Scuba's welder debate ?

scuba · 10-27-2008, 06:07 PM

Well guys, Im really wanting to get a welder for christmas and the rents have already cleared it.

I know theres already a welder debate...but 800 bucks for one...hmm.
There goes the rest of my presents...
lol...

I have welded before, mainly like 2-1/2 years ago in HS.
Mig and ark and have used a torch all that good stuff.

Now I know i want to get one that will at least penetrate 3/8th's, im thinking thats the biggest im going to ever weld.

Mainly this welder will be for practicing and fabbing up things like sliders and bumpers.

I dont want an ark welder, i love the simplicity of a mig : press the trigger and go.

thus being said, yous people with home machines what would you recommend ??

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jason191918 · 10-27-2008, 06:14 PM

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/...3+90051+527842

This was tc's suggestion to someone a while back. Won't work on 110 though...

tc · 10-27-2008, 06:21 PM

I would HIGHLY recommend getting a 220V welder. The 110V ones draw enough that you probably have to rewire anyways or you'll be blowing breakers all the time.

I have the Lincoln 180HD, and it's pretty nice. Seems to like throwing down a lot of wire though compared to the Millers I have used.

Be sure to check Craigslist and pawn shops - seems there are MIG welders on there all the time.

Oh - and 3/8's is THICK. With my 180A Lincoln, 1/4" is pushing it using non-fluxcore wire with CO2/Argon mix.

jason191918 · 10-27-2008, 06:28 PM

This is what I use at work. Works great.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...atic_350_350p/

scuba · 10-27-2008, 06:41 PM

Oh yeah, nice jason...

But anyway, i have heard that 220 is the way to go.
i had my numbers off on what thickness i'd be welding, but idk.
Im going to research it enough, although jasons first suggestion sounds like a nice one.
anyone running that one ?

tc · 10-27-2008, 09:24 PM

I don't think they have the 175 any more - I have the 180HD.

georgiayota · 10-27-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc

The 110V ones draw enough that you probably have to rewire anyways or you'll be blowing breakers all the time.

I have the Lincoln handy core 110v welder and I have never had a problem with blowing a breaker. It welds nice for a flux core, but I would like to have a 220v with the gas. If you can get the money to get a 220 go for it.

TC4RNR · 10-28-2008, 02:25 AM

first, i'd recommend go to your local community college take a tour of the welding shop, see what they got and talk to the instructors about pro's and con's. the one i'm going now, the smallest machine is 250Amp 1-phase 220v. not even one 110v machine. don't rush to buy a welder, learn the skills and knowhow, make sure you like it, you can buy one anytime. our instructors encourage us bring project to school to work on it and using school equipment for free, we even got extra credit for doing so.

another thing you need to consider is the power source. if currently there isn't a 220 outlet(30amp and up) available, if you are renting, forget it. if your family owns the house, you may need to get a permit for adding a 220v outlet, check with your local code enforcement first.

**waskillywabbit** · 10-28-2008, 05:38 AM

I have several welders for several tasks. If you want just one, get a 220V machine if you have the power source available. If not, nothing wrong with a 110V machine set up on its own circuit breaker.

Based on what you say you want to do, you need at least a 180 style welder hooked up to 220V.

toyminator2000 · 10-28-2008, 05:50 AM

I use a Lincoln Weldpak 3200HD, Which is a 135 amp 110v. Its thw hottest one Lincoln offers in 110v. It came with the gas shield kit and I got it new on ebay for $380 after shipping. It works fine on a 15 amp circuit.

I would have like to have a 220v but I like the portability of the 110v unit. My whole SAS was done using it and have never had a problem with any of the welds.

It lays down a good weld as far as I'm concerned. Unless your a professional welder I would start with somethin smaller anyway.

96redtoy · 10-28-2008, 08:22 AM

^ have the same one as above really like it and easy to use as stated above. Make sure you get one with the option to run a sheilding gas you will kick your self if you do not.

Aslo there customer service is very good.

