DIY welding

[GTSSportCoupe]

Sort of been keeping my eye out for a capable Mig welder. Something that can span from very light body/exhaust work to heavier work like building bumpers etc. I know I have a huge learning curve ahead. I have done some welding/fab with a small welder, but would have a big learning curve ahead still of course.

This came up on used vic recently. Any thoughts from the experienced DIY welders here? $1,500 · ESAB MULTIMASTER 260 MIG AND TIG

From a tiny bit of reading I did, the brand and quality is very good. Not sure if the price is on par or not.

Edit: Talking to a machinist friend of mine, sounds like this can't span to small work. But I do have access to a little Lincoln Mig Pak 140. Also, apparently welding can void house insurance? That could be a deal breaker, as my garage is part of the house. Although likely I'd be welding outside anyhow.

 

[Rigpig]

Looks like a nice/big/capable machine, especially with a TIG option. Drop @slowandsteady BJ a line, he used to weld full time, has a retirement job now! ESAB is a pioneer in the industry and make great machines.

 

[stevebradford]

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Yeah, I sorta realized that after writing my post....sorry. Better than crickets tho I guess. What welder do you run at home Steve?

 

[stevebradford]

Lincoln Mig Pak 140 Works, is cheep, will plug into 120vac, will weld exhaust, body with a gas shield but it’s small for welding anything heavy.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

Lincoln Mig Pak 140 Works, is cheep, will plug into 120vac, will weld exhaust, body with a gas shield but it’s small for welding anything heavy.

That's what I've used too (exhaust and such).

 

[seapotato]

I have a little Miller with "autoset" which is basically a polite way of saying "this welder is for idiots".

Makes it easier tho

Mine's 220v but there's a 110 version too.

On the rare occasions I need to weld something thicker @Toshi38 left his big Miller here, saves me switching wire sizes in my little one. Which is a bit of a pain.

 

[bcsteel]

I picked that up for 350 bucks a few years back. Needs 220. Will weld a bumper up and also do thin sheet metal for body work etc. Before that I ran Lincoln 300 with pulse, did aluminum etc. Kinda got lost in all the settings so I dumped it for something simple. If your not doing aluminum go with simple. Just my 2 pennies.

 

[slowandsteady BJ]

I no longer "work" for a living I simply attend for 8 hours a day.

FWIW I like separating Mig and Tig machines, never been a fan of the all in one units but I have no rational basis for that feeling.... Just like that.

A while ago Vern bought a cool Miller mig with an autoset feature that controlled wire-speed automatically and he loved it. I can see how autoset could really iron out a few variables when getting started. Might be a feature to look for.

I know nothing about that yellow machine... as long as you can get parts for it and the writing inside is in English I don't see a problem. Like Dan said it's a great brand that is well-founded.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I picked that up for 350 bucks a few years back. Needs 220. Will weld a bumper up and also do thin sheet metal for body work etc. Before that I ran Lincoln 300 with pulse, did aluminum etc. Kinda got lost in all the settings so I dumped it for something simple. If your not doing aluminum go with simple. Just my 2 pennies.

Thanks a lot for the tips. You're right, reading a bit more into the ESAB unit it sounds like it's just too big and more for a professional welder. Will look for something more basic.

 

[bikersmurf]

That's what I've used too (exhaust and such).

I’ve got a 100 amp stick welder that’ll do bumpers and most heavier stuff you’d do on a Cruiser. You’re welcome to borrow it.

I can’t see how having a welder could void your home insurance, Starting a fire with one maybe... but I’ve never heard of such a thing before. I could understand if you’re a welder working in a home shop... but not as a hobby. But don’t take my word for it... I’m just some jerk on the internet with an opinion.
I'd think shop rags with solvent have likely caused more fires than a welder... Especially one just sitting on s shelf. Guess you should give up wrenching and buy a bicycle... it’s only a matter of time before overcharged electric cars start burning houses down.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I no longer "work" for a living I simply attend for 8 hours a day.

FWIW I like separating Mig and Tig machines, never been a fan of the all in one units but I have no rational basis for that feeling.... Just like that.

A while ago Vern bought a cool Miller mig with an autoset feature that controlled wire-speed automatically and he loved it. I can see how autoset could really iron out a few variables when getting started. Might be a feature to look for.

I know nothing about that yellow machine... as long as you can get parts for it and the writing inside is in English I don't see a problem. Like Dan said it's a great brand that is well-founded.

Thanks Cam! General feeling I'm getting is the ESAB unit is too big/fancy for me. I'll keep my eye out for a 180 or so simple Mig setup. Having used gas before I think I'll avoid flux core and try to figure out a setup with bottle.

I do have 220V 50A receptacle in my shop.... Spliced off my 125A furnace boiler circuit on the other side of the wall. Now if that isn't a recipe for a house fire I don't know what is. Been meaning to make it legit for a while now - will get on that before using it again.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I’ve got a 100 amp stick welder that’ll do bumpers and most heavier stuff you’d do on a Cruiser. You’re welcome to borrow it.

