I need my first welder - Pirate4x4.Com : 4x4 and Off-Road Forum

yota4x4 · 03-03-2003, 11:17 PM

I am looking intop buying a welder. I don't know anything about them really. Can someone just telll me th ebasics of them. Like all th edifferent names and which is the best. I want to be able to weld pipe, frame, and anything else on my toyota in my sig. What is a good first welder for around 350?

Dan shsss · 03-03-2003, 11:37 PM

Just do a search for welders

rusted · 03-04-2003, 02:07 AM

For $350, you can pick up the Craftsman 110v 90A MIG, for less on eBay. It works very well, it's a Century knock-off, and it'll do everything you need it for on a base level rig.

You have hours, and hours, and hours of reading and research to do on this website alone. That will lead you to other research on other sites.

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/searc...by=&sortorder=

That should get ya started.

696 pages.

rusted · 03-04-2003, 02:08 AM

And BTW I'm not being mean. Most of the stuff has been discussed here recently. If you go back a little bit, find some specific questions, people will gladly help you here and on other forums.

But your question is way general. You need to research to find out what to ask in the first place.

Have fun!

Travis Waldher · 03-04-2003, 09:37 AM

First.. I would save the $$ for a larger welder. try to get closer to $700 or so.

You can get a Millermatic 175 for roughly that, probably less used if you look hard enough.. You would be much happier with that than the small units IMO.

I have been really happy with My Miller.. while it's the 210 (and costs nearly 4x what you want to spend. I have heard nothing but good things about the 175.

90A just isn't enough IMO.

TK · 03-04-2003, 10:56 AM

If you can't go up to a 220 machine, go with the Hobart 135. I am happy with mine and I only paid $399 shipped.

f0cker · 03-04-2003, 04:08 PM

what is y'alls opinion on say a premier power welder thats in dash/underhood for your main welder? with the right stuff, could it be good enough to go as a main welder so I wont have to get two?

hey its daver · 03-04-2003, 06:59 PM

Theres a ton of info on this topic. search

Also welders are often sold in the misc for sale section

whthilux · 03-04-2003, 08:00 PM

get the craftsman 110v that 90 amps is its duty cycle same as ahobart 135or amiller 135 there only like 299 no shipping thers asears everywhere. Sears rates themat3/16 single pass same as miller.Will it be enough tough to say prep the metal metal real good ,beveling pre heat run flux or straight c02 better penetration,ithink youll be fine.Randy85toy ,locker, gears, histeer, jackball.

ironpig70 · 03-04-2003, 08:50 PM

my wife bought me a century 150 its a 110 unit which is nice since 220 is no go in my garage also it weights 70lbs so it is mobile to take where ever theres power(freinds house) what i like is the adjustment is infinite unlike some welders some units have 2 knobs labeled 1-5 so your heat is 1-5 and wire speed is 1-5 so you only can run 25 combonations of speed/heat which makes it diffuclt to weld. i am no expert so what i do is weld not critical parts and weld the scrap into art work thats the only way to get good at it.

73scout · 03-04-2003, 09:36 PM

go to home depot,, buy a lincoln 100 pak, easy to use welds up to 1/4 0r so, i have a 225miller but always seem to use the lincoln

hey its daver · 03-04-2003, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 73scout
go to home depot,, buy a lincoln 100 pak, easy to use welds up to 1/4 0r so, i have a 225miller but always seem to use the lincoln

ive got the same one, the lincoln

mrbucket123 · 03-04-2003, 10:05 PM

What's the difference between the weld pak 100hd and 3200hd, is it just that the 3200 is already set up for gas shielding instead of flux core?

Oh ya, another question (pretty dumb but hey it's the newbie forum), where could I go to pick up scrap pieces of metal to practice?
Thanks
-Josh

Erich In AZ · 03-05-2003, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by whthilux
get the craftsman 110v that 90 amps is its duty cycle same as ahobart 135or amiller 135 there only like 299 no shipping thers asears everywhere. Sears rates themat3/16 single pass same as miller.Will it be enough tough to say prep the metal metal real good ,beveling pre heat run flux or straight c02 better penetration,ithink youll be fine.Randy85toy ,locker, gears, histeer, jackball.

I had this one and stepped up to the Hobart 175. It's like night and day! The Hobart feeds better, burns hotter and is far less fatiguing. I got mine for $540.00 to the door. IMO, buying the small box to begin with is a waste of money. Eventually almost everyone ends up stepping up the bigger ones.

Krawwler · 03-05-2003, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrbucket123
What's the difference between the weld pak 100hd and 3200hd, is it just that the 3200 is already set up for gas shielding instead of flux core?

