thinking about getting a welder....

[madhat]

What should I go with? I was reading around and it looks like maybe I should get a MIG welder as a beginner. I am just looking at learning and doing minor welding things...like welding back on the exhaust hanger that ripped a chunk of the back of my flowmaster today I'll probably use that as an excuse to get some aerochambers or something, but you get the idea

 

[mikebart101]

Definately a MIG if you are a beginner. Especially if ur going to be doing body work.

 

[madhat]

ok, cool. Thanks

 

[TurboCrazy]

Get the Lincoln SP-135plus mig welder. You will not be sorry! I work maintenance in a foundry, and we have drug one of these around in the sand
and crap for 3 years now and it still welds great. None of the other brands we
have tried have held up. jmho :biggrin:

 

[madhat]

cool, thanks for the input

 

[Blown&Injected]

how much are you ready to spend?

are you looking for a 120 volt unit - they work fine for the light duty you talk about and are cheap.

for a much more expensive unit that is 220 volts, the Miller Pulser is killer! It is like two machines in one. With two regulators and room for two gas bottles, one may switch between steel and then pick up the spool gun to weld aluminum with great ease.

 

[Quick6'n'-K.C.]

Why dont you find a buddy with a small electric mig welder ( lincoln, miller, esab) and learn how to get the feel of it and learn from him how to weld, thats really the best way to do it.

I think you should save your money for a tig welder, you can grow into it and you will be happier with the tig once you learn the trade.

Kind of like riding a motorcycle, borrow someone elses and learn from them..
You will be much happier in the long run.
BW

 

[Blown&Injected]

Why TIG?

Can do more with MIG. Sure there are a very few things that require TIG, but unless one plans to mfr certain parts MIG is the way to go and a welder will not learn to TIG by fooling around with others MIG machines

 

[v8eater]

Great site, lot of good helpful people. Check it out.

http://www.weldingweb.com/

 

[rodman99999]

Why TIG?

Can do more with MIG. Sure there are a very few things that require TIG, but unless one plans to mfr certain parts MIG is the way to go and a welder will not learn to TIG by fooling around with others MIG machines

Amen to that!- Check into a Hobart Handler(eBay item# 7627859801, but I've seen them for cheaper) for an inexpensive and reliable first MIG. You can start with flux-core wire to practice on exhausts, etc., and if you need to turn the voltage down to stitch sheet metal: you can add a regulator and bottle of gas later. A good helmet is important too. Check out this Hornell Speedglas on eBay: 7626573908 . Big sight glass, Good warranty, and they work great. I bought one locally for $229.00.

 

[John Larkin]

Just buy a quality machine. Some of the cheapies are cheap for a reason, plastic gears that end up giving you fits and bird nests of wire inside. A Millermatic 175 is a good little machine. Best part is if you decide to upgrade, you can get all or nearly all your money back because they keep going up in price yearly (and everyone wants a "blue" machine). Like a mini savings account in a way as long as you take care of it. For accessories, this is the place: http://www.aaaweldingsupply.com/

 

[rodman99999]

YEP- There's no doubt Miller is what to end up with. They start at close to $600.00 though(w/o gas). It just might be a good idea to start out spending less, and being certain the talent is there first .