The definative welder thread; what to start with

The tile says it all. I'm buying my first welder in the next few weeks. Up until yesterday, I was going to go with Oxy-acetylene. You can do anything with that, the price of entry for top line equipment is a fraction of the other systems, and being a chemist, I'm more comfortable with combustion than electric arc's

But then I saw the MIG thread (I'll take a 17) and really liked the look of both the Eastwood and the reconditioned Hobart. Yes, it's messy and yes you can get partial welds that look beautiful. But it eliminates the large bombs in your garage (which may require permitting).

So now I'm not sure what to do. I want to make a go kart frame (baby steps to a locost). I want to weld up exhaust systems (side vent pipe for the MINI). I want to build parts. I want to make iron furniture and gates. I want to be able to do just about anything. Mostly I'll be working in mild steel, occasionally stainless.

Thoughts?

mig! lincoln, miller, or hobart for sure
I'd say miller makes the best, but that's just opinion.

You may want to check with local tech schools to see if they offer any night classes in welding. I took one a few years ago, and we got to play around with all types of welding so I got an idea of what each one was like. It was one night a week, for eight or ten weeks, and was definitely worth the money.

If you do decide to go with MIG it's a good choice. I'd recommend one of the name brands (Lincoln, Miller, Hobart.) You can sometimes find them used for decent prices.

MIG for sure. Hobart Handlers rock, but even the cheap ones will get the job done.

Hobart Handler 140...

that is all...

stuart in mn wrote: You may want to check with local tech schools to see if they offer any night classes in welding. I took one a few years ago, and we got to play around with all types of welding so I got an idea of what each one was like. It was one night a week, for eight or ten weeks, and was definitely worth the money.

+1. Don't buy anything until you have tried a bunch of stuff.

Red or Blue are the only valid choices. 220 volt if you have the option. 220 will do anything that a 110 will do but not the other way around.

Buy from a welding shop. Lincoln has a lower grade product they sell via the big boxes. I do not like that about Lincoln.

NOHOME wrote: Red or Blue are the only valid choices. 220 volt if you have the option. 220 will do anything that a 110 will do but not the other way around. Buy from a welding shop. Lincoln has a lower grade product they sell via the big boxes. I do not like that about Lincoln.

Blue makes Orange & White, so you're saying they're valid too right?

• Lee

JoeyM wrote:

stuart in mn wrote: You may want to check with local tech schools to see if they offer any night classes in welding. I took one a few years ago, and we got to play around with all types of welding so I got an idea of what each one was like. It was one night a week, for eight or ten weeks, and was definitely worth the money.

+1. Don't buy anything until you have tried a bunch of stuff.

I have a Lincoln 180, and I love it. I have a lincoln stick unit, and don't use it much (i.e. ever), but like knowing it is there in case if I had to weld something really thick or outdoors. I have dabbled once or twice with TIG, but no significant experience. I've seen gas welders.

Lincoln, Hobart, and Miller are all great, so long as you stay away from the Lincoln "Pro-MIG" machines sold at places like Lowe's.

bigdaddylee82 wrote:

NOHOME wrote: Red or Blue are the only valid choices. 220 volt if you have the option. 220 will do anything that a 110 will do but not the other way around. Buy from a welding shop. Lincoln has a lower grade product they sell via the big boxes. I do not like that about Lincoln.

Blue makes Orange & White, so you're saying they're valid too right? - Lee

I think Hobart is owned by Miller, so he's still right. :)

I am weird and I would rather do TIG welding then MIG but TIGs are expensive.