Most 110 volt welders are good for beginners and some weld up to a 1/4 steel.

 

Probally looking at MIG flux core.

 

Ive been thinking of one too but im not sure if i could teach myself to weld haha

 

Its really easy, doesn't take long to learn.

 

I'd go with a mig with argon gas. I think it gives a cleaner weld area.

 

get a 110v. if ur not looking to do heavy duty steel fab, 110 will work just fine, certified welder over here... i welding my tilt hood on myself

 

Stay away from flux...it sucks. Get a small mig with a small bottle of gas and be done with it. Doin that will allow to to weld whatever you want...almost. AND it will be alot more forgiving of a new welder...like yourself.

 

Agreed that flux sucks, but if he is trying to keep the cost down this is the way to go, plus if he decides to upgrade to gas later the welder is already compatible so its not like he has to start over and buy another welder.

 

maybe u guys could post up some links of good ones, I mean i guess some brands are better then others....and im guessin that im just gonna use 1/8inch to make my bumper....

 

Sears has a Lincoln for 279.99 that goes up to 1/8". How much are you looking to spend?

 

miller welders are great... but personally i use a hobart.... gret welders for a reasonable price.

 

TRUE BMFP...True.


Now, your trying to get the best of both worlds my friend...cheap, and welder do NOT go in the same sentence. A good one like a lincoln, or hobart is worth its weight bro. BUT I have sen some small off brand that did impress. SO, its really up to you...try to stay away from crap like chicago welders and other brands sold at harbour frieght. That being said, the one I saw that did IMPRESS me was a chicago brand so....lol. Guy was welding a nice nice bead on 3/8" steel and it was rated anywhere near that....Not to mention the puddle was just friggin gravy looking. Dude was a welder...but still, to do that kinda work you normally need a high dollar nice lincoln...not a $200 welder from harbour frieght. So...decide whats in yoru price range..and post a link. Do my best to help you out.

 

id say no more then $400, i think thats as much as i would want spent on one that im might only use once or twice

 

This is what I use:

Lincoln Mig

I've done lots of different projects with it, everything from framerails to sheet metal fillers and it's been great. You can run flux for now, then get a bottle later if you want, it comes with the regulator. I use it with the bottle and for a 220 it does very well. Personally, I would stay away from a 110 as a beginner. More juice makes it easier to good good results. I have a small 110 I use for projects I can't do in the garage and it's very aggravating to say the least.

 

looks good, but way more then wat i want to spend....like i said this is my first time and not sure if i would use it enough to spend that much....and the reason for wanting 110 is i dont have 220 at my shed....so id like to stay with 110 for that reason...

 

If I were you , i would buy of CL. Thats where I bought my last one. $400 is a good amount...so buying off there you could get a really good one for around that or less. Find one then post up..With a welder...always make the guy show you it works...Make him run a bead at least a foot or two long...twice. That will ensure it will hold its rated duty rating. Thats the only thing to really look out for. IF he wont...don't buy it or Neg. a lower price.

 

thats a nice one indy...I use something very close to it.

110 is a pain when your used to 220v. BUT if its the only thing you have, theres really no choice. IF i lived closer, I would drop by and wire you a 220v circuit for ya. BUT hey...can't be everywhere

 

well we could wire a 220 in but its just not something im looking to do, and cl isnt really an option here....not really something thats used in new mexico.....or at least close to me....


is this something to maybe start with??
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

 

is this something to maybe start with??
Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

Yeah thats the one I was talking about.

 

I've used my share of the cheaper 110 ones and let me tell ya... its worth spending a lil more for the 220 one that Indychus posted. Thats what I use now and its GREAT.
The 110 miller/lincoln/hobart (pretty much all the same) have a low duty cycle. The diodes get HOT over a short period of time and you have to let them cool to get any penetration. If you plan on welding bumpers, I'd look for a 220volt cause those 110s are mainly for sheet metal work IMO.

 

Well duty rating is only 20%@70amps. So it will work for a very short time...but if youtry to weld up anything for any length of time your gonna be wishing for more. BUT good start, licoln is a damn good welder!

 

got mine off ebay, scratch n dent kinda thing, for $350

new in the (dented) box :thumbup:

 

LINCOLN Pro-MIG 180 HD ELECTRIC WELDER NEW IN BOX - eBay (item 180596554210 end time Dec-11-10 19:00:27 PST)

 

Miller matic 175 MIG Welder w/cart for bottle w/gauges - eBay (item 380297371531 end time Dec-15-10 20:33:19 PST)

another good one just not local. give u an idea tho....

 

^ thats a nice machine

 

well both those links are over the budget.....and im not gonna be able to know the difference between 110 and 220, ive never used either...

 

well when i first started it took me A LOT longer to weld a bead and had tons of trial and error. So the 110s would starts to weld funny. Thought it was me til I saw the diodes about GLOWING and realized the welder wasn't holding up. Killed a few welders that way too.

 

know what u mean about the budget tho.
I'd still look for a used one first cause if u get into welding, the 110 won't cut it for long.