bought a welder, now what else do i need?

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A Miller 211 jump in the back of the truck today.  A mask, gloves, air tank, and some metal followed it.  I am going to spend the next couple of days reading the manuals/dvd and try to get it up and running during the weekend.  I plan on stopping by the welding store Fri to get more stuff.  The question is what?Better ground clamp and cable? Not impressed with what came in the box.Antisplatter spray?larger roll of wire?  How long does 2 lbs last?welding jacket if i can find one that fits.what else should i consider getting?
Reply:Congratulations on the new toy . . . I mean tool!  The 211 is spoken of quite highly by many of its owners.What you "need" now is practice but several of these items http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/tools/ are often recommended to help get things headed in the right direction.Anti-spatter spray?  Mmmmm. not so important if you get your settings right unless using straight Co2 shielding gas then it might come in handy.Your 2# spool will go pretty quick if you dig right in and get after it with your practice.  A 10# roll will last quite a few significant sized projects.  Review the unit manual for the necessary guidelines on electrode wire selection based on what material thickness and voltage you plan on using.You should get a decent set of MIG pliers for trimming the wire, cleaning the nozzle and changing tips.The jacket is up to you being in AZ but a pair of sleeves is a definite in my book as a minimum and a cap for under your hood is a good idea as well.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:How can you even have an opinion on the Work clamp?Anyhoo- mine works just fine as have the other 3 that came on my machinesGrinder x 2Jacket- you can use a heavy denim shirt if you can't find a Welding jacket /Shirt that fitsFlap DiscsCutting discsClear Face shield for grinding and definitely when using the Cut off wheel (check the safety section for Photos)I highly recommend a Port a Band $$ but worth every penny. I rarely use my chop saw- too loud and creates too much metal dust.Don't really need the Anti spatter sprayWire- depends on how crazy you get with welding projectsEd 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:You got a pretty good start.I will second the mig pliers, and add a wire brush and chipping hammer, especially if you are running fluxcore or dual shield.Almost forgot - safety glasses are a must.I wouldn't buy them at the LWS, but vise-grips are very handy if you don't have a few pair already.Last edited by MarkNotMarc; 05-02-2012 at 07:15 PM.
Reply:Plan on gettin 230 volts going, you will want to use that puppy to the extent of its abilities. Hopefully you already got that!Miller diversion 165Miller mig 211Hypertherm pm 30Milwaukee 6230 14 inch chop sawMd 45 mag drill (RIP; fell on its head)New MD 45! Thanks to the esposa!Finally got an O/A setup
Reply:Fire extinguisher, 5 gallon bucket of water, and a garden hose ready if needed, maybe a fire blanket  or welding screen depend on where you are set up to weld.  Clamps , more clamps, vise grips, hammer, BFH, chisels , squares ,  scriber, soapstone. How much money do we have to work with   ?  A halogen light may come in handy too.      Definitely a port a band and grinders.  Great choice on machine and have fun too ! Check craigs list for goodies too. There are deals out there.
Reply:"Trust me honey.  It's only a hobby and won't cost that much.  I promise." MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:haha, if you buy everthing mentioned here you'll get ready to open a shop next month, if you start welding and you are a beginner i think you should stay arround beginner welding stuff, you don't need anything of FABRICATION tools, you just need the basic wich is your welding machine, and tool to take care of your welding machine (MIG Plier, nozzle and tips) and for take care of your welds (brush and chipping hammer)but i have to say +1 for the grinder because doing some basic preparation is still arround learning how to weld!and put more interest on the safety (the water gallon and glasses) then the amount of C-clamps for beginning!Last edited by LayoutMan; 05-02-2012 at 08:11 PM.Calculator > Bevel Square
Reply:Several clamps, a decent metal square and a white Sharpee marker. Oh almost forgot... More clamps. May consider a leather apron.Also own a MM211 and love it.
Reply:Forgot, first aid kit and burn ointment !
Reply:Clamps, ViseGrips and more metal so you can build a decent work table to weld off of...your back will appreciate it.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Steel to weld on... A 12" length of 1/4" or heavier angle iron to start out with practicing running beads to get the basics down.  A decent sized chunk of 1/4" or thicker plate will work also, say maybe 4"-6" x 12" roughly. 1/8" x 1-2" flat  cut to 6" lengths to work on joints.  Material for basic projects like a cart or table.I have no idea what sort of fab tools you have available. A selection of squares, I have both a 6" and 12" speed square as well as a framing square. ( don't buy the cheap plastic ones. They melt. ( duh!)). These get used the most, but my machinist square gets a fair amount of use also. Clamps and grinders, you can never have too many clamps or grinders. Some way to cut steel, chop saw, hack saw, sawzal, portaband, OA torch etc.. Soap stone and tape measure..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:assortment of 4" and 6" c-clamps,  speed square, couple of tape measures... A 4x6 horizontal bandsaw from harbor freighta couple of fire extinguishers to mount in strategic locations..enough material to make a welding cart..tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55"Trust me honey.  It's only a hobby and won't cost that much.  I promise."
