.

There are different types of welding machines. You have Tig, Arc and Mig. I am a fan of Mig for quickly tacking things up like intercooler brackets and Tig for welding intercooler pipes.

Buy a good welding machine and you won't be disappointed.

[Tops*]

A quality 110 V will definitely take care of most automotive applications.

I'm really starting to feel like stitch welding, 50-point roll cages, and custom fabrication work are going to become the next ricer mods.

"My welds have absolutely zero penetration, but not only does my DIY shit welding add more HP than my stickers, my hella ill stitch welding will not crack when I pull 3 g's while touge drifting and my custom 50-point roll cage will definitely not crumble nor my harness bar break off when I crash and roll my car!"




On a side note:

For starters,

A great TIG welder is a great arc (stick) and MIG welder.

A great arc welder is a great MIG welder and a decent TIG welder.

A great MIG welder is a decent arc welder and a lesser decent TIG welder.

Flux core gets zero respect from me since I hate it, haha.

Take a class and learn how to efficiently and effectively weld. Take a MIG course first and learn how to run a straight bead and work on metal with various thicknesses. Then take an arc welding course and learn different joint/pipe welding and bend test your welds. Finally, take on the art of TIG welding and enjoy how clean it is. Very general curriculum, lol.

[Gordo714]

take a class bro you learn so much so quick. this is my first semester at local community college and already am getting the hang of it ..so far i have done oxy fuel and arc 6013 and 6010 rod..6010 rod had been giving me the most difficulty whipping the rode takes time though good luck with it

[pandaroo]

On a side note:

For starters,

A great TIG welder is a great arc (stick) and MIG welder.

A great arc welder is a great MIG welder and a decent TIG welder.

A great MIG welder is a decent arc welder and a lesser decent TIG welder.

Flux core gets zero respect from me since I hate it, haha.



uh... this is wrong. tig and stick use constant current power sources(you controll heat you changing the amperage). while mig uses constant voltage power sources. so you cant do mig on a tig/stick machine, or tig/stick on a mig machine unless its a multi process machine.

[atutt]

uh... this is wrong. tig and stick use constant current power sources(you controll heat you changing the amperage). while mig uses constant voltage power sources. so you cant do mig on a tig/stick machine, or tig/stick on a mig machine unless its a multi process machine.


This is why I said this......

Fuck this thread makes my brain bleed...

How many people are actually Welders for a living?
Apparently everyone.

Take my advice. I'm a CWB and TSSA cert'd welder and have been for about 7-8 years..

If you want to weld. Don't touch an electric welder. Pick up some torches and learn how to has weld and braze...You'll be a far better welder in the end. And you'll pick it up and appreciate it more.

I wish I had done this... I can't use a set of torches efficiently to save my life...


There seem to be a lot of" I bought a welder so I'm a welder and I know what I'm talking about" types in this thread....

[UNISA JECS]

Well I just finally saved enough $$$$$ and purchased that Miller Dynasty 200DX lastnight so can't wait till it gets here and start learning how to weld.

[sr20sean]

Well I just finally saved enough $$$$$ and purchased that Miller Dynasty 200DX lastnight so can't wait till it gets here and start learning how to weld.
you spent 3k to learn to weld?

[UNISA JECS]

you spent 3k to learn to weld?

Its a TIG machine (AC & DC) for what I wanna do MIG was not the right choice, yes its cheaper by alot but a TIG mcahine is much better suited for doing thin material stuff like intercooler piping and exhaust, ofcourse you can do MIG but like I said TIG is better suited for doing this stuff and get good clean results granted you know how to TIG weld.

Actually ~$4.1k just so I can learn and do my own intercooler piping and ofcourse make money with it in time. Still need a bottle and a cart maybe i'll make my own, will see the expensive shit is outta the way thank god.

[atutt]

Shoulda spent $400 on a transformer TIG to learn how to weld...
Better yet... an oxy/acetylene set up....
You're going to frustrate yourself with all the bells and whistles on that machine.....

Does anyone actually take what I say into consideration???? At all????

[atutt]

I would definitely vote for getting class time. I'm taking welding classes at my school and I've learned Oxy and Arc welding(Or stick welding as some people call it). And after using nice welders and seeing how much they really help I would definitely recommend saving up to get a nice welder. If it's something you are serious about why cheap out and get something that will be harder to make pretty welds with? If you just wanna throw some metal on then by all means buy something from Home Depot. lol

You buy a cheap one to learn to weld on so you don't fry your new expensive machine. And so you can ACTUALLY use all the features that expensive welder comes with...

Why spend $4k if you can only use $2k worth of the machines capabilities?


Some people here make my brain bleed..........

[UNISA JECS]

Shoulda spent $400 on a transformer TIG to learn how to weld...
Better yet... an oxy/acetylene set up....
You're going to frustrate yourself with all the bells and whistles on that machine.....

Does anyone actually take what I say into consideration???? At all????

Im good at teaching myself shit, I gotta nack for shit, would never invest in sumthing that im not gonna use to its full potential. Purchased a Lathe and a Mill and had absolutely no training what so ever and those machines have done paid them selfs off many times over, infact those machines bought this TIG welder from the date I posted on teh first page till last nite is how long it took me to raise the funds for this machine, plus I didn't go out to much and spend money lol.