*Dr. Evil* · 10-28-2008, 08:32 AM

Hobart makes a really nice welder that will handle 3/8":

http://www.hobartwelders.com/product...ed/handler210/

Its under $800 and ITS MADE IN THE US of A. Everyone elses is foreign assembled.

scuba · 10-28-2008, 09:41 AM

hmm, no 220 outlet i can see, and we are renting.
Ill see if I can cut in on a welding class here soon.
Good idea.
So no 220 outlet.
Does that mean im stuck with a 110

*Dr. Evil* · 10-28-2008, 09:44 AM

Sorry I missed the no 220 part. I dont have 220 either - if I did I would have one of those Hobarts. I have a Millermatic 135.

scuba · 10-28-2008, 09:47 AM

hmm, well i guess its narrowed down to a 110, and yes, the ones with the option for a gas shield are the way to go im sure

saitotiktmdog · 10-28-2008, 09:52 AM

I may be alone on this but for most everything but really delicate stuff give me a stick welder any day.

trbizwiz · 10-28-2008, 10:11 AM

don't sweat the power source stuff. Seriously, if you can do mods on an automobile that travels at highway speed with fabricated parts that you designed and built, you can install a 220 plug for a welder. Hopefully your breaker box is in the garage. open the box turn off the main breaker, knock out one of the punch outs in the bottom of the box drill a hole (shallow just through the drywall run a section of 6/2 cable up to the knock out hole, connect the black and white wires to a 50 amp breaker, and the ground to the ground post in the box. use a single gang remodel box (it has flaps that hold it tight to the drywall no need to nail to a stud. Run the wire through the single gang box wire up your 220 plug in, screw it all together and walla. If your breaker box is not in the garage, just use some more of that 6/2 and make an extension cord with male and female plugs. You can also use 6/3 wire if you need a neutral, but it isn't completely needed ground and neutral are virtually the same thing. Oh and also follow all codes, and don't do anything stupid that will kill or Mame your self. Now that everything is all done and buttoned up turn the main on again and you are ready to plug in your welder, good luck.

Bru · 10-28-2008, 10:18 AM

Do you have a washer/dryer I the house? What type is the dryer (gas or electric)? Electric – make an extension cord. It will not be real cheap but we did one at a house that the dryer was right inside from the garage. (Just another idea.)

TC4RNR · 10-28-2008, 02:33 PM

I'm renting now and what i did was to pigtail the power cord to the A/C unit breakers which is 60A 220V single phase. but i could be sued by the home owner, and if the house caught on fire, the insurance company won't pay a dime, you know the rest. i'd not recommend anybody doing so. i only did that for once then moved my big welder to my work so i can have it plugged in safely. only used the 110 at home before i sold it.

scuba · 10-28-2008, 06:47 PM

hmm, dryer is gas

86Toyrunna · 10-28-2008, 07:01 PM

well my home welder is a miller, millermatic 210.. 220V... i keep different size wire around but i usualy run .030 hardwire with 75/25 gas. i do most every thing with it... may i also suggest getting a decent welding mask.. people can say that its not worth the money to buy the spendy ones but ill tell ya that i now bring my miller pro elite autodarking home from work when i got projects. rather annoying when you get done welding and your eyes ache like crazy and are reaall sensitive to light lol

racingcameron66 · 10-28-2008, 07:08 PM

im a welder, and i have welded with almost every welder out there, miller = tha sheet, lays down great/hassle free.

tc · 10-28-2008, 07:31 PM

I just made an extension cord to plug in where the stove goes.

scuba · 10-28-2008, 07:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trbizwiz

don't sweat the power source stuff. Seriously, if you can do mods on an automobile that travels at highway speed with fabricated parts that you designed and built, you can install a 220 plug for a welder. Hopefully your breaker box is in the garage. open the box turn off the main breaker, knock out one of the punch outs in the bottom of the box drill a hole (shallow just through the drywall run a section of 6/2 cable up to the knock out hole, connect the black and white wires to a 50 amp breaker, and the ground to the ground post in the box. use a single gang remodel box (it has flaps that hold it tight to the drywall no need to nail to a stud. Run the wire through the single gang box wire up your 220 plug in, screw it all together and walla.

I will look into this...Since this is the one I want...http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...c_180_autoset/ it says it needs 230 input, would the above instructions be what i would need to do ?
And what do you guys think about that machine...its going to set my rents back a pretty penny, but im sure itll last me for 20 years...