Oh ya, another question (pretty dumb but hey it's the newbie forum), where could I go to pick up scrap pieces of metal to practice?
Thanks
-Josh

there are several steel mills in san antonio, check with them

73scout · 03-05-2003, 01:03 PM

of course, the more u spend, the more u get, but i like the 110 plug in, very convient, the hobart is a good upgrade,may even buy one sometime, but the weld pak 100 works well for me now.and if i need some hd stuff i use my miller 225 amp

Supergper · 03-05-2003, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrbucket123
What's the difference between the weld pak 100hd and 3200hd, is it just that the 3200 is already set up for gas shielding instead of flux core?

-Josh

Without looking at them I would say that is the only difference...personally I would say dont waste you time or money on the gas setup with the 110V...the WP100 is a decent machine for a 110 unit...if you want to do it right then I would get a 175A+ machine...you will regret it later when you need more juice if you dont

Flexy Flatty · 03-05-2003, 11:45 PM

The best bang for 300 bucks has got to be a stick welder. I used my 220v Lincoln AC stick for a couple of years and it works great once you get used to it. I would drop the $300 for a good stick machine and use it for a while, and if later on you decide that you need a mig, you will have had a chance to save up some cash for a good one (that's what I did). Any mig machine in your price range would just be crap if you're trying to use it to weld frames or tubing on your rig.

NastyNate · 03-06-2003, 04:52 AM

Try finding a used one. I picked up a Miller 250 Powermig with tanks, regulators and a full 30 lb roll of wire for the price as a Miller 175 empty. It works perfect, and its nice to be able to burn a fat weld in the thick stuff with one pass.

85 Chevota · 03-06-2003, 07:16 AM

I have had my Lincoln SP170 for 10 years now, and it has never given me any trouble....

SilverZuk · 03-06-2003, 09:31 AM

I've got the harbor frieght 90 amp 110v wire feed welder, has gas connection but don't have gas.

I HATE IT!

I cannot get the penetration that I want. If I weld a "T" type joint you cannot get it to burn into 1/8" steel on the flat side.
Does alright on butt welds.

If you don't have alot of money, get a decent stick welder instead of a cheap wire feed welder.

03-03-2003, 11:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
yota4x4 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Member # 14596 Location: placerville,ca Posts: 64	I need my first welder I am looking intop buying a welder. I don't know anything about them really. Can someone just telll me th ebasics of them. Like all th edifferent names and which is the best. I want to be able to weld pipe, frame, and anything else on my toyota in my sig. What is a good first welder for around 350? __________________ 84 toyota, 22r, marlin dual t-case, wranglers in front, chevys in rear, 5:29's, 36 swampers, all-pro hysteer, empty wallet, can't wait to take it to the trail in the spring

03-03-2003, 11:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
Dan shsss Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Member # 13059 Location: san juan bautista Posts: 456	Just do a search for welders __________________ TTC Judge aka The REAL DAN BLACK!! SJBFD.COM san juan bautista fire dept

03-04-2003, 02:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
rusted Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Member # 11799 Location: Cleveland, TN Posts: 1,788	For $350, you can pick up the Craftsman 110v 90A MIG, for less on eBay. It works very well, it's a Century knock-off, and it'll do everything you need it for on a base level rig. You have hours, and hours, and hours of reading and research to do on this website alone. That will lead you to other research on other sites. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/searc...by=&sortorder= That should get ya started. 696 pages. Last edited by rusted; 03-04-2003 at 02:10 AM.

03-04-2003, 10:56 AM	#6 (permalink)
TK Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Member # 274 Location: Danville,CA,USA Posts: 832	If you can't go up to a 220 machine, go with the Hobart 135. I am happy with mine and I only paid $399 shipped. __________________ Str8up Trucking- shipping big things Call: 214-240-1016

03-04-2003, 09:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
73scout Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Member # 14125 Location: lakeside Cal. Posts: 47	go to home depot,, buy a lincoln 100 pak, easy to use welds up to 1/4 0r so, i have a 225miller but always seem to use the lincoln __________________ 85 runner,locked,4.88s,duals,35"pro-comp extremes,on board welder,on board air.

03-04-2003, 02:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
rusted Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Member # 11799 Location: Cleveland, TN Posts: 1,788	And BTW I'm not being mean. Most of the stuff has been discussed here recently. If you go back a little bit, find some specific questions, people will gladly help you here and on other forums. But your question is way general. You need to research to find out what to ask in the first place. Have fun!

