(opened my presents early:) ) Anyway, just wanted some advice, the welder i got is a Campbell Hausfeld (i've never heard of it before) 115 volt wire feed welder, can weld up to 3/16" stock. Just wondering if I would be better off taking it back and getting something that can weld 1/4", don't want to grow out of it. BTW, I can't weld very well at all, so this will be what I learn on. TIA

Originally posted by crawlintoy
(opened my presents early:) ) Anyway, just wanted some advice, the welder i got is a Campbell Hausfeld (i've never heard of it before) 115 volt wire feed welder, can weld up to 3/16" stock. Just wondering if I would be better off taking it back and getting something that can weld 1/4", don't want to grow out of it. BTW, I can't weld very well at all, so this will be what I learn on. TIA

It's a sizeable price difference, but what you probably want is a 220v (if you have service) MIG

The main thing that I have learned about welding that took forever to get through my head is that a good ground and a clean working surface is critical. At first I couldnt believe that I was gonna need to grind off paint and crap but I sure did.

I also learned that if you keep burining throuhg thin metal (and your heat is low as it goes), your wire is too thick.

just some helpful hints that took forever to get through my thick heaed.

Good Luck...

PS> I would take it back and get a 220V

Also you want one that can run gas and solid wire, not flux core. Generally all but the cheapest 110 units can be upgraded; some come with a regulator but no bottle, some come with no regulator. Also, when you get a bottle, try to buy it instead of renting it. The bigger the bottle, the more it will cost and the harder it is to transport and store, but the more cost effective it is when you get it filled.

Pete

It's junk, take it back or you'll just end up selling it when you figure out it won't weld worth a shit.
If you have to have a 120 volt machine, get either the Miller 130XP or 135, or the Hobart Handler 135. www.brwelder.com has good prices on all their stuff. I can weld 3/8" with my Miller 130xp, just made a new t-case crossmember out of 3/8" plate. It'll easily handle sliders, cages, bumpers, etc.
Or go to one of their 220 machines if you have the power there. Those will all have the power to do any fabrication.

Originally posted by pcorssmit
Also you want one that can run gas and solid wire, not flux core. Generally all but the cheapest 110 units can be upgraded; some come with a regulator but no bottle, some come with no regulator. Also, when you get a bottle, try to buy it instead of renting it. The bigger the bottle, the more it will cost and the harder it is to transport and store, but the more cost effective it is when you get it filled.

Pete

What's wrong with flux core? I have always been told that gas (on 110V models) will give you a pretty weld but not as much penetration as flux core. I have a 110V Miller Weld Pack with flux core and it works great for anything up to 1/4". I don't weld anything over 1/4" anyway so it's perfect for me.

Here's an important tip about flux core, if you do multiple passes, remove ALL the slag. Never weld over slag. It will leave air pockets in the weld. A stiff wire wheel on a drill works.

Originally posted by Yarddog


What's wrong with flux core? I have always been told that gas (on 110V models) will give you a pretty weld but not as much penetration as flux core. I have a 110V Miller Weld Pack with flux core and it works great for anything up to 1/4". I don't weld anything over 1/4" anyway so it's perfect for me.


I have a Lincoln SP 125+, which is a 110v MIG. I use flux core because the 110v doesn't have the power to get the penetration w/ gas and solid wire.

I responded earlier to this post saying what he wants is a 220v MIG. With a 220 MIG, you'll have the power to get penetration while using gas. Therefore, you'll have a pretty weld with good penetration.

Also, when running gas, the surrounding metal stays cooler (or so I've heard). Less heat stress on the metal means stronger metal.



Good luck on your welding purchase.