beginner welder advice (1 Viewer)

[the gimpey one]

Thinking about buying this welder to learn how to weld on. If i understand correctly it will do both flux core and gas. Wanting to stay in this price range. Hope to build a shop next year to have a dedicated work space for the cruiser etc.

Eastwood 90 Amp MIG and Flux Welder - EASY Welding

A versatile machine for hobbyists and novice welders, Eastwood’s MIG 90 runs on 120V power and welds up to 1/8-in steel, perfect for bodywork and light sheet fab.

www.eastwood.com

 

[Krondor]

Just a fair warning. Welders are like trucks. Once people know you have one, they will ask for favors. Gas is the way to go. You can weld much thinner material without burn out. I am not sure about the Eastwood but the infinite amp control is definitely a plus with that welder compared to some of the other entry welders out there. If you need any tips/help, shoot me a PM, I'd be happy to help out. I've been welding as a hobbiest for the better part of 10 years now.

 

[emac]

I have had a miller 211 for a number of years. It has a great auto set feature, and will run on 110 or 220v. I know its out of your price range, but if you buy one too small, you may end up with two welders! Welding is a lot of fun, and once you have a welder, you will wonder how you survived without it. Go with gas for sure.

 

[the gimpey one]

Yeah I figured I would have to buy a second welder down the road. Just looking to learn then move up from there.

 

[emac]

You will pick it up pretty quick. The auto set feature makes beginning a little easier as it sets the wire speed based on the what you set for the metal thickness. Works pretty good for me, and I rarely adjust it.

After the welder you are going to want a plasma cutter!

 

[boombapslappy]

I assume learning is not difficult, but getting good at it takes lots of time, effort and practice. I know that can be said for most skills, but depending on what you're planning, you could do a good job with little time. I've never done it, but that seems to make sense to me. Am I on the right track?

 

[emac]

Tons of you tube tutorials to watch. I got pointers from people, borrowed a good book on welding, and watched a lot of videos. I got various pieces of scrap and just started playing around just running beads. Then moved on to building things like a welding table and planters for the wife. After you get pretty good, you start seeing everything through a "weld it together" lens! A high quality helmet and good lighting are a must.

 

[scott johnson]

Get some scraps of metal that are different thickness'and practice!