Want to learn to weld

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I have a few people to teach me. but What's the best/easiest welder to start with?
Reply:Most likely mig. Part of this depends on what you want to do and who's teaching you. Learning mig when you want to learn stick may not be the right way to go, nor would being taught by someone who only does tig.There's been tons of threads on which machine is right for a new welder done here. You really need to give us some sort of idea where you want to take this and what sorts of projects you have in mind. Each process has things that it does well, and areas that it's poor in. Mig is often recomended because it's easy to learn, and with a 220v machine can cover a wide range of projects. That said, for some it's not the best direction to go. Stick, O/A or Tig might be a better route, even though they are a bit harder to learn..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I was wanting to start with MIG cause thats what my dad likes, but price is also a problame I don't know how much I can spend but I'd like to get somethin under $200. i do alot of hunting, fishing, and bowfishing so theres a lot of stuff that breakes or stuff I wanna add, also stuff with alumnim ( my boat)my dad and the other guy know MIG, TIG and Stick. This work? http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=550827
Reply:Originally Posted by Catfisher' This work? http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/c....aspx?a=550827
Reply:Thats a bottom end stick welder. The rod sizes for that machine, 1/16" and 5/32" are tough to find always and in any kind of a selection. You'd be better off with a nice used 220v AC tombstone or one of the other older transformer stick machines. They last forever, and have plenty of power to run a variety of rods and sizes. I see them on CL for between $50-150 usually. New they run about $270 at Depot/Lowes. Nice used AC/Dc stick machines show up used for $250-400 usually. You won't be able to do thin alum with this however.Almost any mig you get new for under $400 or so will most likely be a FC only machine and 110v. that will be very limiting. Usually they will weld about 1/8" steel max with FC, and thin sheet metal is almost imposible. In general the 110v migs have a number of issues for most new guys. they are way under powered for most of what people want to do. At best they will weld 1/8" with solid wire and gas, 1/4" maybe with FC wire, but only when used on a dedicated 20 amp line. If you have anything that reduces the input power, your thickness suffers, and the machines really can't weld for very long on max before performance suffers. There's a good sticky on 110v migs that has links to several discussions on this subject. Honestly I think that unless all you want to do is sheetmetal, you'd be best off saving your pennies and getting a good name brand 220v mig  if mig is the way you want to go. Hobart's are usually the cheapest for the decent migs. Simple and basic, solid no frills machines at a good price.To me the Miller MM211 is the best all round mig for most new guys, but at close to $1K you pay for the 110v/220v option as well as the ability to add a spoolgun later to do alum. Thin alum is tough with mig, but several here have managed to do boat repairs with it. Alum requires 100% argon gas, so a FC only machine will be useless. Also tring to push alum wire thru a standard mig gun is usually frustrating at best. You really need to be looking at a spoolgun capable machine. Also alum requires more power than steel. While the 140 amp class 110v migs claim to beable to do alum, thats usually under perfect circumstances, and you have to run them at max power to even get any sort of chance even with thin alum. If you want to do alum you almost have to expect to spend at least $800 for the 220v mig, gas cylinder and spoolgun. $1400 is probably a better general number to keep in mind.The last "cheap" option is Oxy acet. Not super glamorous, and tougher to learn, but with alum brazing rods you can do those boat repairs for probably less than $400 or so with torch set and tanks. Steel is also not that hard, but not as fast as electric arc and you are more limited to the lower thicknesses with O/A strter kits. With a good O/A set and an AC tombstone you can usually get most basic things done. Not fast, both in time and learning, but do a decent job if you apply yourself..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:http://www.toolking.com/hobart-50052...welder-a-stockThis little Fluxcore welder seems to be a real winner.You can search the Hobart Forum for some reviews but some seasoned Welders have used them and given Thumbs up.http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtal...t=Hobart+125ez... but it is a Fluxcore only machine so as DSW mentioned thin sheet metal will be a PIA if at all possible.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:If your dad and this other guy know how to weld, I assume they have access to equipment. Could you learn on their stuff while you save your money for a real welder? It would help you to become familiar with the types of welding, then maybe you could decide which process you would like to get equipment for. You might as well just beat your head against a wall if you want to learn to stick weld with a 115v machine. It's not impossible, just a major pain.
Reply:Well I would vote for the OA route, provided you are willing to learn. You can weld any material but Titanium, braze the same, solder, heat, cut etc etc. Best bang for the buck, but again, you need to be willing to learn and it helps to have a teacher.
Reply:What are your plans? Becoming a welder or for hobby use? You say you have a few people to teach you? o/a may be the place to start.
Reply:you aint gonna do aluminum for $200
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadyou aint gonna do aluminum for $200
Reply:also another great way to start is to take a Community college or trade school class. Most offer some sort of night school class and will have a beginner class that teaches all the major processes. You'll get some proper advice plus a chance to play around with metal and machines you normally couldn't afford.Also since welding consumables are so expensive you would literally spend 2-3x the price in electrodes and rod trying to learn yourself for the level of skill you can hit in a class room in a fraction of the time.That's my opinion.
Reply:Originally Posted by makoman1860Sure ya can. Find a good used torch on craigslist, pick up a small handle, aluminum lens, flux, filler and your all set. Ok so its probably going to be closer to $400 everything included  Whats a tig run? A diversion 165 at $1200, add  $100 for a helmet, plus the Argon. More than twice the price, and less than half of the versatility. Start with a torch my friend, and once youy master that on most metals, any other welding process is just a nice "Add-On" to your aresnal. Good Luck
Reply:Originally Posted by Catfisher'what kinda torch. I typed in torch, Nothing...
Reply:Originally Posted by Catfisher'what kinda torch. I typed in torch, Nothing...
