First of all, I tried a search but came up with nothing here on Yotatech.

I have never welded before, and I need a welder that would be suitable for a beginner.

The primary purposes of the welder will be:
1. To weld some exhaust flanges during my header install.
2. Weld on the auxiliary body mounts provided with the RB body lift I have (may not work with a beginner welder).
3. Basic around the house fixes and low-level fabrication. I may even tackle a cargo carrier if I get good.

Before you tell me to go take a class at a community college, know that I cant do that right now. I know there are many facets and trade secrets to welding. I know that it can easily be considered an art. I know the basics, such as what MIG and TIG stand for and how the AMP rating affects the weld, etc. I dont know much about shielded wire feeds and whether or not I need gas.

I do not want the price to exceed $200. I realize that may greatly reduce my possibilities, but that's how it has to be. I am assuming a TIG welder would be better for exhaust work - is that true?

If someone has a recommended model for my above requirements, let me know. Home Depot or Lowes would be preferred. I dont really want to order something online and have it crap out on me.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help. I am probably going to get one after work today so let me know ASAP.

 

For your budget and what you are looking to do, this is about what you need. In welding, practice definitely makes better (perfect).


http://www.lowes.com/lkn?action=prod...00001703-K1170

Happy welding!

Don't forget to get you a cool welder's hat too!

 

Oh crap, I forgot to say that it can only be Home Depot. Reason being is I have a $50 gift card. I will give them a call and see if they carry that welder. That looks exactly like what I am looking for. Thanks Brian.

Anyone else?

 

I have used a variety of welders. I took metal shop in HS and also bodyshop in HS.

I thought that the wire feed welders were the easiest and cleanest to use. The arc welders came out more messy, but I believe it is for thicker metal.

I used a wire feed for body work (closing up holes) and exhaust stuff.

 

How about this one

 

Bad weld there...I mean link

 

I took a print screen. I don't know if you can read it or not. Here is a try!

 

I am on the phone with Home Depot right now. They will match the price on the K1170 at Lowes ($227) versus their price ($229) and knock 10% off of that. Minus the $50 gift card, and I am sitting pretty good.

Only drawback is that I might need a 220V AC hook-up in my garage. Guess I need one of those anyway right?

I have been on hold for 15 minutes as they try and figure out whether or not I need more power in my garage.

 

Yeah I can see that Travis. Looks interesting...

Isn't Lincoln the best though? (I really dont know)

 

Where I work, nothing but the best, Lincoln.

 

OK, the draw is 50A on the K1170 (Brian's recommendation) which means I will need to run it on a separate circuit with 6ga wire and a 50A breaker. That will be an extra $25 or so, no bigee. My friend is an electrician so no problem there.

Well, sounds like the K1170 is a good choice unless someone else has an opinion on the matter.

 

I am not a big fan of stick (arc) welders just because they are clunky to work with. Yes, they do weld thicker material but the control is not good for me (and very messy, but solid welds). I prefer wirefeed welders (MIG). They have great control and they are easy to use one handed (unlike a TIG). TIGs can weld almost anything but I usually only use them for aluminum or stainless steel (basically anything that can't be done with MIG) because you need to clamp everything as you need two hands free to weld. My recommendation would be for a MIG welder but that is just me......and yes, lincoln is the best if you can afford it but there are other good ones out there too.

 

Ah...you just ain't got the skills to use a REAL welding machine... j/k

Yes, MIG and TIG are boatloads easier, but the expense is also equivalent to the ease of use/operation. I didn't think Christian wanted to shell out that kind of dough, but you are right, MIG would be the way to go if he wants to get up off his wallet.

 

Silly wabbit tricks are for kids!

So where is the big pic for that avatar of yours?

 

if you can only spend that much, get an Arc. 200 won't get you anything as far as any type of wire feed.

 

Ok, not to sound like a jerk, but I dont understand the last post. Can you give me more detail? Are you advising against the K1170?

 

Sorry for the hijack: Anyone got a decent TIG machine for a good price to sell? I'm looking...

 

What he means is that your money will go a lot further with an arc machine versus a MIG. I paid $120 for a decent 150amp 110v arc welder, a comparable MIG would 3-5 times as much. All-in-all I'd get a 220v machine if you have a place (or can get a place) to plug it in. The only 220v outlet that is at all accessible in my apartment is the little 15A outlet for the airconditioner. Useless.

 

So I plan on taking a welding class at a local CC this summer (i hear its a really good class, and you get lots of shop time day or night. and it's cheap, maybe $100)

I've been googling for some tutorials, or basics of welding, but nothing has seemed that good. Anyone know of a decent how-to-get-started type of site? thanks


ps. waskilly has the best avatars

 

Look at a Lincoln AC/DC welder. They look the same as the buzz box you are looking at but will give you the ability to weld thinner metals.

But it is more expensive. Also pick up Finch's book at home depot, its a good introduction to welding. (they have it at hompe depot)

The basics can be learned pretty quick but experience/practice is the key.

Try to get some scrap peices (talk to some metal fab shops or steel suppliers) and make some "Art"

Get yourself a good welding hammer and a wire steel brush so you can clean the slag off and see what the weld really looks like.