First good Welder gor an Old Guy

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I know this is probably old here. I just joined and spent a lot of time looking through the posts and read and searched first welder, but I am still a bit confused on what I need or what will work in my shop.I am looking to buy my first new or near new welder. My need is for basic farm equipment repair and hobby use.  I can hire out the heavy stuff, but it would be good to be able to get 1/4 mild steel plate to attach to stuff.My shop has a 100 amp 220 service - probably 75 amp available over lighting and other draws. So I can wire whatever plug I needI have been looking at the dual voltage models now on the market. I am a novice at this and my welding experience is doing it twice with a rod and getting the blob and hole results, so I need something that will be easy to learn on. I am a retired engineer and know what a good weld looks like (bridge inspection and repair).A few years back I helped out at a Scout camp where a guy had a unit he ran off of a 5K generator that had a 220 outlet. The welder had two small gas bottles and was wire fed, and dual voltage. It was a compact unit with wheels. He said it came with several attachments to weld different stuff. However I did not get the brand or model. He was fixing old steel door hinges and it was doing a great job. He also mended some steel tube fencing and repaired the sheet metal on the camp tractor along with other general stuff. I believe he even did a bit of brazing in the ca kitchen, but not sure if he used the welder. I was out running a D3 Dozer fixing camping pads and trails.I can possibly get some training at the tech school that's 30 miles away, but don't know if this old man would fit in with the young kids, but I know I will need training.Looking for something simple....or am I fooling myself. Can folks recommend specific brands and models that I might look at. I would rather spend a bit more now, than be wanting later. Most major brands are available around me, especially if I drive a bit.I am located in SW Colorado (4 Corners Area) if that matters.
Reply:I would look at the Hobart Ironman 230, or Handler 210. Great way to start. The Ironman has better duty cycle and is more capable of doing the thinck stuff or doing aluminum with a spool gun.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by YODAI am located in SW Colorado (4 Corners Area) if that matters.
Reply:Sounds like you wont have to buy a welder. CEP will head up there with one of his. Taking a course is always a good idea. Do you need to be able to weld outside? Wire feed is easier to learn but if you have 220, get a 220 welder. Dual voltage is only good if you might have to go to a friends place to weld auto-body or run it off a generator. A 200 to 250 amp MIG machine would be a good choice and I'd recommend a name brand like Miller,Hobart or Lincoln because consumables will be easy to find. Do you have a budget? The Hobart machines listed or a Miller 212 would be a good choice. These are bigger machines with wheels on them and won't need to be upgraded once you start doing more welding.
Reply:Since you have the power available, and you want something easy to learn, I agree with a full size 200+ amp mig.I have a millermatic 210 (the 212 is the new version) and I've used the heck out of it for 10+ years. Use flux core if you want to work outside a lot, regular gas shielded wire for inside - easiest to learn, works great.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:When it comes to classes, don't let the age difference bother you.    The last class I took was about 20% "old folks".   We all did fine.Dan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:I only use my MIG for the lighter repairs, usually 1/8" or less. Most of the time the farm equipment I'm fixing is heavier than that so I just use the arc. I wish I'd held out for a bigger AC/DC machine personally, but most repairs are easily done on an AC buzz box that you can pick up used for less than $150. It's a cheap way to get your feet wet and will handle a lot of your repairs, but maybe not the light hobby work.I think a course is an excellent idea to get you started. I wouldn't worry about the age difference. I've done a few night courses (other subjects) and there is always a wide diversity of people attending. As far as welders are concerned, go for the big name brands and stay away from the cheap Chinese lookalikes and I think you'll be happy. If one of my machines broke down now, I'd replace it in a heartbeat. You won't believe the number of times a good welder will pay for itself in your day to day farming operations.Last edited by whtbaron; 02-01-2015 at 07:47 PM.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:I would stick with MILLER, LINCOLN, and Hobart . Check craigs list too. Depending where you live, Farm and Fleet has the HOBART 210 MVP on sale for $794.00. Really low price.                      http://www.farmandfleet.com/products...l#.VM7WZ2jF_T9
Reply:First, Thanks for all the help so far.May I ask what seams like a dumb question. If I only have a 100 amp 220 service in the garage, how can I run a 200 amp 220 welder? I guess I am missing something.Thanks KeithCEP The door is open and I can put a pot of coffee on anytime you want to come by.
