Welder

[Robicon]

Folks,

I've seen a lot of redneck engineering, ghetto fab, and legitimate fab on this sight. I can't say that any of it's wrong, just different categories of cool:Big Grin:

I used to know how to weld (arc and gas, some 20 odd years ago).

What I want to know is; what's a good hobby shop welder? I'm looking at no more than 1/4" steel. I know MIG is mostly for steel, and uber welders can work miracles in aluminum with TIG.

I don't plan on stealing any of Mr Rockape's business :cool: I don't see too much aluminum work in my future, but I would like to start dabbling in steel. That way, at least if (when) I break something, I can fix it up when I get home instead of paying someone else to do it.

Thanks, in advance.:69:

[BIG BLUE]

hhmm i think i cover both your two comments...redneck fab and booty fab...I use an arc....and my welds look like shit but hold...but I wouldnt mind a nice mig. do you have 220???

[MR.ROCKAPE]

HOBBY WELDER???I BUY BIG AND NEVER BUY AGAIN!!!I CURRENTLY HAVE A LINCOLN 255 AMP MIG,ABOUT AS LARGE AS YOU CAN GET WITHOUT GOING THREE PHASE.....(1/2 INCH PLATE IN ONE PASS...)BUT I BOUGHT IT FROM A FAB SHOP FOR $1000 BUCKS(WITH A SPOOL GUN!!!) SO IT WAS WORTH HAVING IT!!!

NOW IF I WERE GONNA BUY NEW I WOULD GET 180-210 AMP RANGE FOR MOST TYPE WORK WOULD BE MORE THAN GOOD ENOUGH.STAY WITH WELL KNOWN BRANDS!!LINCOLN,MILLER,HOBART AND SOME OTHERS....

[MIGHTYRAM97]

My buddy Tony has always told me get the biggest one you can afford because you can always turn down big, ya can't turn up small. and with a bigger welder you get a better weld and better Penetration (Oh damn !! here comes the Penis flamings !!) 1/4" can be done with the right 110v but a 220 is always better. Lincolin/Miller/Hobart/ or ESAB all make decent welders.

[jeeper89]

milller 175:Big Grin:

[MR.ROCKAPE]

My buddy Tony has always told me get the biggest one you can afford because you can always turn down big, ya can't turn up small. and with a bigger welder you get a better weld and better Penetration (Oh damn !! here comes the Penis flamings !!) 1/4" can be done with the right 110v but a 220 is always better. Lincolin/Miller/Hobart/ or ESAB all make decent welders.

THIS WHOLE POST IS FLAMING GHEY!!!!THE GUY WANTS A WELDER(THE MACHINE) NOT ADVICE ON HOW TO PICK-UP A WELDOR(THE GUY WHO OPERATES THE MACHINE)!!!! :Big Grin:

[Robicon]

'Hobby' welder was probably the wrong choice of words:frown: I just meant I won't be welding all day, every day with the thing.

I generally buy the biggest/most expensive option available (at least my wife thinks so). I didn't know about the difference between 110v and 220v, veddy interesting....

[L.D.]

'Hobby' welder was probably the wrong choice of words:frown: I just meant I won't be welding all day, every day with the thing.

I generally buy the biggest/most expensive option available (at least my wife thinks so). I didn't know about the difference between 110v and 220v, veddy interesting....

OUT OF THE THREE BIG NAMES DROPED HERE, I LIKE THE LINCOLN THE BEST. GO WITH THE 220 IF YOU CAN. I HAVE A "CHEEP" ARK WELDER YOU CAN HAVE IF YOU WANT TO START THERE. :CowBoy-smoking: WELL THATS BOUT IT FROM THE REDNECK SCABFAB SIDE OF TOWN. :DSI:

[Connect]

Miller DV185 MIG.

MIG for sure, with a welding gas, none of that 110v flux CRAP.

[jhyat]

I just picked up a Lincoln SP 180 C, continuous current 220v machine, it'll realistically do 1/4" or more with prep. Bottle goes out at $150 or so. Don't waste money on the 110v units, you'll be sad, same with flux core, you won't like it, and the welds are ugly.

I like the Lincoln's myself, no real reason, just do.

Don't mess with used unless your positive of the history, I occasionally get rid of equipment (high school) and when I do, it's because it's junk and can't imagine anyone else is any different.

Also, don't go the HomeDepot or Lowes route, the machines are built different and are hard to get parts for, shop at a weld supply shop, tell them you taking a college class or something and you'll probably get the ed. discount.

[Robicon]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm kind of leaning forward, thinking about what I want to buy next summer when I actually have a garage to store stuff in. Very informative.