[black4x4]

this winter i was thinking about purchesing a welder and was wondering what would be the best style and type for someone just learning how to weld? And can i get a welder that runs off 110 or do i need a 220 outlet. also does one require gas also if its pluged into the wall or does it just run on gas?

 

[Josh M]

It really all depends on what you want to do with it. Are you looking for a Stick or Wire Feed? Thats a start. I have a Millermatic, but we sell Hobart's whitch I like as well.

 

[Forklift]

I have a 135 amp Lincold wire fed I can add gas to, I love it so far
It was like 4?? at Home Depot

 

[black4x4]

I was thinking about a wire feed one. and i'd be welding some tubing and maybe 1/8" plate.

 

[Aberbaseball7]

I have a Hobart wire feed not sure if it accepts gas and it runs on 110. It sucks major balls, in school i would weld with millers all the time and they was as damn good, but this hobart I have jumps around alot and wont keep a steady feed no matter what. And I know its not a user problem since it does it to everyone that has used it. So I say dont go for a cheap Hobart or a cheap one at all. Spend some cash and then sky is the limit as far as quality welds go...

 

[Physh1]

What is your budget for this purchase?

Cameron

 

[black4x4]

$500.00

 

[carterbeauford]

$500.00

lincoln SP-135T :bowtie:

 

[supermachine]

lincold sp135 plus that's what i'm using, it's supernice, buy a GOOD ONE the first timen and you'll never have to buy another ever againm also i think the lincols from home depot are less quality than the lincoln you get at an actual welding store, mine runs both gas or flux core it does 100% better NiCER welds with the gas though

 

[okie_in_cali]

it does 100% better NiCER welds with the gas though

:word: .....I've ran a lot of welders MIG,TIG and Stick, and if you looking for something that will leave a good looking weld with minimal slag and is strong, use a MIG with gas. As for the Brand to get, I've always been partial to Lincoln's, but Miller makes some good MIG's to. My advise it to get a MIG with gas, especially if your going to be welding on tubing. Take your time and just practice, practice, practice.


Greg

 

[black4x4]

if i was running off gas were would i get the tank from and the lincoln is it about 1ft by 1ft in size and how much does one of those cost and what is the duty cycle on one of them. and for a mask what is a good type to get.

 

[okie_in_cali]

Here is a link to the closest Airgas near you(http://www.airgas.com/locationfinder/scripts/loc_form.exe) , thats where we get are gas from. You should be able to get it from a local COOP to if you have one close by. Also, Airgas sells all types of welders and would be able to give you all types of good info. They might deliever to your city, if so they can just deliever the gas to you door along with gloves,wire,mask,or whatever you need.

I really wouldnt worry about a mask, just get one that feels comfortable on you. The new, more expensive masks have atomatic dim when you stike an arc. Which means you can have your mask down the whole time and dont have to hassle with moving it up and down.

###edit## I guess that link doesnt work, but go to www.airgas.com and in the upper left hand coner go to locations and type in your city and it will show you.

Greg

 

[carterbeauford]

if i was running off gas were would i get the tank from and the lincoln is it about 1ft by 1ft in size and how much does one of those cost and what is the duty cycle on one of them. and for a mask what is a good type to get.

check your yellow pages for a welding supply shop. i use a $20 clarke mask that i got from sears, though if i had the cash i would have bought an auto-dimming mask. it works OK for what i use it for. oh and harbor freight has a badass 3 pack of welding gloves for $10, i love them. nothing can burn through them.

agreed, gas shielding is superior to non-shielded or self-shielding welding. sometimes i forget to turn on the gas to my lincoln mig, it really makes a difference not having any oxygen around your arc.

 

[bcubed]

agreed, gas shielding is superior to non-shielded or self-shielding welding. sometimes i forget to turn on the gas to my lincoln mig, it really makes a difference not having any oxygen around your arc.

That's what I've heard, I want to buy a welder too. The gas is what, Argon? Which is an inert gas, and not flammable, right?

 

[carterbeauford]

That's what I've heard, I want to buy a welder too. The gas is what, Argon? Which is an inert gas, and not flammable, right?

for migs, it's usually an argon/CO2 mix which is of course non-flammable. sheilding gas works in that it comes out of the tip of the welding gun whenever the trigger is pulled and displaces all of the oxygen around the welding arc so the arc burns cleaner.

 

[black4x4]

how about a lincoln pro 135 mig it runs off gas and it had a plug for a 110 outlet. would this one work to weld tubbing and and maybe up to a 1/4 " plate? and does any one now the price for one of these and what the duty cycle is on them.

 

[Silvlowrdr]

I have that lincoln. I'm not sure the duty cycle, but its pretty good. DONT BUY IT FROM HOME DEPOT!!! Every power tool home depot sells is their own line from that company, and is inferior to tools baught at sears or a real tool shop. I got a 3 ft tank and it lasts a decent amount depending on how much welding your doing. Dont pass on the gas.

 

[bbt82z]

my occupation for the last year has been a welder, but i have been welding for about 4yrs b4 that, i would not get a 135, if you ever need bigger for any reason you will have it, if not, your screwed, i have used the millermatic 135 &175, and the lincoln 135 & 175, plus numerous other sizes. My boss has been a welder for aobut 30 yrs professionaly and he says that lincoln makes the better stick welders and miller makes the better wire outta the two. I would have to agree, but that is just my personal preference. I am currently borrowing a miller 135, it is ok, kinda wimpy (from the 210 & 250 we use at work), but i wish my friend had a 175. You have more options with the 175 than the 135, i dunno.

i also use a tri mix gas; argon, co2, and oxygen, which is awesome. especially for mig spraying

personal preference i am partial to blue over red

 

[minytrker]

Wow, I have several welders and I love my hobart alot. I use it all the time. I also use gas all the time and never have not used it. I have a miller and a welder from sears. I would never buy another one from sears. Very hard to get parts.

I have a Hobart wire feed not sure if it accepts gas and it runs on 110. It sucks major balls, in school i would weld with millers all the time and they was as damn good, but this hobart I have jumps around alot and wont keep a steady feed no matter what. And I know its not a user problem since it does it to everyone that has used it. So I say dont go for a cheap Hobart or a cheap one at all. Spend some cash and then sky is the limit as far as quality welds go...

 

[Nikolai]

I vote Lincoln as well. I have a Lincoln Presicion Tig 185 and it's so sweet. Digital amp guage is a little fidgety but is very nice. I suppose I should get a MIG machine but for what I would MIG I could just stick or TIG it.