Reply:Originally Posted by YODAFirst, Thanks for all the help so far.May I ask what seams like a dumb question. If I only have a 100 amp 220 service in the garage, how can I run a 200 amp 220 welder? I guess I am missing something.Thanks KeithCEP The door is open and I can put a pot of coffee on anytime you want to come by.
Reply:Originally Posted by YODACEP The door is open and I can put a pot of coffee on anytime you want to come by.
Reply:yup… a 200 amp welder, has a 200 amp welding output. The service feeding it from your shop is 50-100 amp… That is in a nutshell. Im not an electrician, i just turn the thing on and weld. hope it helps- Christian M.C3 Welding & Fabrication - CNC Plasma Cutting-Mobile Welding-Custom welding and fabwww.c3welding.com
Reply:Originally Posted by YODAFirst, Thanks for all the help so far.May I ask what seams like a dumb question. If I only have a 100 amp 220 service in the garage, how can I run a 200 amp 220 welder? I guess I am missing something.Thanks Keith
Reply:Thanks Appreciate the explanation. Time to start shopping and make a list of what I can find. My budget is between $750 and $1000 for everything to get set up, including a good helmet and supplies, possibly more depending on the tax return.BTW - what would be a good helmet. I wear glasses and need all the vision area I can get as I have one very week eye.Thanks again.
Reply:Helmet preferences vary.  If possible, try the models at the local welding supply shop.I have a miller elite, and like it a lot.   Very clear optically, very responsive and a big view port.   Dan----------------------------Measure twice.  Weld once.  Grind to size.MIG:  Lincoln SP100 TIG/STICK:  AHP Alphatig 200X
Reply:Put a 50 or 60 amp breaker in your garage and you'll be able power most anything you might end up with.
Reply:Originally Posted by YODABTW - what would be a good helmet. I wear glasses and need all the vision area I can get as I have one very week eye.
Reply:Fixed lens like CEP has shown above works fine, and as long as you equip it with a good lens, it will give you good eye protection. I've got 3 or 4 of those kicking around and I used them for years. Look for a narrow design that will fit fairly snug to your face and limit the light coming in from behind. If you go to an automated lens, get a good one. I tried one Chinese lookalike and really did not like it. My Hobart works just fine and is now what I go to all the time. Look for the big brand names...Hobart, Miller, Lincoln and get a good one. Your eyes are not a good place to cheap out. If you do decide to add in a stick machine, it gives you some latitude in shades between light MIG work and high amp stick welding. When I bought my MIG I asked them what shade to use with it. The salesman told me "12, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Unless I'm doing very light work in short blasts I might shift down to 11, but for the most part I've stuck to that and it seems to have been good advise. Stay away from Chinese junk and you'll be fine. Given your budget, I would go with the best MIG you can afford, add in a used $150 230 amp AC buzz box, and go with the fixed helmet and good lens to get you started.Last edited by whtbaron; 02-03-2015 at 11:26 AM.250 amp Miller DialArc AC/DC StickF-225 amp Forney AC Stick230 amp Sears AC StickLincoln 180C MIGVictor Medalist 350 O/ACut 50 PlasmaLes
Reply:Northern Tool has the best deals on Hobart via the interwebs Free ShippingHobart MVP210 $899.00Hobart Ironman 230 $1,499.00Extras: Welding HoodWelding jacket (depends on your welding as you may get away with just wearing a heavy denim shirt)GlovesBottle of Shielding gasSolid wireFluxcore wireMisc hand tools-depends on what you already have in the shop.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:The Hobart 190 for $700. might leave a little room in the budget for a small tank of gas and an old stick welder."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder