Stick or Mig?

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Hi All, Should I get a stick 225 ac or 125 amp mig.  I will be making hog traps and deer feeder accessories and I live on a farm.  Also, I have no welding experience.  Before I forget I dont know how to weld.  I dont have a 220 plug either.  Will the 110  get hot enough for galvanized.  My working budget is around 300 or so, so I know i am limited there.  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks UB
Reply:Hello.There have been a couple of threads on Hog traps.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...light=hog+traphttp://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...light=hog+trapSeveral others on deer stand IIRC, do a search.Machine wise the stick will do what you want, but it will be harder to work with then mig. A small 110v mig is probably under powered, but it depends on the design. You might get away with one of the bigger 110v mig units, and definitely a 220v mig.Cost wise, $300 is going to be limiting in a good machine. You asked about the Clarke in your other question. I'd say away. Some parts like tips will probably be "universal" and not to hard to get, but any serious internal issues, just figure it's junk. Been there, done that with my 1st mig, never again. $300 will get you a nice AC stick machine with money left over and you can find nice used ac/dc stick for that kind of money easy if you look. The old tombstones are tanks and run forever it seems. It will take a bit more time to master, but with small rods you should be able to build what you want with out much trouble. You will need 220v but that can be dealt with if you try. As a general farm repair item the stick machine is probably your best bet. Used migs are a bit tougher to find, but I see them on and off. Frequently the owners have realized they are too small for what they need to do and are upgrading. Don't expect to be able to weld more than say 1/8"-3/16" with one at best. 220v migs would be a better choice, but costs will probably limit your options.Good luck.
Reply:With the 125 amp mig you're going to be limited to 1/8 metal if you get good at it. The small mig comfort zone is going to be in the 20 ga to 12 ga range. A $300 mig is not going to be the easiest machine to learn on but it's been done thousands of times.On the other hand with the 225 amp machine you will need the 240 volt circuit, 50 amp service preferably. Anything less than 14 ga will be a pain for a beginer to handle with stick. You really don't need to run any hotter for galvanized metal than you would for the same thickness of plain sheet or pipe but do it outside and beware of the fumes.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:Since, you have stated you don't know how to weld,  I will try to give you a heads up.  DON'T weld galvanized unless you can help it.  You will be sick as a dog.  It's not safe unless you have proper protective gear.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I would go far a used Mig and get the biggest that you can find. Stick is a littler tough on thin stuff. Or go get a O/A rig and learn how to use it. Very versatile and portable somehow we tend to overlook gas welding. BrandonLincoln Tombstone 225 A/C Steel StickerOld Victor O2/Acetylene setupMiller Syncrowave 250 Tig/PC-300 PulserMiller Millermatic 212 Mig HTP Invertatig 201 Giant Teck D50 Plasma cutterLots of HF grinders
Reply:mig would  be easier for a novice welder. But dont have to get gas with stick and less parts, all you need is a rod... and you can weld more prob for the same priced rig. I would go with a SMAW machine myself, but im a welder, and i think for even someone who hasnt welded. You can probly manage to stick it together with a little practice
Reply:Originally Posted by j.trevor123mig would  be easier for a novice welder. But dont have to get gas with stick and less parts, all you need is a rod... and you can weld more prob for the same priced rig. I would go with a SMAW machine myself, but im a welder, and i think for even someone who hasnt welded. You can probly manage to stick it together with a little practice
Reply:You should be able to find a Lincoln 225 AC/DC used for very close to $300.  I love stick for farm repairs.  Quick setup, works outside in a breeze and once again, it's very cheap for the size metal you can weld.
Reply:Check Craigslist in your area.  I have been looking for a welder for a few months, and found several on CL that would have been a good deal.  I finally chose a new Hobart, but the ones on Craigslist were hard to ignore.Nctox,  Stickmate LX  235AC/160DC  HH210
Reply:Originally Posted by lugweldSince, you have stated you don't know how to weld,  I will try to give you a heads up.  DON'T weld galvanized unless you can help it.  You will be sick as a dog.  It's not safe unless you have proper protective gear.
Reply:Originally Posted by lil A welderlugweld is correct, I have welded alot of galvanize steel in the past but I try to stear clear. If you do have to weld it do not do it in a barn or shop take it outside and take frequent breaks. If you do feel your self getting sick, drink a tall glass of milk, it will help.
Reply:I hate dealing with galvanized when it comes to welding. One trick I learned many years ago, is muriatic acid. If the part is small enough, you can drop it in a small container of muriatic acid, and the zinc will dissolve off in seconds. It also works on the ends of pipe. Just dip it in. SAFETY NOTE: It will create a fume that you want to avoid breathing, so do it outside, and keep your face away. If you catch a whiff of it, you'll know. Also, wear proper face/eye protection, rubber gloves and be sure to rinse the piece thoroughly with water. Good thing about dipping the end of galvanized pipe in it is it will remove the zinc on the inside as well as the outside. Makes welding a whole lot easier! The acid will last quite a while, depending on the thickness of the galvanizing, so I recycle it by pouring it back into it's container, and keeping it for the next job. After awhile, it will quit working, so I pour it into a 5 gallon bucket of water, mix in some baking soda and toss it.Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC (Sold)Miller Dialarc 250HFMiller MM251Miller MM200 (Sold)Miller MM130Miller Spot WelderVictor O/A rigMiller Spoolmatic 1 (Sold)