Good Start?

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im 21 yrs old and thinking of starting a welding shop in my shed.. nothing small as it will only be part-time. i work in the steel industry and im a fitter in a fab shop and also a phillet welder.  I have a certification in both. im thinking about buying a lincoln 180 mig welder, and a lincoln 225 ac/dc stick welder.  Is this a good start?  What would be the maximum weld thickness i can weld with either?  I ve heard even if a machine is factory rated to weld up to 1/2" it can still weld thicker material, is this true? Any information would be very helpful and most appreciative! thanks guys
Reply:Hey man, I applaud your desire to start a welding business. I'm new to welding and eventually, would like to do the same. The only answer that I have for you is this: don't believe what the manufacturer prints. These tests are performed under prime conditions for very short durations. As with many products, the welding companies overrated their products as far as normal welding conditions are concerned.Good luck!
Reply:the 180 is a great hobby machine. You should be able to buy both machines for around $1000. Working in a shed behind you house you will be limited by your line power.240 volts single phase power. To weld 1/2 or larger in a single pass can be done will very large 3 phase welders. I was out in a pipe factory and they were welding 3/4 plate rolled into a pipe. It was a butt weld done in a single pass on both sides. They used a twin sub arc process. It take 4 1500 amps welders. 2 are DC and 2 are AC. running on 480 volt 3 phase power and using around 100 amps. Your power is going to limit you to a 350 amp mig welder like a powermig 355.With the right multi-pass wire you can weld large plate. or tac it with mig and finish it with stick. The powermig 355 is a multi-process mig with pulse, stick and DC tig welder.Add a spoolgun or python gun and weld aluminum. But your are talking $3000 to $4000 and add up to $1000 more for the python gun. But right now get the biggest welder your budget will allow. Save up your money and get a larger machine. Put at least 100 amps of 240 volt power in your shed. anything smaller and you will be replacing it later.
Reply:Look for a used Lincoln , Miller or Hobart 250 amp AC/DC  much better and you can arc gouge with it. Another hard to find used is a Lincoln DC-250 can do CV/VV  on single phase and you can use a full size feeder with it LN-8 or 9. All will run on a 50 amp single phase service as will a 80 amp plazma. A 250 can run 3/16 Jet rod  E-7028 / and E7018 without problems. Dont believe you cant weld thick steel with a mig .045 Outershield  71 m is fine , we are welding the Trade Center with 1/16 on 8" full penn welds.  John
Reply:I have a AC225 in my garage on long term loan from a buddy. It runs 3/32 7018 well. If I had to choose between that and even a 225 wire feeder (which I also had on long term loan from another friend) I would choose the AC225. The limitation is running it off the 30 amp dryer plug, so I have to wait a minute or two in between rods. People are selling AC225 or similar welders on craigslist daily, for good prices. Low overhead means I can attract more business with lower prices. I started very small with that machine last summer. It takes longer, but was able to tackle quite a few projects and jobs with it. Also keep in mind if this is not going to be your main income, just supplemental, try and keep it a little fun. good luck!Weldanpower 225 G7Ironworkers Local #24
Reply:Originally Posted by tenpins Low overhead means I can attract more business with lower prices.
Reply:"Low overhead means I can attract more business with lower prices"Common mistake when starting out even when lowering your overhead is legitimate.What you end up being is the the lowest price in town and that is what you'll be known for and you'll end up just working like a dawg to make any profit because you have to chase quantity..... and you end up in the Price war against similar competitorsyou lower your rate to $$.00 and the guy next shed over lowers his to $.00now what?When you advertise the lowest rate you are the lowest in the market place, you'll never get the money jobs because the people with money will not even look at you.I'd much rather see a marketing campaign such as..." I take the jobs no one else wants.."( if you are the lowest price because you are not paying any of the legitimate overhead costs, well, you really can't call yourself a businessman/owner. Sheite, easy to lower overhead by not paying it)Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:thanks guys. i think i ll go with my original decision and get the ac 225 and the mig180. ive had my eyes on a ranger for a long time though. But i want to do this the right way.  If i start generating good business and i need to make my business mobil then i ll buy the ranger. Till then i ll stick with these two. Thanks for the help fellows. Have a wonderful day