Not to mention, the auto set on this would be bada$$, cause i cant remember all that stuff from HS

TC, I remember reading a thread somewhere where you said you and molly did that, only thing is here in cali they like to use gas..
and if anything i would use the dryer outlet (but again, here in cali we use gas..)

hross14 · 11-19-2008, 01:52 PM

If you havent purchased yet let me HIGHLY recommend the Miller Passport Plus.......

That thing welds nice--really nice and has the settings needed to be used for XXX gauge/thickness material posted on the inside.

It is spendy but OH SO purdy and flexable.

I traded a detroit locker to have a guy wire me up a 220 and workshop lights---BUT if i need to i can run it off 120---or take it to a buds place and run it off 120........And it welds nice even at 120 AND HAS a 25 Minute Self Contained welding tank

IT IS NICE!!!! not trying to brag but I give this thing props!!

10-27-2008, 06:21 PM	#3 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,377	I would HIGHLY recommend getting a 220V welder. The 110V ones draw enough that you probably have to rewire anyways or you'll be blowing breakers all the time. I have the Lincoln 180HD, and it's pretty nice. Seems to like throwing down a lot of wire though compared to the Millers I have used. Be sure to check Craigslist and pawn shops - seems there are MIG welders on there all the time. Oh - and 3/8's is THICK. With my 180A Lincoln, 1/4" is pushing it using non-fluxcore wire with CO2/Argon mix. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

10-27-2008, 06:41 PM	#5 (permalink)
scuba Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Temecula, Or on the rocks Posts: 6,968	Oh yeah, nice jason... But anyway, i have heard that 220 is the way to go. i had my numbers off on what thickness i'd be welding, but idk. Im going to research it enough, although jasons first suggestion sounds like a nice one. anyone running that one ? __________________ Screw you guys I'm goin to TTORA Mods, please be mature and leave my sig alone, thanks. No, I will not be your friend.

10-27-2008, 09:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,377	I don't think they have the 175 any more - I have the 180HD. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

10-28-2008, 02:25 AM	#8 (permalink)
TC4RNR Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: used to be so. cal. now Indy Posts: 643	first, i'd recommend go to your local community college take a tour of the welding shop, see what they got and talk to the instructors about pro's and con's. the one i'm going now, the smallest machine is 250Amp 1-phase 220v. not even one 110v machine. don't rush to buy a welder, learn the skills and knowhow, make sure you like it, you can buy one anytime. our instructors encourage us bring project to school to work on it and using school equipment for free, we even got extra credit for doing so. another thing you need to consider is the power source. if currently there isn't a 220 outlet(30amp and up) available, if you are renting, forget it. if your family owns the house, you may need to get a permit for adding a 220v outlet, check with your local code enforcement first. __________________ http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...gca/agreed.jpg 94 4Runner, SR5 3.0V6, 4WD, 5spd: SOLD 99 4Runner, SR5, 3.4L 4WD, 5spd. LC80 wheels, SS 1.2 lift, Marlin 1200 Clutch, ARB front bumper, BruceTS rear bumper, roof busket, hitch mount tire carrier, Tundra Brakes, Brembo rotors, BudBuilt skid, Lightforce 240 Blitz, PiAA HID, Stubb's HD-SKO sliders. ScanGauge II 04 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD. 265/75/16 BFG KO, FJC coils and silver Bilstein shocks, Scion H/U.

10-28-2008, 05:38 AM	#9 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,559	I have several welders for several tasks. If you want just one, get a 220V machine if you have the power source available. If not, nothing wrong with a 110V machine set up on its own circuit breaker. Based on what you say you want to do, you need at least a 180 style welder hooked up to 220V. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale

10-28-2008, 05:50 AM	#10 (permalink)
toyminator2000 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 306	I use a Lincoln Weldpak 3200HD, Which is a 135 amp 110v. Its thw hottest one Lincoln offers in 110v. It came with the gas shield kit and I got it new on ebay for $380 after shipping. It works fine on a 15 amp circuit. I would have like to have a 220v but I like the portability of the 110v unit. My whole SAS was done using it and have never had a problem with any of the welds. It lays down a good weld as far as I'm concerned. Unless your a professional welder I would start with somethin smaller anyway. __________________ YOU ONLY NEED TWO TOOLS IN LIFE - WD-40 AND DUCT TAPE. IF IT DOESN'T MOVE AND SHOULD, USE THE WD-40. IF IT SHOULDN'T MOVE AND DOES, USE THE DUCT TAPE

