Getting started...

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Just getting into the certified side of welding.  I will be taking my x-ray structural and then going to take a 4 month pipe course.  I currently have a good business, but want to pursue welding now and will be trying to make the transition while keeping my current business going. Does anyone recommend buying a Bobcat 225 or 250 to start with or just find a good used SA?  I want to start learning Tig and other processes as well.  I have some money to spend on equipment and the only way is to practice and nothing comes for free.  I am 35, college grad, Army, yadayadayada, so just looking for any pointers on self teaching for TIG or any suggestions from the folks who have been around a little.  I know life is tough and not everyone is successful but lay it out.Thanks..
Reply:I would stay away from the Bobcats and jump up to a Trailblazer or bigger but if you can find a good running SA200 in diesel that would be my choice.  If you plain to do work in refineries they will not allow gas powered machine so if thats the directions your heading keep that in mind.  If you wanted something for structure work I would look into a machine that can run CC/CV but also have enough amps to do some gouging with.
Reply:I will be down in the lower 48 in Dec, so I will wait and get a diesel lincoln sa.  That has been my thought but have been chomping at the bit to pic a machine up now.  I am liking all that I am learning and want to pic up the pace, but I guess I will have to wait.  I do not want to cut myself out of any possible jobs because of equipment.  Thanks for the reply and any other advice is appreciated as I begin this new career.  Failure is not an option.  Just try a little harder.
Reply:Any advice for getting started...  I am planning on working in the field not a shop.  I obviously will probably have to start as a helper but would like to start thinking about which diesel lincoln and why which one.   Trying to learn the ins and outs of each make model and why some folks have preference for each different kind.  Thanks
Reply:You can always buy an older constant current engine drive and fit a CV kit to it for running wire. but keep in mind the older machines don't usually have VRD (voltage reduction) so it may prevent you working in mine sites, refineries etc. But no VRD also means you get a better welder for stick. If you are running serious wires you will need a machine with a good duty cycle and high amp output. If you plan on TIG welding aluminium you will need an AC machine.A good wire feeder is expensive but not something you want to scrimp on.Keep in mind a decent engine drive is big and heavy, my lincoln weighs 800kg dry (1900lb) and takes up a lot of tray spaceI run a Lincoln 400 AS-50 because: I like Perkins diesels, it has minmal electronic components to go wrong in the field, it has a great duty cycle of 80% at 400 amps, and I can fine tune the arc characteristics for stick welding. I got the machine second hand with only 120 hours for a fraction of new price. I would suggest looking at a used machine, many big companies buy fleets of engine drives then sell them off cheap when the contract is done.
Reply:Thanks for that.  I have been looking for about a year.  I was thinking that I may as well get  a newer machine with all capabilities.  I want to become proficient at TIG and will surely have wire box capability.  Any downside to the newer 4-500 amp lincoln.  I always here how great the old ones are for stictly pipe, but would think the new ones still do very well even though I have not found many praises or complaints.  I am figuring on 10-15k to get set up with some equipment.  I already have a  1 ton truck that can handle the weight.
Reply:a 1 tonner doesn't leave you much after you throw a welder on it. add tools and an oxy set and a few lengths of steel and you will be struggling. And I would at least double that 10-15k if I was you, don't forget that on top of the engine drive you will have to buy a wire feeder, TIG gear, oxy gear, gas regs and leads, copper welding leads, power tools, hand tools, toolboxes, consumables, and have some cash for stock materials and for jobs up front. Thats before you pay insurance, promotion, accountancy, and running costs. I'm not trying to discourage you at all, just don't underestimate the setup costs involved. I setup my mobile business midway through last year, and budgetted for around 40k including truck. I ended up forking out 70k. (Aussie dollars not US).Good luck, nothing beats working for yourself.
Reply:If you are ex military, go to UA.ORG and look into welding programs.UA Local 598
Reply:I am taking a structural and pipe course right now at AVTEC.  I actually went into the Army a few years after college at 26 (4 yr degree already paid for thanks to grandma) and was still dumb enough to not pay into the GI bill because I hate school and was not ever going again.  The GI bill I do qualify is not allowed for use at a Votech so I am paying this one out of pocket.  Oh well, just thankful I can afford it both time and money wise.  I just checked out UA and it is not what I thought...  There is a college in Anchorage called UA... funny huh.  Univ of Alaska..
Reply:UA.org is the United Association of plumbers, and pipefitters. If you are ex military, you can get free weld training through their 'Veterans in piping' program and entry into their apprenticeship program.http://www.uavip.org/UA Local 598
Reply:! use a Bobcat 250 but welding is about 25% of what I do so it works for me. If I was to be welding 100% of the time it would be an 1800 rpm diesel machine but not nesseserly as SAxxx machine. Make sure that the machine you get has GFI outlets. If you plug a tools right into the welder you dn't need it but if you have to use an extension cord OSHA say you need the GFI. Tthey're checking it now and outlet/stud covers too.Tough as nails and damn near as smart