skoti89

I think this guy looks really nice http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-E...0#.UobKadI_vTo
but I'm worried my shop might have different 220v outlet, and I wouldn't be able to take it to my house garage to weld with no 220v outlet at all. Also, how do you guys store your electrodes with an oven?

The only name brand I'm familiar with that home depot sells is lincoln. Im also going to look at some 110 volt mig welders

lobukbuild

those tombstone welders are great (called tombstone due to their shape) id op for the larger version as far as an arc welder goes. you can change the plug or make an adapter to fit the outlet providing your not over loading the outlets rating. you can always add a proper 220 outlet in your garage, money well spent for other shop equipment that you might buy later on. you never said what your going to be welding, most jobs can be handled with a 110 mig providing you prep your metal correctly. go for the larger sizes like 135 or 140 and youll be surprised at what they can do. if you think you really need the big 220v then dont over look the migs in the 180 class. elding on heavy equipment or plow frames is about the only time ive needed anything that big. lincoln, miller, and hobart all make good welders as long as they have the features your looking for. mig with gas will give the cleanest weld, arc is a bit dirtier (slag), and mig with out gas (flux core) is nasty (slag and spatter). im no pro welder but i can do about any thing i need with my lincoln sp135plus.

SCToy

You can change the plug on the welder to match shop outlet. It's very easy.

skoti89

Guys, I think I might be set on this! I know there are a lot of recommendations on here, and I did take them all into consideration, but price and my current situation found me this. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-E...5#.UobrONI_vTo

After talking with my instructor, he kinda set me in the direction to go MIG/ flux. I won't be covering MIG until the end of next semester, but he told me to sign up for the saturday shop practice classes for the rest of this semester and next semester and he'll show me enough about MIG to get me going. I think this will be great.
Keep in mind, my price range is 200-300 dollars cash, with my moms business card at home depot, I decided not to go balls to the wall and put myself in the hole. Also, I do not have any 220 outlets at my house, and the outlets in my shop are different. So I think this little 110v guy will be just what I need for the next couple years. I can load it up in my truck, and take it to my buddies house or wherever.

Of course, down the road I will pick up something bigger, but what yall think?

SCToy

Don't forget the cost of a tank and gas if you go mig, it's more expensive than you might think.

lobukbuild

good choice. i prefer one with infinite adjustment for wire and voltage (instead of a preset option, the knob that clicks into each setting) but this is a good welder that will do a variety of jobs, and serve you well.enjoy!

skoti89

Thanks man. I won't have the helmet I want till tomorrow, but I'll grt er set up tonight.

skoti89

I'm going to use flux wire. My buddy has a mig set up, maybe he'll let me hook up the gas to see how she does.
Roughly, how much is a set up? This guy is going to be my dickin around welder, when I'm done with college I plan on getting a bigger one

n0idx80

Govliquidation.com has some killer deals if you look