Let’s Talk About A Beginner Welder lol

Hey how’s it going guy? Looking into purchasing a welder just for general work around the house, some automotive frame, panels, exhaust and etc.

What is a good welder for a beginner. I did a bit of welding in high school, was pretty good at it but never pursued anything further.

 

$499. For an extra $100 you can get the multi process one. Includes Tig/stick welding. But honestly mig wilding covers 99.9% of what you'll need

 

It’s too bad they’re no harborfreight up here.

 

I have a primeweld mig 180 and its been great. Ive ran more than 50 lbs of wire though it and havent had any issues.

Ive done mig, stick, spoolgun aluminum, and even some tig with it and it has thoroughly impressed me.

 

What sort of power do you have access to? 240v? You can do a lot of work with a '140' MIG welder but I'd shy away from automotive framework without 240v. I'm a very cheap bastard(don't have an at-home MIG but do have about 20 at work) so Id scour marketplace for a used red or blue MIG welder in your price range and compatible with your home shop.

 

Anything welding | Tacoma World

 

I have a little 120v Lincoln, forget the model. It does fine with light work, but I wouldn't attempt frame work with it. You're gonna want 240 for that

 

Most of the new inverter based welders can be run on 120 or 240

 

Likely a 140C and those are awesome machines but I wholeheartedly agree with you.

 

Great Western Saw, Amazon, and maybe even direct through PrimeWeld is where I would suggest buying a PrimeWeld MIG180.

Accepts gas if you decide to MIG, which means it'll also do flux core, comes with a stinger if you wish to do SMAW, and lastly, will come with a spoolgun if you ever had to do any aluminum work.

Runs in 110 or 220 so you don't need anything special based on your available wiring, and is only $50 (USD) more than the Harbor Freight variant mentioned.

Why PrimeWeld then? Well you get the spoolgun as I mentioned, but also an absolutely no questions asked 3 year warranty.

I've been in the PW group on FB for some years now and have really put my PrimeWeld machines through its paces - had a 180 myself and did everything from 18 gauge up to 1/4" on it, used the spoolgun for several repairs, and decided to move up to their 285 which is my primary welder. I also have one of their plasma cutters that's been running for nearly 3 years on my CNC table and it does not quit.

So if you don't want a machine that'll last you without breaking the bank, don't bother with red or blue. And this is coming from a diehard blue fan as I ran transformer-based Miller's as well as their big 300 amp inverter machines in the professional world.

 

For a beginner welder, I’d go with a MIG welder. They’re super easy to use and great for all sorts of home projects, like working on your car or fixing up panels. I’ve used a Lincoln Electric MIG before and it’s been solid for me. If you want something a bit more versatile, the Millermatic 211 is awesome. It’s what I’d suggest if you want something that can handle different materials and is pretty forgiving for someone just getting back into it.