03-04-2003, 09:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
Travis Waldher Pirate4x4 Addict! Join Date: May 2001 Member # 4878 Location: Bremerton, WA Posts: 7,523	First.. I would save the $$ for a larger welder. try to get closer to $700 or so. You can get a Millermatic 175 for roughly that, probably less used if you look hard enough.. You would be much happier with that than the small units IMO. I have been really happy with My Miller.. while it's the 210 (and costs nearly 4x what you want to spend. I have heard nothing but good things about the 175. 90A just isn't enough IMO.

03-04-2003, 04:08 PM	#7 (permalink)
f0cker Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Member # 15502 Posts: 2,401	what is y'alls opinion on say a premier power welder thats in dash/underhood for your main welder? with the right stuff, could it be good enough to go as a main welder so I wont have to get two?

03-04-2003, 06:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
hey its daver Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Member # 8031 Location: colorado Posts: 561	Theres a ton of info on this topic. search Also welders are often sold in the misc for sale section

03-04-2003, 08:00 PM	#9 (permalink)
whthilux Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 17324 Location: carmel valley ca Posts: 387	get the craftsman 110v that 90 amps is its duty cycle same as ahobart 135or amiller 135 there only like 299 no shipping thers asears everywhere. Sears rates themat3/16 single pass same as miller.Will it be enough tough to say prep the metal metal real good ,beveling pre heat run flux or straight c02 better penetration,ithink youll be fine.Randy85toy ,locker, gears, histeer, jackball.

03-04-2003, 08:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
ironpig70 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Member # 6957 Posts: 4,250	my wife bought me a century 150 its a 110 unit which is nice since 220 is no go in my garage also it weights 70lbs so it is mobile to take where ever theres power(freinds house) what i like is the adjustment is infinite unlike some welders some units have 2 knobs labeled 1-5 so your heat is 1-5 and wire speed is 1-5 so you only can run 25 combonations of speed/heat which makes it diffuclt to weld. i am no expert so what i do is weld not critical parts and weld the scrap into art work thats the only way to get good at it.

03-04-2003, 10:05 PM	#13 (permalink)
mrbucket123 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2002 Member # 9091 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 29	What's the difference between the weld pak 100hd and 3200hd, is it just that the 3200 is already set up for gas shielding instead of flux core? Oh ya, another question (pretty dumb but hey it's the newbie forum), where could I go to pick up scrap pieces of metal to practice? Thanks -Josh __________________ '86 4runner

03-05-2003, 01:03 PM	#16 (permalink)
73scout Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Member # 14125 Location: lakeside Cal. Posts: 47	of course, the more u spend, the more u get, but i like the 110 plug in, very convient, the hobart is a good upgrade,may even buy one sometime, but the weld pak 100 works well for me now.and if i need some hd stuff i use my miller 225 amp __________________ 85 runner,locked,4.88s,duals,35"pro-comp extremes,on board welder,on board air.

03-05-2003, 11:45 PM	#18 (permalink)
Flexy Flatty Granite Guru Join Date: Feb 2003 Member # 17143 Location: San Luis Obispo, Kalifornia Posts: 698	The best bang for 300 bucks has got to be a stick welder. I used my 220v Lincoln AC stick for a couple of years and it works great once you get used to it. I would drop the $300 for a good stick machine and use it for a while, and if later on you decide that you need a mig, you will have had a chance to save up some cash for a good one (that's what I did). Any mig machine in your price range would just be crap if you're trying to use it to weld frames or tubing on your rig.

03-06-2003, 04:52 AM	#19 (permalink)
NastyNate Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Member # 13276 Location: Chattanooga, TN Posts: 619	Try finding a used one. I picked up a Miller 250 Powermig with tanks, regulators and a full 30 lb roll of wire for the price as a Miller 175 empty. It works perfect, and its nice to be able to burn a fat weld in the thick stuff with one pass. __________________ Those who give up a little freedom for a little security, WILL SOON LOSE BOTH AND DESERVE NEITHER!

03-06-2003, 07:16 AM	#20 (permalink)
85 Chevota Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Member # 14538 Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada Posts: 402	I have had my Lincoln SP170 for 10 years now, and it has never given me any trouble....

03-06-2003, 09:31 AM	#21 (permalink)
SilverZuk Hillbilly Houndsman Join Date: Aug 2002 Member # 13420 Location: Kenna, West Virginia Posts: 6,825	I've got the harbor frieght 90 amp 110v wire feed welder, has gas connection but don't have gas. I HATE IT! I cannot get the penetration that I want. If I weld a "T" type joint you cannot get it to burn into 1/8" steel on the flat side. Does alright on butt welds. If you don't have alot of money, get a decent stick welder instead of a cheap wire feed welder. __________________ The penalty for punching someone in the mouth is way too high in our society. www.MountaineerOffroad.com

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