I want to get a welder in a couple of weeks. I want a welder that can weld stuff like bumpers, sliders, trailers, and other smaller stuff. What would be a good choice on a budget? Mig, Tig, or stick?? I really would like to stay away from needing gas at least for the time being.

 

corvettelvr73-

both MIG and TIG require gas...

If you want to start off w/ a wire feed machine, flux core wire is available. Do some research before you buy, and better yet, take a basic welding class at your local community college. Buying the wrong welder is an expensive lesson.

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowl...icles/list.asp

http://www.millerwelds.com/education/library.html

Don't get a 110V wire feed or 110V stick machine if you plan on welding material over 1/4" thick on a regular basis.

My choice was a Lincoln 175 w/ the gas setup. It is available as a flux core wire feed, and can be upgraded to gas at a later time if you decide you want to. It's a compact 220V machine. http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Cat...eet.asp?p=7083

 

I'm happy with my Hobart 175.

As stated above, the 110V models don't cut it.
I'm glad people talked me out of getting the 135.

 

Go MIG and run fluxcore wire till you wanna upgrade to gas and solid wire.

I use both a Miller model 135 and a 210. Both are great welders and have the capacity to weld anything you'll use on your truck. The 135 is great for it's portability (110V) but the 210 lays fatties (220V) nicely but isn't what I'd consider portable. It is, but it's a PITA to haul somewhere.

Welders isn't something you should skimp on. A little more money really goes a long way when buying a welder. Infinate adjust (rheostat) voltage and feed are definately worth the added costs.

Happy Moddin'

 

I was also just about to post the same question. I won't be welding a whole lot and don't want to spend an insane amount of money on something that I may only use a couple times a year to weld up some sliders and various brackets. I was looking in the Harbor Freight sales and found a 120 amp, 230 volt mig and flux welder on sale for $199.99. The PN is 43028 at www.harborfreight.com Now, I know it won't compare to the Lincolns and Millers you guys have, but for a few jobs such as sliders and simple bumpers, do you guys think this would be a good way to go? Would it be able to handle a few small jobs and make safe welds even if it does take a little longer? Sorry, didn't mean to jack the thread.

 

Not a valid linky Tank.

At any rate, for very little use, those type welder are fine. The thing to look pout for is that it uses standard consumable. Don't want to get a cheap welder and then have a heck of a time getting tips and stuff.

 

Yeah I know what you mean about having a hard time finding replacements. That would be a pain. Check out the PN I edited into my last post to see the specs on that welder. The other link wouldn't find the part number.

 

i love my hobart 210 and you can get it at northern tool on line for $178 a month for 6 months

 

what they said i started with a wal-mart flux core welder and as i type i'm waiting for it to cool down so i can continue to weld my flatbed up i'm also looking at getting a new welder and am researching them this next one will be my last one to buy (hopefully) looking for something that will weld 3/8 and 1/2 on rare occassions dont get me wrong the one i got works good for what i started on (treestands for hunting) but i've found myself doing more waiting then welding because the duty cycle is like 10%