Equipment setup...opinions?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 15:44:03 GMT

go to see Welding Machine for Equipment setup...opinions?

For the time being (at least for the next year) I am foregoing the idea of my own shop. My classes are going very well. According to instructor, I'm #1 in my class. I am going to keep practicing and holdout for a good job afterward. I've decided getting experience prior to "doing my own thing" is most important.So, onto the main topic of this thread. I want to get some equipment for a small "hobby shop", not a full blown "professional shop". Let me know if this equipment is good enough for "light-duty" work, artwork, hobby stuff...thx!Mig Welder - I am thinking of the Lincoln 180HD. It seems to deliver a solid PUNCH, and is not expensive at all. With a 180amp max rating, and up to 1/2" weldable, it seems to be good enough for anything I throw at it now or in the near future.Tig/Stick - I am torn between a Miller Syncrowave 180 SD and a Lincoln Precision Tig 225 / Precision Tig 185 AC. The 185 is used but in really good condition.So, that is what I am looking at. I have the funds, but I definitely am not setting up for a big-time shop. As stated, this is for hobby work, artwork, small repair jobs (and occasional "serious" use). Let me know your opinions / ideas.
Reply:The Lincoln mig should be fine for a hobby shop. I would suggest setting it up with gsa shielding though. Not sure what you have in mind. As to the Tig. The 185's are good welders but the 225 is a decent size better. If you are getting a real good price on the 185 tig, then I would go for it but if their isn't a big difference then I would go for the PT225.Good luck on your purchaseMiller DVI2Lincoln Precision Tig 225Thermodynamics Cutmaster 38Everything else needed.
Reply:pologies for stating the obvious, but in addition to that you gonna need saws, grinders, hammers  clamps and all that stuff.you cant weld it until its the right size and fits good..
Reply:weldbead is right.  you have to think about the other "half" of welding: the cutters.  Saws, notchers, drills/mills...etc will likely to cost as much as your welding equipment.
Reply:Francisco, I suggest you check out the Hobart forum, several guys, especially Dan (do a search), have done tests and critiques, on mig machines in your amp range.   You might be surprised, at which machine in that class, was generally considered to be the best.Otherwise, I think you are on the right track, finish school, then work for somebody for more experience.    If your ultimate goal, is to be self-employed, or own your own shop, while working, pay particular attention to the business aspects while working for somebody else.    I guarantee you, learning and understanding how to run a business, will be far more important to future success, in your own shop, than being "the best welder".
Replyincoln 180C/216/255 & Precision 225!!
Replyincoln is my preference, because I am partial to them.  I have the 180HD and am totally pleased with it.  And if your LWS is closed when you need spare tips, nozzles, etc., hello home depot, lowes, and some walmarts because they stock what you would need for your Lincoln. Try that if you got a Hobart and chances are it just aint going to happen.  Rumor, and I mean rumor, has it that Hobart is a cheap repackage of Miller's Mig line.  Cheaper price, cheaper quality materials.  Got to cut costs somewhere to sell it cheaper.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Replyersonally for  anything serious that 180 is going to have a tough time cutting the mustard. And for any serious aluminum work your going to want a bit more guts behind your tig No shame in shopping around for a good used welder.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:The heart of all arc welding processes is the stick machine.  Start there, then branch out.  Stick will surprise you with it's capabilities."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/