Need a welder...help me decide!

[Hagan]

I'm looking for a welder to do some mild fab. Maybe weld stuff to the frame, weld a bumper, weld sliders....

Anyway, my budget is about $500. I can get a new Hobart that plugs into the wall but can only weld up to 3/16" steel. Not very thick if I want to weld on my axle. I can get an ARC welder for A LOT cheaper. Do you think this is the best route? Not many people use arc because its harder, but its stronger but might look like bird poop when i'm done.

So, what would you look for? I guess the best thing to do is save up for a $1500 mig welder...but i'm not rich

Harbor Freight is NOT an option...

 

[Heavyfire14]

i am saving up for a mig welder for the same reason... but thats just me

 

[CHKNFKR]

Arc has its place but it certainly isn't stronger than mig or tig. Get yourself a nice 220 mig. I've seen hobarts capable of 1/4 single pass under $300. That leaves enough in your budget for wire, tips, gas, gloves, a helmet, etc...

 

[The Jester Race]

 

[CHKNFKR]

Been there before....

 

[4.0B2]

get a 220 unit.. no questions asked.. 110 welders suck if you've ever used a good 220 one.

 

[The Jester Race]

Been there before....

Had to do it today at work. Ran out of wire for the MIG and shit had to ship today. And being a well prepared wheeler I pulled my truck into the shop, busted out my on board welder and got that shit done. Boss is buying me lunch tomorrow.

-Jester

 

[Hagan]

Thats awesome but i'm not MacGyver! I'll check craigslist...

 

[Heavyfire14]

does that actually work??? thats insane!

 

[4.0B2]

allofcraigslist.com or searchtempest.com

makes searching multiple areas easier.

be ready to travel for a good deal, and be sure to test it before you buy

 

[shane96ranger]

I'm not a good welder by any means, but I've used a Harbor Freight MIG unit, and my Dad's Lincoln MIG. The Lincoln is a really great welder. I will own one some day when my budget allows.

 

[CHKNFKR]

does that actually work??? thats insane!

It absolutely does. You can also get cutting sticks and use you batteries to cut shit too.

 

[Hagan]

Been searching cl within 100 miles and nothing. Cheapest is like $600 and is within the last 20 years. I'm not buying a 50 year old welder. I'll keep searching but I think its going to end up the same.

 

[CHKNFKR]

Check out your local rural king, or big r, farm king, or whatever they have wherever you are. The ones around here have annual clearances, they let everything on the shelf go for half price to make room for the latest and greatest.

 

[Hagan]

Like an implement place or a pawn shop?

I'm pretty sure I'm going to buy a Hobart 140 MIG welder. Its $500 new...and it has a good warranty. It isn't the deal of a lifetime, but it is a lot cheaper than the one I really want. I've heard nothing but good things about them.