is a 230amp AC welder going to be strong enough to weld on suspension components? http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=22064&prmenbr=6970

if not is a 135 mig welder good enough? http://www.northerntool.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=42475&prmenbr=6970


for $190 I am tempted to go with the ac but I need it to be solid with spring hangers and axle perches.

you would be hard pressed to beat the lincoln cracker box with ac/dc they run in the 200 to 250$ range. they will weld the heavier stuff with no problem. but if you have never done much stick welding go for a 220v mig, it will be much easier to learn. and will weld the thicker stuff great. mike

so what will hold the best? mig, tig, arc, hell, I have only welded one thing in my life...leaf mounts on an axle (dana 35) with what I think was a 175 amp stick welder (had it's own generator)

they weren't the pretiest welds but they held for over a year and a half of hard abuse.

so I am just getting into this whoel thing and want to GET INTO this whole thing...after reading these pages for over 2 years I have so many ideas of my own...

I can spend up to 300. where is the best place to start that will be safe for me to do suspension mods with without putting myself or anyone else in danger?

the lincoln cracker box ac/dc model, best bang for the buck. will weld 7018 pretty decent and much easier than a a/c machine. it is the only thing in your price range that i would recommend. mike

with a budget of up to 300 the lincoln ac/dc stick machine is the way to go. stick dc produces a much better looking weld ... after you've had it for a while i'll venture to say you'll wish you'd spent a bit more and gotten a mig, chipping slag all the time gets old.

- jack

Ditto. If you have the cash for a 220 mig, then get one. However, since you have less than $300 to spend, the lincoln AC/DC will suit your needs just fine. For the money, you really can't beat it.

sounds like the cracker box is it then...unless.....

how much $ should I expect for a 220 mig?

i got a Hobart 175 from cyberweld for 575 to my door about 8 months ago. i've seen Miller 175's with a cart for about 600 now ...

- jack

where did you see the miller 175 with cart at that price?

I have found them for closer to 700.

yeah, I'm a poooooo college boy right now...$700 is almost as much as I'll pay for the s-10 itself!

can't remember where i saw it now .. but i think it was a deal for a Miller 175 w/cart and shipping for $635 i think ...

you might search in the Gen 4x4 section, i think someone had posted the deal i saw here also.

- jack

Originally posted by Monkeyboy
where did you see the miller 175 with cart at that price?

I have found them for closer to 700.

Todd


http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=907020

Carts $54 but its more fun to make one.

I think earlier this week when I was fantasy welder shopping I found cartless 175's for $600.

but Mike with the discussion with you and ryan last night I think this would be the way to geo given our situation :D

http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=903891

The free cart was a promo by Miller that ended in december, along with a price breat. That was one hell of a month to buy a welder!

I prefer this one :)


http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=086031

and yes, it would be a nice addition to the little community tool pool

Your just familiar to that one :D

They are very similar if you ask me..

I like the miller price :D

I love my Lincoln AC-225 'buzz box' and the local Home Depot has 'em in stock for $219:eek: comes with helmet and an assortment of rods, add a new plug to match yer dryer outlet, get some S8 wire and plugs for an extention cord and yer in bidness for around $250. You can build a whole rig with one of these...and trailers and shop equipment, and....:smokin:

Cutter that setup sounds exatly like mine extension cord and all.
I picked mine up used for $125.00

I use alot of 7018AC witht his welder and get lots of good results good looking strong welds.

Funny you mentione building a whole rig with the buzzbox...
I'm building everything but the cage with the buzzbox.

Borrowing mig welders for the tubing.

It might be worth checking the local welding supply palces that sell equipment. I know the place I frequent has some screaming deals on trade ins, used loaners, and warranty/serviced returns. Good way to get into an entry level welder.

Check it out. You might be surprised.

for a beginning welder I would go with an ark welder, the advantage to it is you can weld anything steel, and if its a bad weld you just made it usually looks bad, with mig it is possible to get a wounderfull looking weld with little penetration. a 230 amp welder is enough to weld anything in mild steel, anything over 5/16 will probably take multiple passes but thats not a problem.

Originally posted by Monkeyboy

Funny you mentione building a whole rig with the buzzbox...
I'm building everything but the cage with the buzzbox.

Borrowing mig welders for the tubing.
I'm doing a MAJOR refab on my TJ and i'm doing the cage with it, too.
hey...booger welds are still welds, right?;)

Hobart also has a great welder called the stick mate for around $400

these are made by Miller...and are a great value....you can pick them up through northern toool.com

also Harbor freight has them sometimes. catch it on free shipping here.



runs on 220v and has good amps for the $$$