1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

looking for a welder

Discussion in 'Garage / Workshop' started by TanSR5x4, Nov 13, 2010.

  1. Nov 13, 2010 at 9:19 AM
    #1
    TanSR5x4

    TanSR5x4 [OP] Hold my beer and watch this

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2010
    Member:
    #40669
    Messages:
    995
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    William
    Houston TX
    Vehicle:
    00 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    Deckplate mod, black KC slimlight fogs, hurculined bed, NRA sticker mod, painted rear chrome bumper black, black fender flares and front grill surround, HIDs, All-pro rear leafs and UCAs, Eibach coilovers, billys all around, flat black pro comps, 31x10.5x15 BFG KM2s
    i used to do some welding back in high school a few years back and i really wish i had paid more attention and asked more questions

    id really like to invest in a welder very soon. i just think it would be so useful.

    the big question is.... What kind should i buy? and where to get it?

    i want to start practicing and getting better and just be able to fix anything that might break, and eventually like to make maybe front and rear bumpers and sliders

    links and suggestions will be greatly appreciated

    THANKS
     
  2. Nov 13, 2010 at 9:32 AM
    #2
    ETaco23

    ETaco23 Marshall offroad Fabrication

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2008
    Member:
    #4544
    Messages:
    5,513
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Evan
    PNW
    Vehicle:
    13' Pyrite Mica TRD Offroad DCSB 4x4
    Color Match Grille, Bed mat, Kings with JBA UCA's, Dakars and 34" BFG KM3, Snugtop Canopy, and my "Marshall Fabrication" Rock Sliders.
    Im ganna be looking for one as well.... I never welded before but I want to lurn, and get good. So I can maybe start making something.
     
  3. Nov 13, 2010 at 9:40 AM
    #3
    loaderman82

    loaderman82 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2010
    Member:
    #43964
    Messages:
    600
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dalton
    Flippin, AR
    Vehicle:
    2008 Off-Road
    We use a Miller welder/generator at work, and it has been really great! We have used it for 6 years and never had any trouble out of it, and it still welds great.
     
  4. Nov 13, 2010 at 9:44 AM
    #4
    TanSR5x4

    TanSR5x4 [OP] Hold my beer and watch this

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2010
    Member:
    #40669
    Messages:
    995
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    William
    Houston TX
    Vehicle:
    00 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    Deckplate mod, black KC slimlight fogs, hurculined bed, NRA sticker mod, painted rear chrome bumper black, black fender flares and front grill surround, HIDs, All-pro rear leafs and UCAs, Eibach coilovers, billys all around, flat black pro comps, 31x10.5x15 BFG KM2s
    yeah ive been hearing miller/hobart/lincoln are all great. im curious about the size or voltage i would need. also a price lol i heard most people really mess up by trying to buy super cheap welders. i wanna buy one welder to do everything im gonna want it to do and i want it to last for awhile
     
  5. Nov 13, 2010 at 9:47 AM
    #5
    loaderman82

    loaderman82 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2010
    Member:
    #43964
    Messages:
    600
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dalton
    Flippin, AR
    Vehicle:
    2008 Off-Road
    Don't know about welders by themselves, but it is really nice having the generator to plug in grinders, impacts, ect... I think this one cost around $2,000, but I didn't have to pay for it!
     
  6. Nov 13, 2010 at 9:51 AM
    #6
    TanSR5x4

    TanSR5x4 [OP] Hold my beer and watch this

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2010
    Member:
    #40669
    Messages:
    995
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    William
    Houston TX
    Vehicle:
    00 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    Deckplate mod, black KC slimlight fogs, hurculined bed, NRA sticker mod, painted rear chrome bumper black, black fender flares and front grill surround, HIDs, All-pro rear leafs and UCAs, Eibach coilovers, billys all around, flat black pro comps, 31x10.5x15 BFG KM2s
    yeah those things are badass! i thought they cost more than that

    i got electricity in my garage tho lol and realistically i really wanted to spend like $300 but idk if thats possible. i would buy one used off craigslist if i knew what i needed or what to look for
     
  7. Nov 13, 2010 at 9:51 AM
    #7
    kwalton

    kwalton Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2008
    Member:
    #4222
    Messages:
    277
    Gender:
    Male
    Baltimore, Md
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DCSB Sport 4x4
  8. Nov 13, 2010 at 9:55 AM
    #8
    loaderman82

    loaderman82 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2010
    Member:
    #43964
    Messages:
    600
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dalton
    Flippin, AR
    Vehicle:
    2008 Off-Road
    are you looking for an Arc or Mig?
     
  9. Nov 13, 2010 at 10:02 AM
    #9
    RugbyTaco

    RugbyTaco Rhum.

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2010
    Member:
    #40095
    Messages:
    361
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Paul
    Sleepy Hollow
    Vehicle:
    '10 TRD Sport Magnetic Gray
    Wet Okoles, Weathertechs, AFE Pro Dry, Wicked Flow 13", URD MAF, MagLite Mount, 16x8 Procomp 8069, 265/75/16 GY Duratracs, Rear Leaf TSB,AAL, OME 9000s, 884s, S2000 stubby antenna, Leer XR100
    well if you want to be doing fabrication for your truck your gonna want a mig/tig machine. I would go for a mig like the miller 140 or the hobart. the hobart will be a lil cheaper but is basically the same thing as the miller, since miller owns hobart. avoid buying a welding machine from places like home depot, although they might be made by lincoln or miller the internals are cheaper than those from a welding supply company. heres the hobart 140 if you can weld with a arc welder you can weld with this machine with very little practice
     
  10. Nov 13, 2010 at 10:03 AM
    #10
    TanSR5x4

    TanSR5x4 [OP] Hold my beer and watch this

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2010
    Member:
    #40669
    Messages:
    995
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    William
    Houston TX
    Vehicle:
    00 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    Deckplate mod, black KC slimlight fogs, hurculined bed, NRA sticker mod, painted rear chrome bumper black, black fender flares and front grill surround, HIDs, All-pro rear leafs and UCAs, Eibach coilovers, billys all around, flat black pro comps, 31x10.5x15 BFG KM2s
    wow that looks pretty legit i suppose. i just read all the reviews and it sounds like a deal

    how do you like it? what do you weld with it? could i weld some of the thicker stuff?
     
  11. Nov 13, 2010 at 10:08 AM
    #11
    TanSR5x4

    TanSR5x4 [OP] Hold my beer and watch this

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2010
    Member:
    #40669
    Messages:
    995
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    William
    Houston TX
    Vehicle:
    00 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    Deckplate mod, black KC slimlight fogs, hurculined bed, NRA sticker mod, painted rear chrome bumper black, black fender flares and front grill surround, HIDs, All-pro rear leafs and UCAs, Eibach coilovers, billys all around, flat black pro comps, 31x10.5x15 BFG KM2s
    idk thats why i started this thread lol

    yeah i was doing some searching before this thread and i found this. and i like the way it looks and sounds but its a little more than i wanted to spend, and i dont know much about it. i just want to make sure it can do what i need it to do
     
  12. Nov 13, 2010 at 10:31 AM
    #12
    loaderman82

    loaderman82 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 28, 2010
    Member:
    #43964
    Messages:
    600
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dalton
    Flippin, AR
    Vehicle:
    2008 Off-Road
    I would definatly go with the mig. Much cleaner nicer welds! IMO
     
  13. Nov 13, 2010 at 10:45 AM
    #13
    SKINUM

    SKINUM Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2010
    Member:
    #35943
    Messages:
    195
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Garry
    Va/Tn/KY border
    Vehicle:
    07 FJC
    a lot!
  14. Nov 13, 2010 at 11:02 AM
    #14
    tacoma44x44

    tacoma44x44 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2008
    Member:
    #11601
    Messages:
    172
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jamie
    Calgary, AB
    Vehicle:
    07 Dc trd
    Go with a Miller 211. Sounds ideal for what kinda work you will need it for.
     
  15. Nov 13, 2010 at 5:04 PM
    #15
    kwalton

    kwalton Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 13, 2008
    Member:
    #4222
    Messages:
    277
    Gender:
    Male
    Baltimore, Md
    Vehicle:
    2017 MGM DCSB Sport 4x4
    I have been mostly using it on 18ga sheet metal for my project VW Gti. The manual says it can be used for up to 1/4".
     
  16. Nov 14, 2010 at 11:36 AM
    #16
    TanSR5x4

    TanSR5x4 [OP] Hold my beer and watch this

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2010
    Member:
    #40669
    Messages:
    995
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    William
    Houston TX
    Vehicle:
    00 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    Deckplate mod, black KC slimlight fogs, hurculined bed, NRA sticker mod, painted rear chrome bumper black, black fender flares and front grill surround, HIDs, All-pro rear leafs and UCAs, Eibach coilovers, billys all around, flat black pro comps, 31x10.5x15 BFG KM2s
    yeah that looks badass! i think im gonna get one of those

    now i just need to start a thread and get a good crew together and rob fort knox so i can afford it lol

    yeah so far this is up at the top of my list unless someone chimes in and has anything better or i can find a good deal on something. but 300 brand new sounds beautiful to me
     
  17. Nov 16, 2010 at 10:09 AM
    #17
    dirtfondler

    dirtfondler Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2010
    Member:
    #45762
    Messages:
    241
    Gender:
    Male
    San Jose, CA
    Vehicle:
    00 F250 7.3L Diesel
    In my experience, the difference between low end generic units and name brand is power regulation. The few cheap units I have used seem to fluctuate power much more, making a consistent weld more difficult, especially for a recreational welder. I have always purchased Lincoln or Miller units and of the two, I like the Miller just a tad more.

    I currently use a millermatic 210 with a spoolgun setup and really like it. I went through 2 or 3 110V units and they did pretty well too, but there is just no comparison to the 210 (runs on 220V). I guess the 211 mentioned above is probably the new model of this welder? My buddy still has the Miller 140 and he comes over to my place whenever he wants something really welded. The 140 will cut it for most of what you talk about so if that is your budget, it is still a solid choice. If you can stretch to a 210 (or the current model equiv) do it and you wont be disappointed. If you have any plans of welding aluminum, definitely go for a 220V unit.

    If you are going to be welding your projects in your driveway or outside, just go with flux core. A little more cleanup, but more consistent welds with the outdoor wind blowing through. If mostly inside, plan on MIG. Almost all units will do both so it is just a matter of the wire and gas you buy and you can go back and forth pretty easily.

    I suggest against TIG unless you plan on a lot of practice time. a TIG is more versatile, but requires a lot more skill. After 10 or so years of moderate welding (two complete race cars) I decided to go to TIG. For the small weekend projects, TIG is more of a PITA whereas a MIG just plugs in and goes.
     
  18. Nov 16, 2010 at 10:43 AM
    #18
    Beefed Taco

    Beefed Taco Taco Vending Machine

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2008
    Member:
    #11706
    Messages:
    1,310
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    My Metal Shop
    Vehicle:
    99 Taco
    streetacos.com parts!
    Don't you mean MIG or TIG? I thought they did away with arc welders back in the 1800's. I'm sure they're still welding up horse corrals with them somewhere though. Or on the trail with a coat hanger and 3 batteries hooked together.
     
  19. Nov 17, 2010 at 10:04 AM
    #19
    bgbdwlf

    bgbdwlf Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2010
    Member:
    #40351
    Messages:
    116
    Gender:
    Male
    surprise,az
    Vehicle:
    08 PreRunner Off Road
    bone stock for now
    if you are still looking i'm a welder, i dont take up much room or eat to much and i am house broken. :wink:
     
  20. Nov 17, 2010 at 10:58 AM
    #20
    TanSR5x4

    TanSR5x4 [OP] Hold my beer and watch this

    Joined:
    Jul 24, 2010
    Member:
    #40669
    Messages:
    995
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    William
    Houston TX
    Vehicle:
    00 Tacoma SR5 4x4
    Deckplate mod, black KC slimlight fogs, hurculined bed, NRA sticker mod, painted rear chrome bumper black, black fender flares and front grill surround, HIDs, All-pro rear leafs and UCAs, Eibach coilovers, billys all around, flat black pro comps, 31x10.5x15 BFG KM2s
    very useful information thanks! yeah no way im going with a TIG lol dont have the skills or the bank account to do that. just trying to find a decent welder that will last a long time and do the things i ask. i hate to buy an off brand but if it gets good reviews maybe its legit. thinkin i might wait until christmas time and try and get someone else to buy this for me lol

    this made me laugh lol
     

Products Discussed in

To Top