I keep seeing welders everywhere for under $100. There are several projects I'll be working on soon that require welding (I am a capable welder, I just hate having to borrow somebody else's all the time). I've been thinking of picking up a wal*mart special for shits and giggles. anyone have experience with one before I waste my money?
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if your only welding thinner steel and in little amounts you should be fine.... i had a walmart special and i was making a trailer with it, ended up burning the fucker out after about 5 hours..... so i bought an expensive one 6 years ago and the only thing i've done to it is put wire in it and clean the tip out..... Lincolin MIG for teh win -
yeah i have a lincoln something, the first time i will be using it will be this weekend, but it seems to be very good quality. Is intershield welding any good? or should i get gas?Comment
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I have a Lincoln SP135, I've always had it running gas. Good for lighter gauge metal and it generates less slag when compared to fluxcore. I typically use it for bodywork, so I couldn't speak for the lower gauge metals. If I recall, fluxcore is better suited for lower gauges.Comment
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I want it mostly for suspension stuff (trailing arm, subframe, struts etc) - nothing terribly heavy duty. doesn't have to look pretty, just has to be strong. looks like i'll be okay with a cheaper one (I can get a nicer one when I have my own house).Comment
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Fluxcore is ONLY good if you are welding outside where wind will blow away your purge gas. Get a 220v welder with Gas and you will be much happier.
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heh, well I'm not exactly going to be welding in my living room.. I don't have a 220v outlet here anyway.Comment
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Lincoln make a great product. We have a small 110V fluxcore welder that will weld up to 1/4 I think. It works pretty well, but it is sometimes hard to get a clean looking weld. Gas setups look so much cleaner and IMO, are easier to weld with.
Lincoln makes 2 different 110V MIG (gas) welders for a couple hundred bucks. Hobart also makes a couple smaller 110v welders. Both are great companies. Just buy the best that you can afford.Comment
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In the near future I'm definately going to be picking up a wire feed MIG with a small Argon tank. I picked it up quick at work and I really do some beautiful beads these days with it.Tenured Automotive Service Professional - Avid BMW Enthusiast
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Welding is an art, so much more than people think. I have mad respect for people that can do it well, and I look forward to learning to do it.Originally posted by JordanComment
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whats with all the lincoln's, Get with the program Millers are the best.
But relly either or is fine, get a samll 220v gas shielded. Flux core sucks ass, you wont be sorry. Just save a little bit longer and get a good one it will last much longer and preform better than 145 dollar farm supply special.
Just my 2 cents thoughThe American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money. -Alexis de TocquevilleOriginally posted by Fusion
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I have been extremely happy with my 220v Millermatic 185.
If you dont think you need gas or 220 (and you really do) dont selll yourself short on a cheap crappy welder. You will never have any sucess at all with a piece of garbage. I wouldnt consider anything but a Hobart, Miller, or Lincoln.Comment
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my dad has been a welder for 30 years. I need to learn how.
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When I purchased my lincoln, I priced out comparable Hobart and Miller models. The lincoln had some of the better prices in the list. It also included fully variable line speed / amp control (one of the few differences).Originally posted by mrsleeve
It just suited best for the buck and quality. I have had it for 4 years now and have am on my fourth gas tank....Comment
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At this point esab, miller/hobart, and lincoln are all really great welders. I wouldn't suggest a cheapo, especially for suspension work, and as was already mentioned, if you think you will be doing much 1/4+ get a 220V rig.
chase
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