just starting out, what to buy

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Hi I run a small landscaping company and we are looking to get our own welder for our shop, it would only be getting used occasionally and to weld plows and riding mowers etc., maybe welding metal 1/4" thick not much more.  What would be a good welder for us to buy, mig, tig, I have no idea where to start.Thanks
Reply:Hi carsoncity and welcome!!!  Given your stated criteria,I would have to say a 110v machine from a reputable dealer and .030 flux-core wire would be the most versatile. Miller  makes a good little machine that works well. I have one now and have used others. Lincolns  little red is a goodie also and it is a bit lighter than the blue one,if that matters to ya. Hobart has a f/c only machine that may be a bit cheaper than blue or red. The Linc or Miller can be swapped to hard wire(solid) that you need a gas with. This entails more set-up cost but gives nicer, cleaner welds if you only work indoors where the gas shielding is not blown away. Some one else will jump in soon so fasten your seat belt and get ready!!!
Reply:My opinion would be a Hobart Handler 180 it is a 220V unit but if your going 1/4 My opinion is go 220V. just my opinion. No jumping here..hmmm that was easy!Drivesector Hobart Handler 140Hobart Handler 180Ready Welder 2Hobart Air Force 400Airco Stinger 225Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most."OZZY"
Reply:even if its only used for 1/4" or larger once in a while, you will definately benefit from a 220v machine. for not much more cash you get much better capabilities.i would suggest a machine that is ready for mig (ready for shielding gas) as well as flux core. mig requires a cleaner surface, but has less cleanup time after welding. and if the piece is to be painted after welding youll want to mig it (saw the results of painted flux core today, and it aint pretty).as for what brand to buy, whats your favorite color?
Reply:I agree w/ the 220 v mig recommendation. It's better to have the extra amps and gas and not need 'em than to need 'em and ,well you know the rest.   I have a Miller 240 v 175 amp mig about 3 yrs old,have run about 25 lbs of solid wire thru it and it hasn't missed a beat except for cleaning the gun lead liner,which is normal.                           JMHO,                                    MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:If you are dealing with a lot of rusty metal, you might consider a stick machine.  Wire feeders are not too forgiving, even with flux core, when the metal is dirty, oily or rusty.  Stick machines, with the right rods can cut right through a lot of crud.  If you are planning to clean the metal before repairing, then wire fed is probably the easiest route, but if you get a wire feeder, you WILL have to clean everything you weld.On another note, if you are doing mainly thin material (around 1/8th or less), the wire feeder and good cleaning is probably the most trouble free route.  Thin dirty metal is tough for any type of process, but wire feeders with gas are less prone to burning through that stuff.From what I have seen of the metal stuff in the landscaping industry, if you plan to do your own welding, get a couple of good grinders and outfit one with a grinding wheel and the other with a knotted wire cup....you will use them a whole bunch.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Speaking from the standpoint of an occasional welder, you would be best served with the 220v welder, just because you will be doing the 1/4".  You will be hard pressed to do it with the 110v machine.  Get yourelf a grinder with cutoff wheels as well as grinding wheels, you'll need to be able to clean before you weld as well as have the abiltiy to cut stock.  Safety glasses, gloves, even a face shield are good to add to the list.  A few clamps will help.
Reply:mig or stick will work , but if your doing landscaping you may need to be mobile, so you may think about gas/diesel power. just a thought
Reply:AC225 by Lincoln***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:220 machine. I would never trust a weld on 1/4" done with a 110 machine. The penetration would be so minimal. My opinion of course
Reply:carsoncity... i agree with TEK. all you really need is something like the Hobart 140 MIG welder, you can run it flux core for outdoors welding or Solid Wire with shielding gas, indoors, which will give you a cleaner, neater weld..... your call.....MikeHH210Hobart Champ 10KLincoln Buzz BoxCampbell Hausfeld 115Victor JourneymanMilwaukee 14" Chop Saw7" Chop Saw4/12" horz band sawmetal benderother toys forthcoming.