weld up to 3/8 on 115 V?

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I have ben asking around here for option on welders... I am wanting a stick or mig not enough$$$ for TIGBut now I have the delema of no 230/208 V outlets available to me.only 115V...is there any options that will alow me to weld 3/8 (at most) steels on a 115V machine?  As far I can tell maby a stick welder will but not sure... any thoughts will be really helpful.Last edited by jeepnphreak; 11-22-2006 at 10:29 PM.
Reply:I have a Hobart Handler 140 (110V) and I can weld 1/4" if the metal is clean and the edges are slightly beveled, and I've got it cranked to peak power. I could probably push 3/8" but only if I put a nice bevel and was careful with the mating surface. For a butt weld, the flat-flat interface would have to be pretty smooth and augmented by a clean beveled edge. But with careful mock up 1/4" can be done. I've also found the flux-core wire is sloppy and if I flow a lot of argon and take more time I will get a better weld. Just my 0.2 cents.Hobart Handler 140 MIGHypertherm Max 43 Plasma CutterA Bernzomatic Torch, and some solder.
Reply:jeepnphreak3/8 inch with only 115 Volts... to me that means "STICK".I have two options to suggest (see the attached photo's).Option 1:Decca inverter-type welder: operates on 115 volts 15 amp input and outputs 100 amps DC.  Advertisement claims to be able to do 3/8 inch in a single pass.  Price = ~$350 US dollars  Note: Harbor Freight or mail-order outfit may have some inverter welder of similar capability for less dollars.Option 2:This is a Chinese AC output welder from Princess Auto in Canada.  It is cheap at ~$70 US dollars.  I own one.  Contrary to the advertisement, it can do 3/8 inch in one pass using 3/32 inch diameter rod 7018AC or 1/8 inch diameter rod in 6011.The advertisement doesn't tell you that to output ~100 amps AC, the unit will draw 28 amps! from the 117 volt circuit.  However, that's what is marked on the metal case and it will trip my 30 amp breaker from time to time.  At home, I ran #10 wire to support this welder through a 30 amp breaker.Away from home, I use two 12 gage extension cords: one plugged into one wall outlet, the second plugged into a wall outlet on a different circuit (e.g. different room) but on the same side of the breaker box. I check female ends of the extension cord with a Volt meter to make certain that I have 115 volts between the cords - not 230 volts!  If it is 230 volts, I change one of the wall sockets till I get 115 volts.  Now I have two female cord ends looking at me.  I made a special Y cord with two male ends in parallel with a female socket.  I plug the Y cord males into the female ends of the extension cords, then the welder into the female of the Y cord.  This way I can draw up to 30 amps, 15 amps coming from each or two circuits likely fused at 15 amps each.  This works well - not tripped a breaker yet.This provides a lot of power: 115 volts x 30 amps = ~3500 watts input to the welder.  This is pretty good - the same as having 230 volts at 15 amps.  This will do 3/8 inch in a single pass.I hope this helps,Rick V Attached Images
Reply:As long as it's art and not load bearing you should be O.K. welding 3/8" with a 110 V unit....but to be load bearing/ critical you will need a 220 unit.You can find used 220 v stick units for less than $500 all day long....even less for a smaller 220 v like a Hobart stick mate etc.I just bought a used Miller Dial Arc 250 for $475.Good luck,Mike
Reply:Yea, if your going to go stick and are short on cash look in the bargan hunters and paper. I picked up an Airco stinger 225 for 50 bucks.Drivesector Hobart Handler 140Hobart Handler 180Ready Welder 2Hobart Air Force 400Airco Stinger 225Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."OZZY"
Reply:I agree with Drivesector. Look in the paper for your local auctions. Almost new Lincoln 225 go for around $100 around here. I have seen them for $75 and $85 at times. People buy them, use them a couple of times and they sit in the corner of the garage for years. Still look new. I bought mine at a yard sale for $50. It is a Lincoln with Montgomery Ward name plate. The guy bought it from a local township garage who had sale. He even threw in the helmet, gloves and hammer he had. He said he used it once although the township used for a few years. They had extra lond leads put on it which is real nice. I don't have to move it around. just drag the leads out. The deals are there, just look in the right place. Just some ideas where to look.jcooper
Reply:Allright thanks guys for all you helpI getting closer to my goal  of finding a stick welder of myself.