Colorado B.S. Thread

I really like my..........

Lincoln Electric Powermig 210 Mp #K3963-1

https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Elec...35821&sr=8-1&keywords=lincoln+electric+210+mp

Going to pick up a TIG kit or spool gun here soon to try some other stuff.

 

Tig is pretty fun. You'll like it.

 

Cant justify $1k for a toy... when I have other toys that I am in need of.

 

I understand that, mine is a tool that is used for making manly things. I want to Tim Allen grunt.

 

Well a $500 and $2,000 welder will make the same molten metal in the hands of someone who doesn't know what they are doing... When the time comes, I can always upgrade. I was just trying to get an idea of whats "good" in the price range I'm looking at from people who know more than me. But I'm not getting much constructive advice.

 

Having had a entry level machine, then making the jump to a $3500 machine, then down to a $1k machine........... if it is just a toy, what you are looking at will work but leave you looking for more power often. Even my welder is a toy compared to what I used to have. I consider what I have to be the minimum for any fab work on trucks. Honestly, save your money and buy Dr. Pepper in trade for trigger time

 

Well I like building stuff... and could have a ton of small projects to do. Like I want to make a bracket to hold the air compressor tank inside the fender where the drivers side storage box thing it... shouldnt need anything too crazy, not sure what thickness of metal I would need. If I could find a cheaper unit to do small things like that I could at least build stuff and get the technique down. But probably wouldn't want to spend $500 on a machine that could only do that. It seems like I could get one of the $300 or cheaper units to make brackets and little things around the house.

Ideally, I'd like to be able to do fabrication stuff, but that'd require a ton of other tools that I dont have, so thats a long ways out.

And i have welded a few times years ago...and have no worries that I wont be able to pick it up relatively quickly. I just want to build stuff!

 

I had it for dinner also!

 

jealous..

 

I have this one. It's coming up on 24 years of age and I have never felt the need to replace it or go bigger. It has been used to build 2 4x4's during that time, as well as used weekly for business.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200471413_200471413

Edit: I actually have the older 135 amp model.


I keep a roll of flux core and mig and use both regularly.
The propaganda states up to 1/4", but I have found using flux core you can easily weld 1/2" reliably.


With all that being said, a bigger, more powerful welder will definitely lay a better bead and do so without breaking a sweat or needing a break every 20 minutes.
If I was to use my welder every day and needed to rely on it, I would have something bigger. But for the daily sheet metal duties and the occasional shock mount, swing out, or slider install, it has been fine.

 

It's more then just a price difference. It's about how the machine will function. Some cheap welders can't handle the work load. Others don't keep the arc consistent. Some can get hot but don't penetrate very well. My advice is based on all the different welders I used with all the different metals I've welded. I'm not a welder by trade but I enjoy the hobby. I'm more focused on how well the welder penetrates without over heating the metal and keeps a consistent arc with a clean bead. So the welder that would be a good start would be one like Jake and Brian suggested. You go any cheaper your going to not have a very good learning experience. Hey it's your money and do as you please. Just giving you some insight.

Those Hobarts are decent welders too on the budget. You'll have to play with it a while to get it set just right. But it couldn't handle my kind of work load.

 

Also check places like General Air. They get nice factory reconditioned welders in on trade sometimes or they will get consignment pieces that come with a warranty.

 

Anybody ever seen midget wrastling? Going tonight,never been so not sure what to expect

 

Go with the cheaper one, learn, then upgrade if you need to or aren't getting the results you're looking for. Both plug into a regular outlet but if they use more then 15 amps you'll probably have to get a larger breaker put in the box as most regular outlets are on 15 amp breakers, though not always.

 

I just picked up the Hobart 140 and I am loving it so far. I am still learning but this thing is very easy to use.

 

who needs a welder? superglue and duct tape. thats all you need

 

Ill be hitting them up around turkey day, gonna get a double double animal style ftmfw

 

I am thinking of picking up the handler 140. I am loosing my current welder, been on loan from a friend for a year and a half lol. Its impeccable timing that i'll probably have to go to Rock Springs for a week of work in December....... overtime should cover the welder.

Ahhhh the joys of a salary job that actually pays billable time over 40 hours.

 

Talking welders. This is one I'm looking at.

 

Still looking at an aftermarket setup for TIG? Want to add one to mine at some point.