new to welding, product suggestions/opinions

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hello and thanks in advance for reading my post.i am brand spanking new, well again i might say.while a metal lather 25+yrs ago, i learned entry arc weldingbut, i never used it.i am exploring local training options too...dont get me wrong, not posting as a just because, i am serious about re-entering the field.i was also exposed to gas (acetylene/oxygen) welding growing up, as my uncle and grandfather worked on cars with this technology back in the 60s-70s.am interested in exploration of light home repair/auto repair welding.dont know where to begin, hence this post.i just bought a used car trailer, with lots of metal...some needs repairing (fenders/ramps @ 1/16 to 1/8 thick), some needs updating (plates/rings/tie down pcs @ 1/4 to 3/8 thick, or thicker possibly).i purchased this trailer in essence to turn around and buy, then tow an older vehicle for the experience and fun i hope tor recieve.this vehicle will be either late model 28-32 Ford/Chevy/Plymouth ORa Tri 5 Chevy (1955-57).in either case of whatever i buy on the vehicle front, i am looking for something that will support the efforts above, trailer and vehicle welding/cutting, or small home projects i might want to explore in the future.not sure that MIG, TIG, etc were even around 25-30yrs ago, but nonetheless, i know nothing at this point other than i want to explore entry - mid level options, as i am not sure if/how long this will last either, financially speaking!with a new, entry level perspective as top consideration;can anyone here provide some insight into the novice approach to welding, what welder makes models i should consider, what is easiest welding entrace type to a newbie, what protections/helmets/etc would be best to buy?metal cutting, thin to thick, is there a welding system thats good or better vs. another, or is the good old fashion chop saw best =)while i dont think $10-$50 is realistic, i also dont want to go over board with $1000-$5000 worth of equipmentis USED ok vs. NEW, is 220 that much better than 120 (i have both available in my garages)thanks in advance for your input and replies...i hope to gain further insight in coming months of this field.kindest regards,iukini
Reply:Read all you can about the process, stick, mig and tig. And stay away from HF.
Reply:I would say take a local class if you can find one. MIG will be the easiest to jump in and start doing something with. Buy as much of a machine as you can afford, or you will be sorry down the road. 220V is the way to go if you will be doing anything more than sheet metal and light tubing. But there are a couple of options around the $1000USD range that can run on both 110V and 220V. I have one of them the Miller DVI2. It is a full sized machine and can run on 110V or 220V. There is also the Miller 211 which is the same idea in a small machine. Definitely buy a name brand welder, Miller, Lincoln don't get stuck with some chinese POS.For metal cutting your first tool is a good quality angle grinder and cut off wheels, next you can get a chop saw, abrasive around $150 or carbide around $300 carbide makes better cuts and doesn't burn its way through the material. Finally you can get into a plasma cutter, you can get Chinese ones for $400 or get a good name brand like Miller, Hypertherm or Thermal Dynamics. I went for the Hypertherm, they invented plasma cutting and are a little cheaper than Blue (miller) but they are also the innovators in the field. Mine is a Powermax 30, I went with it because it also runs on 110V or 220V should be able to get on in the states for about $1000.Absolutely buy used equipment, especially Miller or Lincoln. Make sure you test things out and you can even get your local welding shop to test things out for you.Get to know your local welding shops, you will need these guys for gases, consumables and importantly info, there will usually be an older guy there that has seen it all and they are usually interested in chatting, they have lots of good tips.Hope that can get you started!
Reply:You'll very easily have over a 1000$$ of equipment to buy to do what you are describing. Basic tools you need are-4-1/2" angle grinder14" abrasive shop sawa descent mig weldera descent dc tig/stick welderseveral clamps, vice grip style and c-clamp styleand of course basic hand toolsThe grinder, saw, mig, tig/stick and clamps will easily run you $2500 or more for descent tools.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:i would tell you to get an oxyaxcetylene outfit and a dctig/stick unit like the maxstar..that would give you the most bang for the buck. i think you could get that for a thousand bucks or so and have a great arsenal.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadi would tell you to get an oxyaxcetylene outfit and a dctig/stick unit like the maxstar..that would give you the most bang for the buck. i think you could get that for a thousand bucks or so and have a great arsenal.
Reply:Iukini,Like you, Im a novice welder (and machinist as well).  I'd done some stick welding years ago plus a fair amount of brazing and cutting.I bought a Miller 211 several months ago and so far I am delighted with it.  Cost around $1200.  Took it out of the box, set it up, read the instructions, and welded some 1/8" CS.  Came out great.  Since then I've made some brackets and other small stuff...same great results.The 211 runs on either 110 or 220 (must have 220 for the heaviest stuff).  It has a feature called "AutoSet" where you set the material thickness wire diameter and it sets the voltage and wire feed rate....really simple.  Note that this only works on carbon steel...you have to manually set all parameters if you're welding stainless, alum, other.Mine came with a (cheap) spool gun for welding alum.  I've tried it several times and while not as easy as carbon steel it was acceptable.  The aluminum will take some practice.Don't forget that you'll need shield gas...CO2/argon for CS, 100% argon for alum, argon/helium (I think) for stainless.  Also a helmet (auto-darkening is a must have) and an angle grinder.  Have fun!