learn me on welders

[slander]

So i think i am ready to graduate to the next level of ruining my dd and what was a nice taco. I have about as much space in my garage as john and no 220, so that limits me to a flux core 110 correct? I am looking at doing light fab work to start and learn how to weld, i can stick 2 pieces of metal together with a stick welder but thats about it. I figure if i need to do anything too heavy duty ill go ruin, i mean use, someone elses heavier duty equipment. So what brands should i be looking at and staying away from?

 

[Gumby]

You can get gas, but flux is easier to keep.

110 MIG.

Miller and Hobart are the same brand. Miller has a bit more features.

Lincoln is good. Harbor freight is not.

 

[slander]

Yes hf is out, i have limited funds and dont want to flush it down the s***ter. Wouldnt flux core have a stronger weld than gas with a 110?

 

[Gumby]

I'm not sure that's true. It isn't as clean and much harder to do sheet metal.

 

[PhilC64]

Hobart had a 140 that ran on 110v but was sketchy.
The Lincoln 110 with flux is pretty good with a few available on Craigslist for <$300.
4Rnr swears by his and his giant booger welds.

 

[PhilC64]

Gas makes for cleaner welds but on a 110 the gas limits the gauge of steel you can use (<1/8th). I've done 1/4 plate with a 110 flux core and had it take some abuse. If using flux spray down your steel with anti-splatter or Pam to make clean up easier

 

[chitown40]

I've got a Lincoln 135/110v and it makes me look like a better welder than I am. I bought it new about 10 years ago basically to put a new rear sill on my old FJ40. I tought myself how to use it just by reading the manual and then welded my 40 back together. So they're basically easy to use...

 

[4rnr]

Lincoln imo.

I have a few clients who have several 110v welders, and they all say the Lincoln is their favorite 110. Joez also uses a Lincoln. I can stack dimes with my boogers.

 

[slander]

Lincoln it is then. Good looking welds are not as important to me as welds that will hold together.

 

[4rnr]

Well my entire 4runner is welded together with 110v flux core... Suspension, Cage. Been wheeling it for 10 years, no broken welds. Other peoples cages and bumpers also...

 

[slander]

Thats what has sold me on flux core, its one thing to read all the "it will never work" stuff online and then see it working in person.

 

[Gumby]

There's a new process that uses both because it works so well. Every bridge and pipeline out there is flux core welded. It works. It's just messy and harder to do fine work like sheet metal.

 

[4rnr]

It does suck for sheet metal, but it will weld 16ga and thicker wonderfully. And yes, get a good slag hammer and a coarse wire wheel!!

 

[Gumby]

Its way cheaper and easier than trying to keep argon in the garage.