I know nothing about welding........

admin

But would like to learn, and thinking of taking a class at the community college. Tried reading some stickys but I still dont understand any of it. Is this a good deal? http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/tls/2399339896.html and would it handle (the biggest job i can see myself doing) building a smaller 5x8 or so utility trailer? If so ima go buy it and learn as i go. I read alot about buying one of the cheap welders at harbor freight and from what I got out of it i shouldnt, and buyin a name brand used would be better. It is 220volt though, what would it cost to convert my outside (manufactured home) outlet from 110 to 220, or could i run an extention cord or buy a longer cord (probably 30'+) into the house to the dryer. I dont really care about sounding stupid so flame away, any advice apprecieated.
Reply:You'll have to run new wire for a Welding receptacle outside. The 120v receptacle is only rated 15amps or 20amps so the wires that are there will be too small since you'll need a 50amp Circuit.You might be able to run the machine on the Dryer circuit using an extension cord but the Machine may not be able to be run at the Higher amperage.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:That's a used Lincoln AC-225 buzzbox w/ jacket and shield for $150, for when the link expires.  Yes, you can build a trailer with that welder.  If that's all you can afford, that's all you can afford.  If I were you I'd BUY a trailer and learn to weld, first.  The cost of lessons at a community college shouldn't be too steep.  I'd put my welder money toward that instead of a welder.  Once you've been exposed to welding, then you could buy a welder after you see what features you like and don't like.  For example, most people would rather have DC in addition to or even in place of AC, because it broadens your choice of electrodes and processes.  Hint: Building a trailer will almost always be as expensive if not more so than buying a new one.  Not to mention it's too much liability for a beginner to assume.  The issue is one of weld quality, but it's also one of fabrication skills.  Even once someone can lay a pretty bead, it doesn't mean they can design worth a hoot.  If you need a trailer right away, I'd find a used one and buy it.  Again, for what it's worth, I'd suggest spending your money on the welding classes first.
Reply:Originally Posted by tbone550That's a used Lincoln AC-225 buzzbox w/ jacket and shield for $150, for when the link expires.  Yes, you can build a trailer with that welder.  If that's all you can afford, that's all you can afford.  If I were you I'd BUY a trailer and learn to weld, first.  The cost of lessons at a community college shouldn't be too steep.  I'd put my welder money toward that instead of a welder.  Once you've been exposed to welding, then you could buy a welder after you see what features you like and don't like.  For example, most people would rather have DC in addition to or even in place of AC, because it broadens your choice of electrodes and processes.  Hint: Building a trailer will almost always be as expensive if not more so than buying a new one.  Not to mention it's too much liability for a beginner to assume.  The issue is one of weld quality, but it's also one of fabrication skills.  Even once someone can lay a pretty bead, it doesn't mean they can design worth a hoot.  If you need a trailer right away, I'd find a used one and buy it.  Again, for what it's worth, I'd suggest spending your money on the welding classes first.
Reply:Take it from someone who was at the point you are at now. I pondered the same questions about this time last Spring. I did some research, found out I qualified for some Federal college grant money (Pell Grant) and got right into a good Community College that has an excellent welding program. You may qualify for some as well even with the recent budget cuts to the program. You can go to www.fafsa.ed.gov to see what you qualify for and it takes like 5 minutes.As for the welder, I started with a Miller AC only buzzbox. Sure it will weld up a trailer but you have already received excellent advice on the trailer project. Here's another spin - find a used trailer on Craig's or someplace that needs some serious TLC and see if you can make its repair part of a class project at your CC. Ours does this pretty regularly. Student projects like that under the trained eye of an instructor are a good way to learn. The AC only welders are certainly capable of decent stick welding with a limited choice of rods. You will probably find out however that you want something better quite soon. I second the advice that you put the money you have in education first (even if its only one basic welding class) and then make a more educated decision on exactly what type of equipment you need. The class will help you spend your limited funds much more wisely.Hope this helps and best of luck with the future.EricLast edited by Welding_Swede; 06-01-2011 at 05:34 AM.Reason: Posted the wrong link... its fixed.
Reply:i agree, you're not ready to build a trailer...but you dont say you are gonna build it first...i dont agree about not buying the welder..get into a class and then go home and practice..you wontlearn much just in class..you need lots of time burning rod.and running it off an extension cord from the dryer wont be too bad..you dont need to max out the duty cycle to practice..90 amps with some 3/32 7018, or the same amps on some 1/8 6011, that machine will run just fine at the lower end of its duty cycle and that wont hurt your practice at all.....