Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

What is a good working inexpensive welder for exhaust work? I need it to operate on a common electrical plug also. Don't really need something fancy at the moment.

Tony

slow

iTrader: (7)

the lincoln Mig pac is not a bad piece, and will do exhaust work.

I would lookinto the gas conversion, makes it MUCH nicer.

Ryan.

felton316

I agree with Slow. Thats what I have. I think I picked it up at the Home Depot for ~$350. For another $90 you can expand it to use gas for gas mig welding. It comes set up for flux core welding.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

Is this the one you bought? How come it is $485 here? does this one have more stuff with the kit?

http://www.eastwoodco.com/itemdy01.a...Dep_Key1=WelDg

XLR8NSS

iTrader: (4)

Tony - Just get this one. It is the same thing being talked about but, comes set up for gas already. You can plug them in any wall socket, just make sure there is nothing else on the circuit drawing juice. You'll probably kick the breaker if there is. If you have to use an extension cord make sure it's as short as possible and beefy.

http://www.eastwoodcompany.com/itemd...63&I1.y=28

XLR8NSS

iTrader: (4)

The one they're talking about is the same welder it just doesn't come with the gas regulator stuff so it's cheaper. It uses flux core wire which doesn't need gas. With flux core you are limited to mild steel only though. With gas you'll be able to weld stainless, aluminum, and mild.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

Seems like a good price, and suitable for my needs. Any other brands/models to consider in the same price range?

Z-Rated

Would that be a good one to have for things beyond exhaust? or would it be a good idea to get a larger one?

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

specs say it can handle up to 1/4" thick plate. Thats plenty for 99% of automotive use. This setup is probably similar to what most shops have for exhaust and minor chassis work (subframes, rollcages, etc...)

Tony

Z-Rated

See thats what I was thinking, I saw that after I posted. I was wondering about subframs and cages and things of that nature. Let me know how it works out

XLR8NSS

iTrader: (4)

A larger one would probably be nice for big projects but, I've welded some pretty thick stuff(multiple passes) with it and it has done fine. I've never shut if off either welding all day.

I put some elevator weight holders made out of some HEAVY guage angle steel on the back of my Dad's tractor blade. I just turned the wire feed up to around 4 and the power up to D and let it fly. Made some pretty sweet welds to.

If you get one of those kits make sure you get a good helmet. The one in that kit is no good and your eyes will be hurting if you use it. NOT GOOD!!

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

Drew, you should be able to weld up any mild steel cages, but you need a TIG welder to do Chromoly the right way. $$$

Funny, I learned how to TIG weld before learning the other methods. Back when I worked construction, and then became a pipe welder. Then I started using stick rods on iron structures, that was kinda cool too. Started MIG welding stuff after I got the Formula. Most guys learn stick, MIG, then TIG. Me backwards

felton316

Yeah thats the same one, but the $90 gas regulateor is included with that package. Mine didn't come with the regulator, but it has all the fittings to add it. This thing has come in handy sooooo many times, I cant count them.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

Another question, how much does a bottle cost?

Keith

I got a 180 cubic foot bottle for my dads lincoln welder for about $120, and that was with trading a 25 cubic foot bottle in.

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

BTW, I bought the Lincoln Weld-Pak 100HD at Home Depot today. $325. Same setup as that Mig-Pak above, without the regulator kit. I'll pick that up in a couple weeks.

Tony

Brains

iTrader: (7)

I've got the same setup. Nice little welder, works great! I too need to pick up the regulator kit, but my local Home Depot stores never have it in stock. Where you going to get yours? You should buy me one too

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

Brian, the Home Depot next door to my place (yes, it really is next door!) had about 10 of those regulator kits in stock yesterday. $89 each.

Its the one off of 610 loop west, from your place (I-10) take 610 south, cross over 59 South, and take the first exit and do a U-turn. Its next to the Houston Community College, facing the freeway.

Tony

Nine Ball

iTrader: (38)

I went by another Home Depot near my job, and they had a slightly better package. The Weld-Pak 3200HD. I bought it and returned the Weld-Pak 100HD. The 3200HD is rated up to 135 amps, the 100HD was only good for 100 amps. So, I'll be able to weld thicker material if I need to.

The 3200HD was $437 at Home Depot, and came with the regulator, a small cart that fits a tiny bottle, and a roll of MIG wire. It also still plugs into a regular wall socket (120V). The price was about the same as the 100HD plus the regulator kit, but the additional 35 amps was nice.

I also shopped around for a bottle yesterday, since I work in the industrial area of Houston. Good news is that there are a ton of welding supply shops within miles of me. Bottles are kinda pricey though, the cheapest new bottle (80 cubic feet) I could find was $174. Cost $21 to fill it up with 25% CO2 75% Argon.

I ordered a cart from Eastwood, the "Deluxe" one for $44. The price was about the same as the same carts sold on ebay. Shipping was $18 on that cart.

So, in other words, buying all this stuff adds up quickly! But, 5 years ago a welder of this size and power would have been over a grand. Prices have come down alot.

Welder $437 plus tax
Bottle $174 plus tax
Cart $44 plus $18 shipping
25-C gas $21
Welding Mask $100 (auto-dimming)

Total so far: $844.40

I better use the HELL out of this thing in the next few years lol.

Tony

Brains

iTrader: (7)

Damn, wish I could have gotten the bigger one back when I bought mine. I've ran into its limit a couple times, but only on really thick material. For subframes, exhaust, etc. it's been fine. I might have to stop by one of those other HD's to pick up the regulator kit though, I'm sick of flux-cored wire!