I can’t see how having a welder could void your home insurance, Starting a fire with one maybe... but I’ve never heard of such a thing before. I could understand if you’re a welder working in a home shop... but not as a hobby. But don’t take my word for it... I’m just some jerk on the internet with an opinion.
I'd think shop rags with solvent have likely caused more fires than a welder... Especially one just sitting on s shelf. Guess you should give up wrenching and buy a bicycle... it’s only a matter of time before overcharged electric cars start burning houses down.

Thanks John! I did have a stick welder for a while, but after using Mig a few times there was no going back. Easier and more control. Better end product with my simple skill set.

 

[bikersmurf]

I’ve also got a Miller 140 you can borrow. The tank has argon atm which isn’t ideal for thicker metal, but it seems fine for thin. I’ve not tried the tank of mystery gas Steve gave me yet . For now my plan is to refill the argon tank if I can ever use all of it.

 

[stevebradford]

I have two welders because I’m not a professional and I’m cheep. Both mine are Lincoln only because I got them both for under 1000$ and two because it covers the entire range of what I weld.

One I have Is a Lincoln 180 because It can take a spool gun essential for welding aluminum. It’s also great for light metal.

The second is a Lincoln stick welder and I have that for welding anything 1/8 inch and thicker. It’s great plenty of heat.


i also have an irrational fear of the combination units that one part will go wrong and the whole unit will be scrap even though I haven’t heard of that ever happening.

Regarding house fires and insurance I have no idea but definitely build a cart so you can easily wheel it outside to work. It’s better to weld outside less flux fumes and smoke, just doesn’t work well in the rain, a bit shocky. You can come check out my weld table cart anytime.

 

[GTSSportCoupe]

I have two welders because I’m not a professional and I’m cheep. Both mine are Lincoln only because I got them both for under 1000$ and two because it covers the entire range of what I weld.

One I have Is a Lincoln 180 because It can take a spool gun essential for welding aluminum. It’s also great for light metal.

The second is a Lincoln stick welder and I have that for welding anything 1/8 inch and thicker. It’s great plenty of heat.


i also have an irrational fear of the combination units that one part will go wrong and the whole unit will be scrap even though I haven’t heard of that ever happening.

Regarding house fires and insurance I have no idea but definitely build a cart so you can easily wheel it outside to work. It’s better to weld outside less flux fumes and smoke, just doesn’t work well in the rain, a bit shocky. You can come check out my weld table cart anytime.
View attachment 2502192

I think I was leaning on that table while BS'ing last time I was over.... I was admiring it actually.

But yes, building a portable welding table/cart would definitely need to happen.

I shall keep my eye out for a used welder - but I have noticed the 180 ones go fast if priced well. Might break down and look at new.

 

[cruiserpilot]

I run a Lincoln Electric 175Plus. When I bought it I saw one in every fab shop I visited.
As compared to the 180’s is just has infinite power, not
segmented. If you have 220 then you are set. As you remember I finally decided against
the aluminum stuff as the power requirements are too high. Welding aluminum needs
dedicated higher constant power than simple steel welding.
Obviously, I’ve welded everything from 1/2” on down. It does fantastic sheet metal spot
welds. I run .030 for general welding, .023 for sheet metal.
If you want to borrow mine you are welcome, I just put new rollers on the feed.
I’ve always had the small Argon bottle, just exchange for around $75. I had old BX 6 ga
house cable when we rebuilt and made a 50’ extension cord. With my 50’ 8 ga cab tire
I can weld 100’ away without power loss.

 

[seapotato]

I no longer "work" for a living I simply attend for 8 hours a day.

FWIW I like separating Mig and Tig machines, never been a fan of the all in one units but I have no rational basis for that feeling.... Just like that.

A while ago Vern bought a cool Miller mig with an autoset feature that controlled wire-speed automatically and he loved it. I can see how autoset could really iron out a few variables when getting started. Might be a feature to look for.

I know nothing about that yellow machine... as long as you can get parts for it and the writing inside is in English I don't see a problem. Like Dan said it's a great brand that is well-founded.

What he said. (also about welding )

I think vern's little autoset machine is the one down from mine that works on 110v.

I really like the autoset. Reach down, turn one knob to raise or lower heat. I finally caved a year or two ago and got mig gas rather than the straight argon I'd been using for decades.


I also have a spool gun for it , I need an aluminum project to make it worth it getting a second bottle for argon tho. Although, I've never actually tried aluminum with the spool gun and mig mix.


For the longest time, the Lincolns at Crappy tire would go on sale for a pretty good discount twice a year. Price was pretty hard to beat.

 

[cruiserpilot]

Lincoln mig welder 180c - tools - by owner

-excellent working condition mig welder -comes with guage, spool of wire .30 -does not come with...

vancouver.craigslist.org

This is about par. I haven’t seen the new prices on them. Everything has gone digital idiot proof
for big $$$

New from Canadian Tire. Sell out fast.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/lincoln-electric-mig-pak-180-welder-accessory-kit-2998302p.html#srp

 

[Bluebj42]

Sounds to me like you just need something basic to work for the odd project or repair just get something cheep that works with a gas shield and stick to what you know. Also why is everyone using argon for steel?? Use co2 for steel!! Argon is for aluminum.