Don't want a transformer machine I work from home and I also need 110v capabilty as well and want somehting portable and this thing is tiny in comparison to a transformer type machine.

[sr20sean]

Its a TIG machine (AC & DC) for what I wanna do MIG was not the right choice, yes its cheaper by alot but a TIG mcahine is much better suited for doing thin material stuff like intercooler piping and exhaust, ofcourse you can do MIG but like I said TIG is better suited for doing this stuff and get good clean results granted you know how to TIG weld.

Actually ~$4.1k just so I can learn and do my own intercooler piping and ofcourse make money with it in time. Still need a bottle and a cart maybe i'll make my own, will see the expensive shit is outta the way thank god.

get a large bottle if you have the money to. generally its not much more to fill than a small bottle. most of the cost is mainly just for labor lol.

[UNISA JECS]

get a large bottle if you have the money to. generally its not much more to fill than a small bottle. most of the cost is mainly just for labor lol.

I will, I dont cheap out on shit even if it's gonna cost me and arm a leg lol I can always hop on one leg. But I know learning to TIG aint gonna be easy (but I like challanges) because both hads are required and that in itself is gonna be challanging, I wish I was ambidextrous to begin with oh well i'll have to teach the other side haha

[duffman1278]

Shoulda spent $400 on a transformer TIG to learn how to weld...
Better yet... an oxy/acetylene set up....
You're going to frustrate yourself with all the bells and whistles on that machine.....

Does anyone actually take what I say into consideration???? At all????

IMO it just seems like you're overly concerned with having people (on this thread) learn to weld for their certifications or to do this for structural type jobs. You should and I'm sure you do, realize that most of us are just home hobbyist trying to do our own fabrication.

Sure it's not a bad idea to start with oxy and get a feel for other welding methods but is it entirely needed? UNI bought a 4k$ welding setup because obviously he can afford it, what's so bad in that?

I don't think there's anything wrong with learning with the setup he has, plus those machines will last forever so he's got plenty of time practice, read up and continue to practice. Nothing wrong with practice and learning from mistakes. In time him, as well as others can start picking up different settings and learning what all the bells and whistle do and how they can use them.

[UNISA JECS]

Yup^^^ I mean I could easily have picked up a MIG welder and learned how to weld thin gauge piping with it by setting it up as best as possible to achieve best results without burning threw it, and would be alot easier to learn but that would be money wasted because in the end im gonna want a TIG machine, and not a whole lot I can see from using a MIG machine is going to carry over to a TIG mcahine a great deal anyways, totally different IMO. TIG looks and seems to me to be a welding process that takes a good amount of skill to get good results and I like that. MIG looks easy as hell to do and I like that to but i'll mostly be working with thinner stuff and MIG's dont go down low enough on amps and it be really easy to blow holes in shit.

[atutt]

IMO it just seems like you're overly concerned with having people (on this thread) learn to weld for their certifications or to do this for structural type jobs. You should and I'm sure you do, realize that most of us are just home hobbyist trying to do our own fabrication.

A home hobbyist spending $4k on a tool with which he has ZERO experience with? Makes perfect sense to me..... I can understand the hobbyist picking up a MIG from a hardware store... Or a used $500 transformer TIG... Or even a used inverter... THAT makes sense to me.

Sure it's not a bad idea to start with oxy and get a feel for other welding methods but is it entirely needed? UNI bought a 4k$ welding setup because obviously he can afford it, what's so bad in that?

Starting with oxy carries over more useful skills than JUST welding.... Is it needed? No. Although it's a bloody good idea for someone who obviously wants to make money doing this sort of thing.Then there's the benefits of having torches in the first place.
There's nothing wrong with being able to afford fancy tools. But it's like being able to afford and buying a .50 cal hand gun when you've never touched a gun before. Or buying a ZO6 when you've never driven before. See where I'm going with that?

I don't think there's anything wrong with learning with the setup he has, plus those machines will last forever so he's got plenty of time practice, read up and continue to practice. Nothing wrong with practice and learning from mistakes. In time him, as well as others can start picking up different settings and learning what all the bells and whistle do and how they can use them.

Those machines DON'T last forever (Mainly referring to the inverter style setup. They're just not built like the good old transformers). Just because it carries a red or blue paint doesn't mean it's indestructible. Don't get it in your head they will last forever because of the name.. I've seen many Hobarts, Lincolns, Millers, Canox, Thermal Arcs etc, fail...


Yup^^^ I mean I could easily have picked up a MIG welder and learned how to weld thin gauge piping with it by setting it up as best as possible to achieve best results without burning threw it, and would be alot easier to learn but that would be money wasted because in the end im gonna want a TIG machine, and not a whole lot I can see from using a MIG machine is going to carry over to a TIG mcahine a great deal anyways, totally different IMO (This is where oxy/acetylene carries over to TIG). TIG looks and seems to me to be a welding process that takes a good amount of skill to get good results and I like that. MIG looks easy as hell to do and I like that to but i'll mostly be working with thinner stuff and MIG's dont go down low enough on amps and it be really easy to blow holes in shit. (Maybe MIG isn't so easy for you then?)

All those bells and whistles are great.
But you won't become a good welder if you can't weld well with the bare necessities.
(Don't think I'm hating on inverters. I own one myself)

I see these threads and all they say are "I wanna makes purrdy dimes with purrdy colors"...

I hope that was all coherent... I'm fucking tired....