Reply:Originally Posted by Catfisher'like this http://memphis.craigslist.org/tls/1611424572.html  http://memphis.craigslist.org/tls/1630522914.html
Reply:well this one looks good: http://nashville.craigslist.org/tls/1637366257.html
Reply:Originally Posted by makoman1860Yes something like that. I think in the intrests of safety, and you getting what you need, you need to find someone local to help you find a set. Its almost impossible to tell treasure from garbage in pictures.
Reply:Originally Posted by Catfisher'well this one looks good: http://nashville.craigslist.org/tls/1637366257.html
Reply:what If I put a want add on here on the classifides? How cheap do you think I can get one?
Reply:Catfish I recommend that you wander through the SHOP, TRADE, SELL FORUM to see what is currently for sale.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:ok will do!
Reply:I went on classifides to 10-17-2009. couldn't really find anything. not gonna worry bout putting an add on the classifides. I don't have the money right now so it wouldn't do me any good to find one I want. but I was looking at victor sets, I might probably start with one of those.
Reply:Do torch kits weld alumnim and steel?
Reply:Originally Posted by Catfisher'Do torch kits weld alumnim and steel?The only reason I want a kit torch, is cause of the price. but Im gonna looke for a cheap mig. Thanks
Reply:This one looks great. can it do aluminum good? if so I might get it. http://www.cpocampbellhausfeld.com/w...xtagwf200000rb
Reply:Dude, you sooooo need to do some research.  Google is your friend....My name's not Jim....
Reply:ok I did, this is what I found.  # Welds from 24-gauge to 3/16 Inch steelI guess it dosen't do aluminium.
Reply:Ya missed the point.  I meant welding in general, not that specific machine.  You need to figure out what you would like to work on.  Then you need to research what process should be used.  Then what size and type of machine is capable of that process and that material.  Then what you have to do to learn that process and so on.  It's all part of being a well informed buyer....People here are willing to help ya along, but will only go so far.  You have to find some things out on your own so you know what types of questions to ask and what the answers mean.That's all you're gonna get from me.  Newbies drive me nuts....My name's not Jim....
Reply:That was good advice right there.Keep lurking on here and reading. You'll be amazed how much you'll pick up.
Reply:Originally Posted by Broccoli1Work great with your boat..............as an Anchor
Reply:Hi Ya catfish did you check out your local craigslist? I see welders on my local craigslist daily. If you want to post your location, show your personal avatar, or have a signature on each post telling fellow members where you are located; an avatar of you or your shop, and a signature telling fellow members what types of equipment you have, you can do it all by following these steps:1. Locate and click on USER CP2. Under YOUR CONTROL PANEL, YOUR PROFILE, click on EDIT YOUR DETAILS3. In the EDIT YOUR DETAILS, you can enter Optional Information and Additional Information such as your Location (an other info)4. While in USER CP you can explore some of the other functions - Avatar: you can have picture of you, your shop, your wife, children, dog, etc (keep it clean- no nudes)- Signature: you can list all your equipment, a link to your shop, or maybe some witty sayingCo-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by specterHi Ya catfish did you check out your local craigslist? I see welders on my local craigslist daily. If you want to post your location, show your personal avatar, or have a signature on each post telling fellow members where you are located; an avatar of you or your shop, and a signature telling fellow members what types of equipment you have, you can do it all by following these steps:1. Locate and click on USER CP2. Under YOUR CONTROL PANEL, YOUR PROFILE, click on EDIT YOUR DETAILS3. In the EDIT YOUR DETAILS, you can enter Optional Information and Additional Information such as your Location (an other info)4. While in USER CP you can explore some of the other functions - Avatar: you can have picture of you, your shop, your wife, children, dog, etc (keep it clean- no nudes)- Signature: you can list all your equipment, a link to your shop, or maybe some witty saying
Reply:Originally Posted by Catfisher'ThanksYes Sir. I found one. http://memphis.craigslist.org/tls/1635884873.html I don't know how good it is though.Im in the memphis, North Mississippi Area.Just found a review: http://www.consumerdemocracy.com/phe...ategory=Welder
Reply:So your saying I should try to get a stick welder with my price range.?Iv been looking at this machine. it dosen't say much. but it dosen't have much information. and I can't find anything else on it. Is the wire feeder and everything not in it? http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=55250Last edited by Catfisher'; 03-14-2010 at 02:48 PM.No welder yet. Im gonna get one soon.
Reply:If I buy a mig welder do I have to buy a wire feeder or is it in it already? like this one right here: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=55525No welder yet. Im gonna get one soon.
Reply:Catfisher'      Stop looking to spend money and do some more research first.  It seems that a mig welder would fit your needs but to be able to weld aluminum you will be looking to spend atleast $1000 to get set up.I imagine aluminum boat would be built with thin aluminum so you will have to develop your skills quite a bit in order to tackle a boat repair with mig, tig might be better but will double the cost ($2000).  Like I said take your time do some research look into name brand equipment such as Hobart, Lincoln and Miller and stay away from used no-name equipment.  If you still want to only spend $200 stop right there, don't waste your money and anyone's time.
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyHey catfisher, one of the problems you've got right now is that low budget.
Reply:Save your money Catfish,save at least $800 more,and you'll have room to buy what you REALLY need and you won't be sorry for it,everyone here has given you solid advice and they want to steer you in the right direction. Listen to what they say.Drink a Guinness Draught....Millermatic 140Do you still rememberDecember's foggy freeze --when the ice thatclings on to your beard isscreaming agony.
Reply:Leave the cheap equipment alone. It will only be an obstical to your learning to weld. Save your money. Learn on your dad's equipment if he has some. Save up for something decent.
Reply:ok ill try.No welder yet. Im gonna get one soon.