Anything welding

What’s a budget? Haha, when I bought the first gen I’m pretty sure that flew out the window.

I honestly have no idea what to even expect for a solid welder price. Seems like the lower end MP welders I’ve seen (forney, Vulcan) are around 9.
I don’t see myself being able to pay much more than that but it’s still a stretch. If I could get the welder a full tank and helmet/gloves for a grand if be happy.

 

Do you have 240v capability or ever see that happening in the future?

 

Well, I could always run a 50ft extension from the drier hookup....

 

That’s what I do, just a 30ft run. In that case, I would spring for a 240v machine and build your own extension cord. I made one for like $70 and it was incredibly easy.


Since that’s the case, here’s what I recommend for a welder. the Vulcan helmet is really nice too, I like mine a lot.

I also have the cheap harbor freight welding cart and it gets the job done. Add gas and extension cord and that’ll put you close to the grand mark.

 

Thank you very much. Really appreciate it.

 

I had the 120v version and really liked it. @Mojo Jojo has the 240v currently and likes it. I think there are some others in this thread too that can chime in. It’s a good welder for the price.

 

+1 on the HF Titanium 170 machine, especially if you can use a HF 20% coupon. I went with an 80 CF tank and Lincoln 3350 welding helmet. There are good helmets under $100 but I decided to spring for a nicer one since my eyes are older and to make sure the equipment wasn't the limiting factor in seeing what I'm doing. Welder/tank/helmet ran me about a grand. There will be more purchases to follow if you decide to get into it.

 

Another happy Titanium 170 owner here.

I’ve been using it on 120V and it’s been great for what I’ve needed. I’ll add a 240V circuit to the garage in time but haven’t been in a hurry since 120 is doing fine for me.

Watch HFT coupon database for any deals:

http://www.hfqpdb.com/best_coupon/TITANIUM+MIG+170+WELDER

 

I love having the extension cords. I've used my MIG welder more outside the garage than inside. I even made a second one when I got a TIG welder.

I tapped one leg of the one I made for TIG cord and mounted a 120V outlet to it so I also have that out in the drive for running 4" grinder. I now use that one for my MIG and TIG, and the other one is usually hooked to the plasma cutter. Since, generally I am using one type welder and the plasma in combination. Rarely both welders in the same day.

 

Sounds like you’ve got a home fab shop going. Envious lol.

I’m oddly excited to go to HF and grab one and get going.
Someone asked me why Id spend so much on a machine and not just hire a welder. I laughed and used that “teach a man how to fish” quote.
Surprises me how unwilling to try or learn something new people are. Shame

 

Merry Christmas everyone. Quick semi emergency question- can I weld a small leak in a potable water line that’s galvanized steel? Don’t want to poison us water wise- not worried about welding small amount of galvanized in well ventilation. Flux core is all I have available to get down to where the leak is. It’s after the meter and a shut off valve, so it won’t have water running through it. I don’t think I’ll have luck trying to replace the section that’s leaking so hoping a quick bead will do the trick.

 

You will need to grind off the galvanization coating.

Flux core makes LOTS of hot BBs ! Be care full and not start a fire.

It will work if you have the skills.

Can you practice on a scrap piece of pipe first?

 

Silicon bronze tig on the sheet metal work

 

I’m comfortable with the welding part, just curious if there’s anything in the flux core or process (melting the galvanized from the heat inside the pipe) that wouldn’t be appropriate for potable water

 

Flush the water for 15 minutes and you will be fine.

 

Good deal. I don’t trust trying to unscrew old galvanized fittings, usually breaks something down the line when you start torquing. At least it was that way with my last house- 1926. Ended up ripping it all out and replumbing. Thanks for the advice!

 

You’re not kidding. I’ve saved myself thousands by doing my own work, plus I’ve made thousands by doing small fab jobs for people, mainly cmc’s.

 

I hope to follow your path, I feel like the potential to make the money back I just spent will be high.

 

Just be careful not to ruin a fun hobby by turning it into a "job".

I made that mistake with something else years ago.

 

Yeah I could never do this as an actual job. But a couple hours each weekending making a couple hundred bucks each time, I’m down with that.