More welder questions

[Landcruisin'60]

There seem to be a lot of welder questions, but I think I have an unanswered one. I am looking to get a 115v MIG welder. I dont have an air conditioned garage and it can easily get over the 100* mark. Is it safe to have a bottle of sheilding gas in that type of heat? Also what is the best welder I can get for less then $500? I am looking at the Lincolns that HD has and a Hobart Handler 125 EZ or 140 from TSC. Are they good choices? Is one better then the other? Are there really any draw backs to using flux-core wire? I still consider myself a newb but I am taking a metal fabrication course at my school, so I am learning.

Thanks

 

[Dave-T]

Does anyone have an air conditioned garage? If you could keep your garage air conditioned you could probably afford to have someone else do your welding.

Seriously you should not have any problems storing the tank there. Definitely go with a shielding gas setup instead of flux wire. It produces much cleaner and better welds.

 

[fj40charles]

There seem to be a lot of welder questions, but I think I have an unanswered one. I am looking to get a 115v MIG welder. I dont have an air conditioned garage and it can easily get over the 100* mark. Is it safe to have a bottle of sheilding gas in that type of heat? Also what is the best welder I can get for less then $500? I am looking at the Lincolns that HD has and a Hobart Handler 125 EZ or 140 from TSC. Are they good choices? Is one better then the other? Are there really any draw backs to using flux-core wire? I still consider myself a newb but I am taking a metal fabrication course at my school, so I am learning.

Thanks

If you're willing to spend 500.00 for a welder, I'd would spend a little more and get the Hobart Handler 187 welder. This is 220 volt model. These sell for 649.00 at Northern Tools. Find a 20% off coupon and you're set.

 

[Landcruisin'60]

Its really more like I might be able to squeeze $500 for a welder. I cant spend more. I would rather spend less then $400. I also really dont want to run 220 to my garage. I know its not difficult and I have run wiring before, but I dont want to.

 

[Pin_Head]

If you're willing to spend 500.00 for a welder, I'd would spend a little more and get the Hobart Handler 187 welder. This is 220 volt model. These sell for 649.00 at Northern Tools. Find a 20% off coupon and you're set.

X2

Unless you will only be welding sheet metal, bite the bullet and get the 220V. No point in buying another one in 6 months.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Its really more like I might be able to squeeze $500 for a welder. I cant spend more. I would rather spend less then $400. I also really dont want to run 220 to my garage. I know its not difficult and I have run wiring before, but I dont want to.

You should look for a used unit. Even a $500 welder costs a lot more than $500. You need a helmet, gas cylinder, some consumables, a spool of wire, welding gloves and some protective clothing. You also need angle grinders, wire wheels, grinding wheels, and cutting wheels. If $500 is your upper limit, you are really looking for a $300 welder. Not many of those you'll be happy with. I would focus on your local Craig's list, and look for someone who lost their job and needs money quick. The Hobart Handler 187 looks good on paper, you might find the previous model equivalent in the $500 ballpark.

 

[Landcruisin'60]

I have 2 grinders and many wheels. I am looking at the Lincoln Weld Pak 3200HD from Home Depot. All I would need is a gas cylinder a helmet and a some gloves.

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDU...earchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3966&pos=n24

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I agree with Pin-Head on the 220 thing. You will want more welder. It really will t be barely adequate for 1/4 inch, and the duty cycle will be short.

If you really have to have 110v, look at this one:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_dvi/
Then as you grow, you can go to 220v with the same machine. I have no personal experience, but dieselcruiserhead gave a 2 thumbs up review.

For a bit less money, but 220v, this will be a perfectly adequate welder:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_180/

I have this one:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_210/
Which has been awesome, and seems well built enough to last the rest of my life.

If I had real money, I'd buy this one:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_251/

Good luck with whatever you decide. I strongly recommend you check out IOC (Indiana Oxygen Supply) on their ebay store. They have the best prices, good service, good shipping and no nonsense. Lots on this board including me have bought from them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/MILLERMATIC-DVI...QQihZ003QQcategoryZ113743QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Landcruisin'60]

Yeah but none of those are even close to my price range. If I had a lot of money I would get the Miller 210. But I dont and I need to get an inexpensive one. I guess I should have let you know (even though I dont really think I should have too) I am 15 and I have a very limited income. I also have parents that wont loan me money, in the long run thats probably a good thing. But currently I dont have much money.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Yeah but none of those are even close to my price range. If I had a lot of money I would get the Miller 210. But I dont and I need to get an inexpensive one. I guess I should have let you know (even though I dont really think I should have too) I am 15 and I have a very limited income. I also have parents that wont loan me money, in the long run thats probably a good thing. But currently I dont have much money.

That's cool-I have a 16 year old son, and if he came to me and had 2/3 of the purchase price of a welder, I'd give him the rest. That Miller 180 is a good unit and not too far out of your price range, especially if your dad sees your interest and helps out. It's not like you're chasing loose women, hanging out in bars, or moving to San Francisco.

It will run fine on your mom's dryer circuit.

 

[Landcruisin'60]

Yeah, I am selling so stuff and working so I can pay for my parts. It would be pretty easy to run 220v the circuit box is on the basement wall that is also shared by the garage. My dad thinks I should rent a welder, I know it will cost more to rent one for all the work then to just buy one.

 

[chicago]

Landcruisin60!
the Lincolns are nice little 110 units!
It is what I learned on!
As far as I can gather, the biggest difference between the 3 main brands (Lincoln, Miller and Hobart) is the warrenty.
Hobart is owned by Miller, so they carry the same warrenty which is excellent (So ive heard). Linclon is a little sketchy where their warrenty is concerned (again...so Ive heard) and my be a problem for you if your running the unti to its max.
Other differences are some of the componentry which Miller stands on top, but they all will weld PRETTY MUCH the same.
I did my SOA with the Lincoln 110!
It takes a LOT more time and metal prep to weld the 1/4 in stuff well, but it can be done with these units with multiple passes!
I used FLUX CORE only, as it supposedly has better penetrating power than with gas.
Get the 110 unit, if its all you can afford, gather up some scrap metal and start burining some welds...Post up pics for the folks on here and they will critique your technique and guide your progress!

Good for you for getting involved at such a young age!
In hind site, I wish I would have!

Good luck!

Chicago

 

[Pin_Head]

Yeah but none of those are even close to my price range. I am 15 and I have a very limited income. I also have parents that wont loan me money, in the long run thats probably a good thing. But currently I dont have much money.

Get a used welder. They sell for for 50-75 % of a new one. People are selling 110V welders to move up to a 220V, so you are more likely to find a deal. Just be aware of its limitations and don't weld anything structural with it.

 

[fj40charles]

Check craigslist for a used welder. Have cash on hand and be prepared to buy when you come up on a great deal.

 

[Campfire]

I agree with Pin-Head on the 220 thing. You will want more welder. It really will t be barely adequate for 1/4 inch, and the duty cycle will be short.

For a bit less money, but 220v, this will be a perfectly adequate welder:
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/millermatic_180/

This is the one I have and have welded frames, 1/4 plate, Trailer hitches, and large 1/8 plate barbeques for repair. It has not let me down at all.
X's 10 on all the 220 stuff said. It's like the compressor thing, 110 works but it's working harder on that small voltage. 220V gives it enough to REALLY use it.

Yeah, I am selling so stuff and working so I can pay for my parts. It would be pretty easy to run 220v the circuit box is on the basement wall that is also shared by the garage. My dad thinks I should rent a welder, I know it will cost more to rent one for all the work then to just buy one.

Use the "once I get good, I'll weld stuff for friends and charge them!" line.
I sure doesn't take too long when people find out that you have a good welder. You'll have "friends asking all the time, but state right up front "it's thi$ much to do it".
It's $46 a pop when I fill my bottle. I average $60 a year in tips, nozzles, and hose repair.
And if you think that Lincoln and Miller are the same in that price range, look at the spool drives, wire feed mechanism, etc,... You get what you pay for.

And yes, look on Craiglist because there out there. just act fast.