10-28-2008, 08:32 AM	#12 (permalink)
Dr. Evil Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Alberta Posts: 37	Hobart makes a really nice welder that will handle 3/8": http://www.hobartwelders.com/product...ed/handler210/ Its under $800 and ITS MADE IN THE US of A. Everyone elses is foreign assembled. __________________ '87 4 Runner - 5 speed 98 Dodge 3/4 Ton Cummins - 12V 2001 Dodge 3/4 Ton Cummins - 24V Last edited by Dr. Evil; 10-28-2008 at 08:39 AM.

10-28-2008, 09:41 AM	#13 (permalink)
scuba Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Temecula, Or on the rocks Posts: 6,968	hmm, no 220 outlet i can see, and we are renting. Ill see if I can cut in on a welding class here soon. Good idea. So no 220 outlet. Does that mean im stuck with a 110 __________________ Screw you guys I'm goin to TTORA Mods, please be mature and leave my sig alone, thanks. No, I will not be your friend.

10-28-2008, 09:44 AM	#14 (permalink)
Dr. Evil Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Alberta Posts: 37	Sorry I missed the no 220 part. I dont have 220 either - if I did I would have one of those Hobarts. I have a Millermatic 135. __________________ '87 4 Runner - 5 speed 98 Dodge 3/4 Ton Cummins - 12V 2001 Dodge 3/4 Ton Cummins - 24V

10-28-2008, 09:47 AM	#15 (permalink)
scuba Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Temecula, Or on the rocks Posts: 6,968	hmm, well i guess its narrowed down to a 110, and yes, the ones with the option for a gas shield are the way to go im sure __________________ Screw you guys I'm goin to TTORA Mods, please be mature and leave my sig alone, thanks. No, I will not be your friend.

10-28-2008, 09:52 AM	#16 (permalink)
saitotiktmdog Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 679	I may be alone on this but for most everything but really delicate stuff give me a stick welder any day. __________________ 1994 toyota 4x4. 22re turbo (sds em4, intercooler, steedspeed manifold, garrett t3) 4 inch procomp stage two lift front, t-bar crank(small), trail gear 4 inch rear lift with 6" shackles. ARB bull bar and warn winch, Quick lock rear, tru trac front 35x12.50 Pro-Comp Mud Terrains, 5.29 gears, snorkel, rock sliders Planned mods. , T-case gears, ditch ifs Beware the groove Man, its a shame when folks be throwin away a perfectly good white boy like that.

10-28-2008, 10:11 AM	#17 (permalink)
trbizwiz Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 351	don't sweat the power source stuff. Seriously, if you can do mods on an automobile that travels at highway speed with fabricated parts that you designed and built, you can install a 220 plug for a welder. Hopefully your breaker box is in the garage. open the box turn off the main breaker, knock out one of the punch outs in the bottom of the box drill a hole (shallow just through the drywall run a section of 6/2 cable up to the knock out hole, connect the black and white wires to a 50 amp breaker, and the ground to the ground post in the box. use a single gang remodel box (it has flaps that hold it tight to the drywall no need to nail to a stud. Run the wire through the single gang box wire up your 220 plug in, screw it all together and walla. If your breaker box is not in the garage, just use some more of that 6/2 and make an extension cord with male and female plugs. You can also use 6/3 wire if you need a neutral, but it isn't completely needed ground and neutral are virtually the same thing. Oh and also follow all codes, and don't do anything stupid that will kill or Mame your self. Now that everything is all done and buttoned up turn the main on again and you are ready to plug in your welder, good luck. __________________ [b]Tom H Mt Vernon, MO 1992 Toyota DLX 4x4 reg cab 3.slow 5 speed MODS: chevy 63 swap, frame rust repair, SDORI BJ spacers, OME shocks up front doestch tech shocks rear, Downey headers, energy suspension bushings http://www.yotatech.com/f151/project-oxy-moron-151018/