Reply:I'm surprised no one has mentioned taking a class.  You can buy the nicest scalpel out there, but it doesn't make you a surgeon.  Most community colleges have good, cheap welding courses.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:Send in the warranty info, you may need it. My 211 is bad on the 220 side. :-(  Been slacking about taking it back in to the welding stand. They said 10 days at the most....yea been down that road before.Get a longer gun and ground lead.Classic 1D 200SAE 30086 SA 200Hyperthem 45Jancy Mag Force O/A Victor-GossCable's remote2-12" Mathey Dearman bevelersLN 25Miller Auto Set 211Wendy's Pancake/Jackson PipelinerNew Holland LS 180Great story man....tell it again!
Reply:a leather apron and cotton sweatshirt will  protect you better than a jacket, which you really only need for overhead welding.
Reply:Safety glasses, clamps, 2-3 grinders, and a CAMERA so you can post some pictures, get some help here before you learn bad habits.I have a 211 and recommend you buy a 10 lb spool of .030 wire. That will work on your Autoset and help you be successful quicker and that size will work on about any project you are likely to start.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com
Reply:- Silver sharpie markers and soap stone - you'll find they each have their place- a few 4.5" grinders, one with cutting wheel, one with grinding wheel- chipping hammer- ALO (Anvil like object) - piece of train rail or something similar- good ball-peen hammer- quality work gloves - don't use your welding gloves to handle/cur steel they wear out faster- center punch (Bosch at Lowes is good value)- low RPM drill press and drill bit sharpener (like a Drill DR)Oh, almost forgot - you need a stick welder and an OA rig to go with that MIG Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:something to cut with, something to grind with, something to prep with, and something to help you fix the mistakes you've made. AKA a grinder.other than that, as you're going to be doing mainly mig with that tank hooked up, (most wirefeed welders come with a sample of fluxcore "dark grey" wire, not mig wire which is more of a brass/coper finish) I'd recomend Mig plyers, a big (f*ing) Hammer, and clamps. oh and something to clamp the projects too. most people build a welding table to accomplish this.Take a class/find a mentor it will be one of the most important tools you get.There are no problems. There are only solutions. It's your duty to determine the right one.Hobart Handler 210Airco 225 Amp MSM Stinger
Reply:you can also hired ingineers and architects, a good drawer can be also a good idea, can find them a Lowes!I also recommand to buy a truck with a HIAB to be able transporting all your projects that you''ll built to the job sites, might think to buy some Geni-Lift and scissor lift to!Grinders are good to, the best thing (every worker do that) is to have arround 20 of them one 5" for cutting, one 5" for grinding some 5" with sander disc of each grits, one with wire brush and keep arround 5 of spare in your shop!ho and btw more and more C-clamps! you can easily find them in stores but i recommand to go on Ebay you'll find some LOT of 6 or 10, my advice will be to buy from each sellers, 10 pack of 10 vise grip c clampsLast edited by LayoutMan; 05-03-2012 at 04:39 PM.Calculator > Bevel Square
Reply:A 3 Musketeers and a ball point pen, one of those combs there, a pint of Old Harper, a couple of flashlight batteries and some beef jerky.[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpTdCwyWE_g&feature=related[/ame]Last edited by tanglediver; 05-03-2012 at 05:37 PM.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:In addition to all the aforementioned items, if the one you already have doesn't understand the need for all those things, then a new wife may need to be added to the list.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Forgot, first aid kit and burn ointment !
Reply:A radio and a refrigerator full of beer! I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been CowboysOriginally Posted by duaneb55Scratch that ointment.  Learn to burn!  Chicks dig scars. A sign of a devoted weldor is when they tolerate that burning piece of spatter down a shirt/pants/shoe/glove just a second or two longer than it takes to finish out that last inch of bead.
Reply:Get the Miller student kit it was $25.00 when I bought mine about a year ago. Its about 4" of books that explain all types of welding. Its a must have good bargain.
