Getting into welding - general questions

[daveIT]

Forgive me for the dumb questions, but I've thought off and on over the years to give welding a try. What's an estimate of costs to get the stuff to get into it? I'd probably buy used...what gear would I need? Id like to be able to custom fab seat mounts, bumpers, sliders that sort of stuff.

I've been thinking of taking a welding through the local community college, but I'm trying to knock out the rest of the crap for my Bachelors first...

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

A class or one on one instruction would be wise before purchasing equipment.

As far as money to get going??? Man, you can spend a few hundred to several thousands. Just depends on what you are willing to part with.

But, buy quality equipment... it works better, last longer, and if you are just learning, the worst thing that you can be up against is PURE frustration from your equipment not working properly.

Once you take a class or ?? I personally would go with a multi-process unit.. GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW OR TIG, MIG, and STICK.

 

[daveIT]

I like to buy stuff at best cost/performance ratio...I'd rather pay more for stuff that will last. I'm just wondering a ballpark figure to set aside from tax refund. What do folks use to make bumpers and stuff MIG or TIG?

I homebrew too so I'd like to be able to eventually weld stainless steel..probably after a few classes!

 

[gtfour43]

I like to buy stuff at best cost/performance ratio...I'd rather pay more for stuff that will last. I'm just wondering a ballpark figure to set aside from tax refund. What do folks use to make bumpers and stuff MIG or TIG?

I homebrew too so I'd like to be able to eventually weld stainless steel..probably after a few classes!

Mig for big items like bumpers. Tig for smaller items. Get a AC/DC machine so you can do aluminum too.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

I have a Miller XMT 350 with a 24A feeder. I Use a Miller 30A spoolmatic for aluminum over 1/8" thick.

But for thinner than 1/8" aluminum I run over to my buddies shop and use his Hi-Freq Miller Diversion 180.

 

[daveIT]

My garage is already wired for 220...so ballpark what am I looking at like $500, $1000, or more for a decent USED setup to weld steel?

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

For welding machine only... If you go with a stick welder used.. Ballpark 200.00 to 500.00 like a Lincoln AC-225 or AC/DC. A used MIG welder like a lincoln or Miller 212 to 252 series 700.00 to 1000.00 used. Multi Process...I've seen from 1200.00 to 4000.00 pending style and accessories.

You should have an Airgas, NORCO, Gases Plus etc.. in the Springs. Go in and talk to them on their Demo and rental machines. You can sometimes get a good deal. If you buy off Craigslist take someone with you that knows how to weld and let them play with it before you buy. Ebay is buyer beware on any used welder IMO.

I am a Miller man for shop fabrication and Lincoln for field welding.

 

[bmorefj40]

X2 on going to your local welding supply and asking them for demo machines. I just got a decent deal on a very lightly used tig machine. I bought my mig from them as well but new. Now knowing what I do, wish I would have went that route earlier. Could have either saved some money or got a bigger machine for the same price.

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[Rubiconcruiser]

Check your local Craigslist, good deals and cheap prices are on the list, therer are even instructors on the list at times, A good buy is the Lincoln AC/DC buzz box at around $300.00. Starter machine extraordinare.

 

[bhmmapping]

If you set aside a thousand you should be able to get a decent mig welder and all of the accessories like the gas bottle, safety gear, cart, consumables, etc. that you will need. I bought a used Hobart Handler 187 based on advice in this forum and have been very happy with it.

 

[fj40charles]

Buy a quality US made welder such as Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, or Esab. Stay away from chinese made POS such as everlast, longivity.

 

[TRAIL TAILOR]

buy a quality us made welder such as miller, hobart, lincoln, or esab. Stay away from chinese made pos such as everlast, longivity.

x2 what he said!! ^^^^