Trying to enter the world of welding

[RangerSkate28]

I have always been interested in welding and doing fab work. I would like to do some bumpers and maybe a roll bar just get my feet wet.

What is some good beginner welders and materials?

 

[railman]

i would first check to see if you have a local Vocational school or Community college that offers a welding class...

or if ya know anyone that is certified that would be willing to teach or help ya learn....

there is no such thing as a "beginner" welder...once ya learn the skill, you will use the same welder...or want to learn a different process...most take up MIG, easily the most versital welder out there....

if ya do want to get a welder...get a quality MIG like Miller ( considered by most the best ) or a Hobart....stay away from anything Harbor Frieght or Wal-Mart sells....

if ya plan on doin bumpers and such....you will want at least a 220V welder....

l8r, John

 

[RangerSkate28]

thanks I will look into classes at my CC

 

[sik93ranger]

im just learning and i bought a hobart 125ez its a 120v i think and it works just fine my lil bro is experienced and he uses it just fine its gasless by the way just flux core

 

[99RangerKrazy]

I do all of my welding with a Lincoln 140 (120V)..if I have to weld anything up to 1/4" I go gasless (flux-cored) so I get good penetration. [So far] all of my welds have held up (several winch bumpers and a flatbed).

But if you have the money for a 220V, I definitely recommend it. I hear the Hobart Handler 187 is a good 220V welder, and not terribly expensive.

 

[Iron Ranger]

My Hobart 140 with flux core wire welds 1/4" no problem, as long as a 3-pass is used for maximum strength and penetration. The miller models, I believe, have that multi-power plug so that if you only have 110v, it'll run that, or if you have both 110 and 220, you can swap plugs for more power.

Lot more money, but it's worth it.

 

[Hahnsb2]

I've got a Lincoln 175HD (220), I picked it up barely used for $500, added a 120CF 75/25 Argon/CO2 cylinder for $130 and it's been great, lost count of how many rolls of wire has been ran through it.. I personally taught myself to weld, get some scrap and start having fun.

 

[Ranger#1]

I've got a Lincoln 175HD (220), I picked it up barely used for $500, added a 120CF 75/25 Argon/CO2 cylinder for $130 and it's been great, lost count of how many rolls of wire has been ran through it.. I personally taught myself to weld, get some scrap and start having fun.

best bet for the price

go 220 or elese you will be stuck when u grow out of it trust me it comes quick

 

[truckphone]

I haven't used flux core in the mig but I know the regular shielded gas won't do very well with rusty metal.

Thats why I have an old 220v AC stick welder on the bottom of my welding cart. With a 6011 1/8 rod I can weld through mud, rust, horse manure, paint ... you name it.

The mig is the best when everything is perfectly clean, thats not often...

 

[RangerSkate28]

ya i figure pay the money now an get the 220(if the funds are ther) instead of buying another one down the road. I have taught myself a lot in the past using books, the internet and practice. I think my friend has a rusted out trailer that he(certified welder) is trying to fix so i think that will be a good place to start

Thanks to everyone for the input I will post what i end up getting

 

[86 slo-vo]

if your really wanting to get serious about it i do recommend the CC classes....and if at possible buy a good name brand 220v welder...youll be much happier

 

[Iron Ranger]

I haven't used flux core in the mig but I know the regular shielded gas won't do very well with rusty metal.

Thats why I have an old 220v AC stick welder on the bottom of my welding cart. With a 6011 1/8 rod I can weld through mud, rust, horse manure, paint ... you name it.

The mig is the best when everything is perfectly clean, thats not often...

The nickname for the fluxcored wire is "unlimited stick" or "the stick that won't run out" with the oldtimers. It works and flows almost exactly like stick, just make sure your ground is + and your gun is - for it, or it'll only spit balls of fire and molten metal.

Then again, the 6011 rods are pretty much the "bulldozer" in the welding world. It takes a lot to mess with it's welding flow, that's for sure.