Reply:I already have a 4 1/2 angle grinder, 6" bench grinder, vise, a few c clamps, couple of square, fire extingisher, 5 gallon buckets, radio in garage, wire brush, vise gripes, sharpies, saftey glasses,  clear sheild.I talked to a co-worker today.  Her husband used to have a metal fabrication shop.  He has a welding table and more metal he might sell to me.  Might see if he will give me some pointer too.
Reply:Is it just me, but why buy more than one grinder?  You can just switch out discs whenever you have to.  Don't forget some soapstone or a scriber.  Don't use permanent sharpies, if your fabricating something it will take forever to rub off and grinding it off will only make whatever your making ugly especially if your gonna do any kind of painting. I suggest using some kind of paint marker or just plain soapstone.Last edited by Tat2dHandz; 08-06-2012 at 02:19 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by Tat2dHandzIs it just me, but why buy more than one grinder?  You can just switch out discs whenever you have to.
Reply:Sure, but it slows everything down.  A lot of times you're moving between a grinding wheel, a cutting wheel and a flap disc on the same job.Jack OlsenMy garage website
Reply:Originally Posted by Tat2dHandzIs it just me, but why buy more than one grinder?  You can just switch out discs whenever you have to.
Reply:Because I am a hobby welder, and if a grinder fails I do not lose income, I have four cheap  4.5" grinders, (wire brush, flap disk, regular grinder, and cut off wheel) they are frequently on sale at Harbor Freight for $9.99, I also spend the couple of bucks for the extended warranty; at that low price they become disposabile.If I were a pro, depending on my tools for a living I can afford to use cheap tools.I offer three choices: Good, Fast, & Cheap. You may pick two.Hobart AC/DC StikMate LXHarbor Freight AD HoodHarbor Freight Industrial Chop SawDeVilbis 20 Gallon, 5 HP Compressor
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Scratch that ointment.  Learn to burn!  Chicks dig scars. A sign of a devoted weldor is when they tolerate that burning piece of spatter down a shirt/pants/shoe/glove just a second or two longer than it takes to finish out that last inch of bead.
Reply:And one more thing if welding inside a low speed Exhaust Fan.Just enough to clear the smoke away from your eyes.
Reply:I don't know exactly where you are in Az but, before I run to the scrap yard in the next few weeks, you can come by and I'll give you some scrap to practice on. You are also welcome to either bring your machine by for some basic pointers, or I have some similar machines you can run a few beads on, if your co-workers husband doesn't work out, or you need a second opinion. I am just north of the Carefree Highway and 24th street. PM me if interested and I'll give you my number.
Reply:Sure, I can see why you would want more than one grinder.  But for a guy who is just starting out, one grinder is just fine.
Reply:Originally Posted by Tat2dHandzSure, I can see why you would want more than one grinder.  But for a guy who is just starting out, one grinder is just fine.
Reply:Originally Posted by pruavI already have a 4 1/2 angle grinder, 6" bench grinder, vise, a few c clamps, couple of square, fire extingisher, 5 gallon buckets, radio in garage, wire brush, vise gripes, sharpies, saftey glasses,  clear sheild.I talked to a co-worker today.  Her husband used to have a metal fabrication shop.  He has a welding table and more metal he might sell to me.  Might see if he will give me some pointer too.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseWhen I first "started out" welding, on the first day I had one grinder.On the second day, after swapping grinding disks, cut-off wheels, and wire brushes 'til I was blue in the face, I made a trip to Home Depot and came back with TWO more grinders!!!  I spent more time the first day changing out the disks and wheels on one grinder than I did fitting and welding.  Now I have 4 grinders and might even get another one!
Reply:Originally Posted by Tat2dHandzFor me, I just don't see the need. I don't mind switching out discs, for the few seconds it takes it's just not worth it to me to spend more money on another/more grinders.  Maybe consider two grinders if you must, 5" unit and a 7" unit for heavier grinding.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuse....burn some rods/wire!!!
Reply:So, now do you have some of all of the above? if so, now you are ready to start welding. Hook up the machine and turn it on. Or did we scare him off with all the stuff already recommended? That's just the BASIC stuff, now time to move on to the more advanced stuff. Attached Images
Reply:I'am glad to see everone has still got a sence on humor - The only thing that would have gotthe op more hit would have been   "I'am gona build a trailer-what do i need"The main thing is not to panic or get excited Bobcat 250, X-Treme 12VS,  MM211Meltabo, Milwaukee,Porter Cable,Dewalt,MakitaVictor O/A, Ingersoll-RandEvolution Rage2, 40 amp PlasmaLincoln 225 AC/DC