10-28-2008, 10:18 AM	#18 (permalink)
Bru Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 28	Do you have a washer/dryer I the house? What type is the dryer (gas or electric)? Electric – make an extension cord. It will not be real cheap but we did one at a house that the dryer was right inside from the garage. (Just another idea.) __________________ Bru IYAAYAS!!! 83 P/U, 5" lift, 35" tires, locked and welded, and it will never be done www.BigHorn4x4Club.com www.U4WDA.org

10-28-2008, 02:33 PM	#19 (permalink)
TC4RNR Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: used to be so. cal. now Indy Posts: 643	I'm renting now and what i did was to pigtail the power cord to the A/C unit breakers which is 60A 220V single phase. but i could be sued by the home owner, and if the house caught on fire, the insurance company won't pay a dime, you know the rest. i'd not recommend anybody doing so. i only did that for once then moved my big welder to my work so i can have it plugged in safely. only used the 110 at home before i sold it. __________________ http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...gca/agreed.jpg 94 4Runner, SR5 3.0V6, 4WD, 5spd: SOLD 99 4Runner, SR5, 3.4L 4WD, 5spd. LC80 wheels, SS 1.2 lift, Marlin 1200 Clutch, ARB front bumper, BruceTS rear bumper, roof busket, hitch mount tire carrier, Tundra Brakes, Brembo rotors, BudBuilt skid, Lightforce 240 Blitz, PiAA HID, Stubb's HD-SKO sliders. ScanGauge II 04 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD. 265/75/16 BFG KO, FJC coils and silver Bilstein shocks, Scion H/U.

10-28-2008, 06:47 PM	#20 (permalink)
scuba Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Temecula, Or on the rocks Posts: 6,968	hmm, dryer is gas __________________ Screw you guys I'm goin to TTORA Mods, please be mature and leave my sig alone, thanks. No, I will not be your friend.

10-28-2008, 07:01 PM	#21 (permalink)
86Toyrunna Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: B-TOWN, ORYGUN Posts: 431	well my home welder is a miller, millermatic 210.. 220V... i keep different size wire around but i usualy run .030 hardwire with 75/25 gas. i do most every thing with it... may i also suggest getting a decent welding mask.. people can say that its not worth the money to buy the spendy ones but ill tell ya that i now bring my miller pro elite autodarking home from work when i got projects. rather annoying when you get done welding and your eyes ache like crazy and are reaall sensitive to light lol __________________ current: 1986 4Runner, Rebuilt 22RE with engnbldr HP head, cam'd, battery/intake swap, SASed, 5.29s, detroit rear, 35in MTRs, trussed and armored axles, marlin HD clutch, soon to be dual cased, TG rear bumper, Best mod todate CHROME METAL SR5 DOOR HANDLES, thats whats up RIP: 1985 Standard Cab SR5 pickup, add-a-leafs and shackels, 33" BFGs, it died a horrible death (50mph roll over) DD: 2006 Scion Tc w/TRD Supercharge and TRD stainless cat-back exhaust

10-28-2008, 07:31 PM	#23 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,377	I just made an extension cord to plug in where the stove goes. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

11-19-2008, 01:52 PM	#25 (permalink)
hross14 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Austin Texas Posts: 1,170	If you havent purchased yet let me HIGHLY recommend the Miller Passport Plus....... That thing welds nice--really nice and has the settings needed to be used for XXX gauge/thickness material posted on the inside. It is spendy but OH SO purdy and flexable. I traded a detroit locker to have a guy wire me up a 220 and workshop lights---BUT if i need to i can run it off 120---or take it to a buds place and run it off 120........And it welds nice even at 120 AND HAS a 25 Minute Self Contained welding tank IT IS NICE!!!! not trying to brag but I give this thing props!! __________________ Yes, I said "country." America really is a nation, but you couldn't convince those who lead the Democratic and Republican Parties of that. Both parties now see America as nothing more than an economy, a marketplace, and not a sovereign nation. They don't see you and me as citizens of this great nation; they see us as units of labor, consumers and taxpayers. Yes, I am here to collect my 238$ worth of stock from AIG. "What do you mean a free market economy doesnt apply to the rich?" Last edited by hross14; 11-19-2008 at 01:54 PM.

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