Need to Learn Welding, best tool for my needs?

admin

Hi all. My name is Joe and I run a small livestock operation in Washington State, pigs mainly. As my operation has grown I have run into a problem: gates that are available for purchase in my area are of poor quality and don't hold up as needed. I have tried seeking out a manufacturer to no avail, and the local welding shop is prohibitively expensive. So, I need to learn to do it myself.Of course, getting into a new trade like this requires a steep learning curve at the start and that means lots of questions which is why I'm here. My first question, naturally, is which welder will best suit my needs. I believe my ideal tool would be capable of both mig and stick, and plug into a 110v outlet. Unable to find this one, the next best option seems to be the Hobart Handler 140. I was going to buy it, when I learned that these don't always function properly on a standard 110v, due to the fact that they can trip a breaker if the amperage is set too high. The odds of me hiring an electrician to solve this problem is unlikely, because that would likely make the whole project economically unfeasible. So next I'm looking at using alternative circuits than a 110 into a 20 amp breaker.My first thought was to use the circuit that my freezer is on, a 110v, 20a, but then I realized that may not be enough. Next I looked at using another existing circuit, like the one for the dryer (220v on a 30a, if memory serves), or the one for the stove, a 220v and 50a breaker. Obviously that would solve the amperage problem, but then I would need a special extension cord, and the receptacles may not match up. I also looked at my generator which has both 110v and 220v on a 30a breaker. This may be another option, but again it depends on the receptacle and amperage needs for a 220v welder.I have several 110v 20a circuits I could dedicate temporarily to a welding job, if the tool will function properly on that circuit, but again, I'm not sure that it will.Your experience and advice would be very much appreciated!
Reply:Hi Coal,yer kinda in a pickle.A 240v machine is always a better bang for the buck BUT I imagine you'll need to be portable with gate/fence repairs.Low end 120v Fluxcore only machine from HF gets a good review here.https://weldingweb.com/vbb/threads/7...inverter+stickit would run off the generator you have.The HH140 would run off it as well and also allow for MIG welding in the shop. If you have a dedicated 20amp circuit it will work fine.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:Yea, there are no 100v machine that would require more than a 20A circuit and for welding, "Gate Material", it's all you're likely to need from a MIG welder (like that 125 HF Titanium, it'd be perfect for that...)