Welding Questions

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Three of us in Jackson have the Miller 211. It works with either 110 or 220 service and welds up to 3/8". I really like mine.
 
Slabsides45 said:
It occurs to me after reading your posts that I could do the unthinkable, and sell the "new" welder for enough profit to pay for most of the costs of a new ARB for my LX. THAT, gents, is a temptation.....
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That would be a huge mistake.
 
You may want to sell that one and get yourself a miller 211 with auto set and the ability to run on 110 or 220 ( MVP). Or lincoln equivalent.

I started out with a cheapo stick and nearly gave it up.. Glad I didn't , once you move on to a MIG you will want to forget a stick ever existed. It's that much easier to figure out. I am not knocking stick welding... Actually ....yeah I am. I didn't like it at all. Before the old guys crucify me.. It is worth while to learn on stick because it forces you to control the weld puddle. If stick is too hard their is no shame in moving to a MIG.

Got my miller 211 auto set MVP from welders express on eBay. It's an eBay store. Got the lead from Lash.

Take a welding class. They Are usually available at tech schools. Welding is all about confidence and practice. Well with it.

Once you learn how to weld you will spend countless hours tearing apart your 4x4 only to weld something stronger on it.

I truly enjoy it.

Bossamn open up that plasma cutter !
 
Great news!! I found a guy who was willing to trade me even for a 3 in 1 machine that will weld TIG, weld stick, and has a plasma cutter! Accurate Tools I think, but anyhow we are supposed to swap out tomorrow!
 
Slabsides45 said:
Great news!! I found a guy who was willing to trade me even for a 3 in 1 machine that will weld TIG, weld stick, and has a plasma cutter! Accurate Tools I think, but anyhow we are supposed to swap out tomorrow!
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If this is a chinese made welder I would stay away. Don't buy it!!!! It will not last with zero resale, and you'll be taking a bath on the trade.

Don't buy welder/plasma cutter unless it is one of the following brands: Miller, Lincoln, Hobart, Esab, Hypertherm, or Thermadyne (Thermal Arc).

Post up brand/model of this 3 in 1 machine.

Did a google search. It is POS chinese made 3 in 1. It will not do any of the 3 functions well.
 
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The welder you have is easily worth $1000. You can buy yourself a nice welder with $1000.

Don't do the trade!!!!!!

Keep in mind your welder will do stick and tig also.

I don't know of any welding equipment being made from reputable (Miller, Hobart, Esab, Lincoln, Thermadyne (Thermal Arc) that does a 3 in 1.
 
Did I mention not to do the trade? There is a very good reason why this person is eager to do the trade.
 
Don't do the trade. That's not a good welder, and definitely not a good combo.

Sell the welder you have, take money, buy welder you want. Plain and simple.

Is this Cinco de Mayo fools or something? Bad trade...
 
Hope he will look at it before the trade!
 
Jordan7118 said:
Is this Cinco de Mayo fools or something? Bad trade...
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:grinpimp:

I actually DID see one that's a 3 way deal, but it's exactly as described-a chinese 3rd rate piece. I think the best advice has been given multiple times-sell the TIG to get a nice MIG.

So, now that you all have my undivided attention, what can a brotha get that's reliable and inexpensive enough? Any way to work both a MIG and a Plasma into the budget for 1K?
 
Nope combo units are turds.....

Get you a nice mig and a torch....I have seen people cut better with a torch than a plasma. Also a 7 inch Metbo.
 
Slabsides45 said:
:grinpimp:

I actually DID see one that's a 3 way deal, but it's exactly as described-a chinese 3rd rate piece. I think the best advice has been given multiple times-sell the TIG to get a nice MIG.

So, now that you all have my undivided attention, what can a brotha get that's reliable and inexpensive enough? Any way to work both a MIG and a Plasma into the budget for 1K?
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Sure you can. Both will be lower capacity but quality units. Really though, John is right. Torch, chop saw, Metabo all come before plasma in my book. Start with a good 220v mig and build from there. BTW- I can loan you a nice little Miller stick machine and all the stuff if you want to take the time to get the basics down. I think it was Jordan that said take a class at a vo-tech and practice at home a little. You'll have it down in no time.
 
Slabsides45 said:
So, now that you all have my undivided attention, what can a brotha get that's reliable and inexpensive enough? Any way to work both a MIG and a Plasma into the budget for 1K?
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Yes, it is doable. Have the cash on hand and watch your local CL for good deal.
For reference, I've bought a Miller Spectrum 375 (rated for 3/8" cut) for $350. You should be able to get a nice 230v mig for $600 to $700 depending on brand/model.

Like John and Daryl said, don't go too crazy looking for a plasma cutter. I have one, but don't really use it much. If you had to choose between just a plasma cutter or getting a nice O/A setup, I'd get the O/A (Oxy Acetylene )setup. There are just too many things you can do the O/A.

I use a combination of the following to cut steel: 14" abrasive chop saw, 14" cold cut saw, 8" cold saw, 4.5" grinders (get a few), sawzall, and O/A cutting torches.

Keep in mind you'll need to buy accessories for the welder like: shielding gas, spool of wire, gloves, helmet, cutting tools, clamps, etc., This "stuff" can cost as much or more than the welder itself.
 
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Thanks guys, nice to have honest input.

What's the difference between the quality/strength of a stick weld versus a MIG weld? Just cleaner joints/less cleanup?
 
Slabsides45 said:
Thanks guys, nice to have honest input.

What's the difference between the quality/strength of a stick weld versus a MIG weld? Just cleaner joints/less cleanup?
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If done properly by someone that is a capable welder, then the strength* of the welds would be the same.
Stick weld beads can look very nice if done by skilled welder. Less cleanup with Mig, but mig requires more prep and clean metal for welding. With stick, you can literally weld on rusty and oily metal.

* using the same tensile strength rod/filler wire.

Adding....

Slab, I would get some stick and do some welding with you Maxstar 150 STH before you sell it. Reason for doing this is you'll get to use an inverter based power supply. What does this mean???? Most traditional welding power supplies are transformer based. They all work, but you'll find the DC output on an inverter based power supply is extremely smooth (less ripple if seen on a scope). Smooth DC output (constant current) translates into a very stable and consistent arc due to very fast switching transistors. Also, the ripples in the weld bead will be very close together (smooth DC output) and it should easy to weld. IMHO, stick welding with inverter based power supply is easier than a traditional transformer based power supply.
Mig welding with an inverter base power supply is also a little different too...

Sorry for the boring details...
 
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fj40charles said:
If done properly by someone that is a capable welder, then the strength* of the welds would be the same.
Stick weld beads can look very nice if done by skilled welder. Less cleanup with Mig, but mig requires more prep and clean metal for welding. With stick, you can literally weld on rusty and oily metal.

* using the same tensile strength rod/filler wire.

Adding....

Slab, I would get some stick and do some welding with you Maxstar 150 STH before you sell it. Reason for doing this is you'll get to use an inverter based power supply. What does this mean???? Most traditional welding power supplies are transformer based. They all work, but you'll find the DC output on an inverter based power supply is extremely smooth (less ripple if seen on a scope). Smooth DC output (constant current) translates into a very stable and consistent arc due to very fast switching transistors. Also, the ripples in the weld bead will be very close together (smooth DC output) and it should easy to weld. IMHO, stick welding with inverter based power supply is easier than a traditional transformer based power supply.
Mig welding with an inverter base power supply is also a little different too...

Sorry for the boring details...
Click to expand...

When you say get some sticks, you mean the TIG sticks made for this unit, right?
 
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