TTT -- The Tool Thread

[GLTHFJ60]

If it's just for hobby use, it'll likely be good to go for many years. 30% duty cycle at max output isn't bad as long as you won't be welding all day long, at max output.

Before buying new, don't forget to check craigslist. I bought my Hobart Ironman 210 off of craigslist for a screaming deal with very few hours on it.

 

[Rice]

I'm looking for my first welder and came across this Eastman on another thread. The reviews (Mud, weldingweb, etc.) seem pretty good and critics tend to be professional welders who say it won't hold up like a Lincoln or a Miller, but I think its made for the hobbyist. When we built 15 years ago, I put a 220V in the garage for my table saw. I can't remember if I used 10 or 12 gauge romex, but my tablesaw hasn't had any issues.

I can't give a thumps up or down because I don't know their welders but the specs are not bad. It pulls 22 amps @220V (max) so the socket for your saw should be fine. The duty cycle for that machine is 30% @ 130 amps. That means at 70 amps the duty cycle goes to 100%. Not bad considering "time on trigger" is normally rather short.


EDIT: Note that 220V receptacles come in multiple variations depending on current ratings.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipe...d_pins.svg/350px-NEMA_simplified_pins.svg.png

In case the welder plug and receptacle don't match ... It's okay to "adapt" a low current appliance for an outlet with a higher rating but obviously not the other way around, even though it is protected with a breaker.

At only 22 Amps all will be fine.

 

[NCFJ]

Borrowed this from a buddy of mine, he's a trans guy (semi retired)
bottom portion is air operated, about 18" lift, foot operated
upper section is hydraulic and very precise
the two screws seen in the pic adjust it for and aft an also side to side

Great tool!

 

[weejub]

I'm leaning toward "investing" in something like the Hobart Ironman 230. $1830 on sale at Northern Tool right now - same as lowest price on Ebay. Anyone had good/bad experiences with this particular model? The Interwebs give it high ratings . .

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I've got an Ironman 210 and I absolutely flipping love it. Highly recommended line of machines. The 230 is the newer and slightly higher output version of mine. Looks like it has a lot more fine control of the output amperage too. You'll love it!!

 

[kulangot]

The Ironman is a great machine. IMHO Hobart has better customer service than Miller. They are really warranty friendly.

It's also a ROCK SOLID design - no inverter, control boards, etc. It will last a very long time.

 

[weejub]

Hard to find on Clist Sounds like I will need to be looking there, anyway, as the welder took a seat to some other things during our negotiations on tax money / bonus and savings plans for this year.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I shopped craigslist for a while before I found mine, but I got it for $800! I found it in Charlotte, with a helmet, full gas bottle, wire and some consumables!

 

[NCFJ]

The gas bottle is an expense you need to consider for sure. Keep in mind that bigger bottles are a far better value. More money up front but refills are far cheaper. If you can find a used machine with a bottle that is the way to go. See if the seller has paperwork on the bottle as some places may not honor it on a refill if you can not prove that you own it.

 

[jfz80]

Pretty good deal posted up on 80s tech...

Enco - Guaranteed Lowest Prices on Machinery, Tools and Shop Supplies

Apply APRDS for 20% off

Apply APRFF for Free Shipping

Total cost should be $42.36 and ya get a t-shirt

 

[Rice]

Just ordered so no review yet but like the looks of it:

http://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-Tools-V...=chain vise&qid=1461167541&ref_=sr_1_4&sr=8-4

 

[weejub]

Miller Millermatic 250 Welder with Cart

 

[Rice]

Miller Millermatic 250 Welder with Cart

That's a lot of machine but not a deal even with the bottles. The 250 went out of production a long time ago replaced by the 251 and then the 252.

Also of note, that welder will need a 50 amp plug.

 

[weejub]

It was also ARC, I think. Its gone now.

 

[Rice]

Down one size and still a great machine is the miller 212. The duty cycle is only slightly lower than the 252 which isn't even a factor when welding 1/4 and thinner.

Millermatic 212 MIG Welder Auto-Set 907405

 

[stevezero]

Rice is very good at convincing people to part with large sums of money

 

[Rice]

Rice is very good at convincing people to part with large sums of money

Sorry man. Here ha go:

Pitbull Ultra-Portable 100-Amp Electric Arc Welder - 110V - Arc Welding Equipment - Amazon.com

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Just added this to my welder. 300 amp magswitch

 

[Rice]

Nice. Let us know how that goes.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Magswitch works perfectly. Everyone should have one.


Has anyone seen, heard of or used a Valve Gapper tool, such as the P&G Valve Gapper? There is a guy on 4BTSwaps who designed and made one for a Cummins B series engine. I made a quick video showing how it's used. Way more precise IMHO than a set of feeler gauges: