What kind of welder?
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Teching In
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What kind of welder? I've been doing woodwork for at least 15 years now and my son wants a minibike so I think now might be a good time to learn to weld instead of buying a kit or a prebuilt minibike. I am going to be welding 1/4" thick round tubing. I would rather not use gas, because there isn't a place nearby where I can get it but if necessary I can use it. Also, I would like to stick with 110 volt so I don't have to do any work on my electric. I have heard the alternate to gas is flux-core. I don't know anything besides what I have said so I was wondering if anyone could recommend a welder, preferably under $250, that would do the job well. Thanks.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Farmingdale NJ
Well, you'll be much better off with a gas welder, but I understand your dilemma and for a minibike (and probably some other odds and ends) the cleaner welds of gas probably isn't much of a concern.
I would just look for a little 100 amp flux core wire feed welder, a small Lincon, Clark, or even Sears is fine. They're all pretty much the same internally anyway, and just rebranded. One thing I would suggest is you find one that can be upgraded to gas fairly inexpensively should you decide to do so.
Make sure you have plenty of ventilation, especially with Flux Core wire. The smoke is fairly toxic from the flux.
I would just look for a little 100 amp flux core wire feed welder, a small Lincon, Clark, or even Sears is fine. They're all pretty much the same internally anyway, and just rebranded. One thing I would suggest is you find one that can be upgraded to gas fairly inexpensively should you decide to do so.
Make sure you have plenty of ventilation, especially with Flux Core wire. The smoke is fairly toxic from the flux.
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From: Glenview, Illinois
As much as i would like to agree, i cant. If your going to purchase a welder do yourself a favor and spend the money. A millermattic 110 will run you a little more money however I know once you actually begin welding it will grow on you and you will want more power. Go for the glory and get setup with a tank of argon co2 some mild wire and enjoy the satisfaction of being able to lay down a nice flat consistent weld. In a few months you will be the man in the neigborhood to go to when something cracks, and it will pay itself off.
Just my 2 cents
Just my 2 cents
Originally Posted by jstpsi
As much as i would like to agree, i cant. If your going to purchase a welder do yourself a favor and spend the money. A millermattic 110 will run you a little more money however I know once you actually begin welding it will grow on you and you will want more power. Go for the glory and get setup with a tank of argon co2 some mild wire and enjoy the satisfaction of being able to lay down a nice flat consistent weld. In a few months you will be the man in the neigborhood to go to when something cracks, and it will pay itself off.
Just my 2 cents
Just my 2 cents
) Thread Starter
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What do you think about this one?
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ot/WE6523.html
Oh, I noticed that ARC welders are cheaper, I'm assuming that means they are of lesser quality, but just in case, are they?
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ot/WE6523.html
Oh, I noticed that ARC welders are cheaper, I'm assuming that means they are of lesser quality, but just in case, are they?
What I have learned is that with the cheaper welders, the wire feed is tough to get properly adjusted. And once you do, it never stays the same.
I was at my local Home Depot and saw a Lincoln 3200 for $430 ... a complete kit.
I was at my local Home Depot and saw a Lincoln 3200 for $430 ... a complete kit.
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Launching!
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From: NOR-CAL
[QUOTE=mitchntx]What I have learned is that with the cheaper welders, the wire feed is tough to get properly adjusted. And once you do, it never stays the same.
QUOTE]
That is why you use the large spool. The small spools cause the problem 9 times outa 10.
QUOTE]
That is why you use the large spool. The small spools cause the problem 9 times outa 10.
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Verdad Gallardo TECH Apprentice
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From: Glenview, Illinois
Originally Posted by erb0
What do you think about this one?
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ot/WE6523.html
Oh, I noticed that ARC welders are cheaper, I'm assuming that means they are of lesser quality, but just in case, are they?
http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ot/WE6523.html
Oh, I noticed that ARC welders are cheaper, I'm assuming that means they are of lesser quality, but just in case, are they?
Mig IMHO is probably one of the easiest and efficiant ways to weld.(in all honestly mig is perfect for a beginning hobbyist) The only thing that i didnt like about that welder you posted was the fact that it has a small duty cycle (key value giving insight to a welders ability to be consistant during continuous use) I believe it was around 20 percent. Up that number and i think you will be much happier with your purchase/investment.
Originally Posted by VETTEX2
Originally Posted by mitchntx
What I have learned is that with the cheaper welders, the wire feed is tough to get properly adjusted. And once you do, it never stays the same.
