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I am a beginning welder who hasn't welded in ~15 years. The only welding experience I have was shop class in high school. I caught on quickly and made some pretty solid welds back then - and have been looking for an opportunity to get back into welding.We have a horse trailer that needs an aluminum ramp built. I was quoted $2500 from a local shop for the ramp (way above what I am willing to spend) and figured this was the perfect opportunity to spend some money on a welder. I am going to be welding predominately 3/16'' aluminum, but will also be welding some 1/8'' and some 1/4'' aluminum. Based on what I have read, mig welding is probably the way to go. 120v access is by far the most accessible to me - but I can get access to 220v for the larger 1/4'' materials.Any advice on this setup? I am trying to keep the cost as low as possible, but if I should go a different route with anything, I am absolutely open to doing just that! I wanted to be close to $500, but am fine going as high as about $750 all in.Hynade 175 amp 110/220v multiprocess (Mig, stick, tig) welder (I hope to use 110v @ 155 amp max, but can get 220 access if more amperage is needed) - $270https://www.amazon.com/Multi-Functio.../dp/B09JJPCTYN-or-Lotos 140 multifunction welder (comes with regulator) - $370https://www.amazon.com/Welder-Alumin...s%2C131&sr=8-5Spool gun - $100https://www.ebay.com/itm/20166906903...kAAOSwPU9bX8SaHarbor freight welding helmet, gloves, etc ($35 helmet, $22 gloves/safety gear)https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...met-64527.htmlArgon regulator ($30 on Amazon) and Argon tank ($100 shipped used on Ebay)All in cost would be around $550 (or approx 650 for the lotos.It looks like material costs are going to be around $500 if I build it myself. So for a little over $1000 total, I can build the ramp and have a welder for future use!Any suggestions are very much appreciated!
Reply:Budgets too low. Those machines lack the power for aluminum. 200 amps or more when you get into heavier materials. 110 volts is better suited to a battery charger not a welding machine, especially for aluminum.
Reply:I do have access to 220v. It is a bit of a pain to use it, but I definitely can if that is what needs to happen.What is the minimum budget I would need to do what I want? Predominately 1/8 and 3/16'' aluminum, but occasionally 1/4'' aluminum.
Reply:Not what you want to hear but what MJD says is trueHave you looked into your cost of materials for your ramp? Depending on size and design that $2500 quote would not appear out of line. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk:
Reply:You need a 240v machine period, 120v you'll be wasting your time, then when the horses walk on it, all the welds will break because they're cold,Eastwood tig welder, $850Yes welder AC/DC with pulse is $750Yes welder 250amp mig is $560 with $199 spool gunThere's a couple of cheap options for you Don't try to use a 120v machine, won't work Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
http://www.philswelding.com
Reply:I want to do this the correct way, so thank you. I did the math and came up with about $500 in materials. The ramp will be approx. 48'' x 40''. I got two quotes and both were in that range. I think the price is about right - I just also see this as an opportunity to spend that money on a welding setup that I can use for both this project and in the future.
Reply:It sounds like this is definitely the consensus answer. 220v is going to be required, which isn't what I wanted to hear, but it isn't a deal breaker. I think I can work with the prices of the yeswelder brand. I will still be under 1k total for the whole setup. Thanks!
Reply:
Originally Posted by redman22
It sounds like this is definitely the consensus answer. 220v is going to be required, which isn't what I wanted to hear, but it isn't a deal breaker. I think I can work with the prices of the yeswelder brand. I will still be under 1k total for the whole setup. Thanks!
Reply:I understand exactly what you mean. I was really hoping to get a setup that will last for many years with very intermittent use - and getting something like this may cost a little more. Are there any non-name brand welders that you would recommend? Anything that might be a little less expensive than Eastwoods, etc?
Reply:
Originally Posted by redman22
It sounds like this is definitely the consensus answer. 220v is going to be required, which isn't what I wanted to hear, but it isn't a deal breaker. I think I can work with the prices of the yeswelder brand. I will still be under 1k total for the whole setup. Thanks!
Reply:The 1/4'' welding I am referring to can be passed off to a professional - and it sounds like I will just limit myself to 3/16'' max with the setup I end up with. I understand that some things require someone well versed with decades of experience - and am absolutely willing to utilize a pro like this where necessary. The 1/4'' would only come into play on rare occasions - and if the setup I buy isn't capable of handling that, I will simply have it done at my local shop.Are there any less expensive brands that you would recommend? There has to be at least one lower-cost brand out there that is reliable! If not, there is a used lincoln 180 multi (mig, tig, stick) near me for 400 used. Do you think the Lincoln 180 would be high enough amperage?
Reply:For budget machines, I believe primeweld gives the best bang for the buck.
Reply:For heavier Al you could always go with stick, i've had luck welding 1/2" AL plate with stick. For your budget it might be best to try and find a used machine local that is suitable then trying to find a cheap new machine. Could get an old buzz box and try and a tig kit and tig weld the AL.Airco Auto-Pak 130Forney 235AC/DC
Reply:The only two less expensive machines that I would even consider for what you want to do (3/16 max) would be the Hobart Handler 190 or Primeweld MTS 200 with their matching spool guns. The Hobart would run around $1,150 and the Primeweld around $950. Those machines are going to be essentially maxed out on 3/16, but should be able to do it. The downside is that maxed out you're going to have to take frequent breaks or run into the duty cycle pretty regularly.I wouldn't consider the Yeswelder or Lotos for a second. Aluminum takes a lot of power and there really isn't any way around it. To be fair with most posts like this people don't really save much/any money buying a welder for one project. The other thing is that once you start welding you'll find other things you want to do and more often than not, those call for more power. I thought my first TIG had more than enough power (210A)....didn't take long before I added a machine with another 105A on tap!Check out my bench vise website: http://mivise.comMiller Syncrowave 250DXMillermatic 350P with XR AlumaProMiller Regency 200 with 22A feeder and Spoolmatic 3Hobart Champion EliteEverlast PowerTig 210EXT
Reply:dont forget the bottle of Argon. $$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:
Originally Posted by redman22
Are there any less expensive brands that you would recommend? There has to be at least one lower-cost brand out there that is reliable! If not, there is a used lincoln 180 multi (mig, tig, stick) near me for 400 used. Do you think the Lincoln 180 would be high enough amperage?
Reply:I am going to look for a few used ones in the 200A+ range locally and see what I can come up with. And yes - my definition of "low-cost" seems to be somewhere between reasonable quality (read as "higher cost") and super low-cost brands straight from overseas. My goal here isn't really to save much money - it is to get equipment that I will be able to use intermittently for many years to come - and spend about the same amount as I would otherwise spend on having a ramp fabricated.I will be sure to post back here if I find any reasonable looking used units floating around - or if I end up increasing my budget to get a new 200A+ unit from a reasonable name brand.
Reply:Welding aluminum and cheap equipment do not go hand in hand like others have posted above. There is some good advice up there. I'd follow it and good luck.Lincoln 330MPXLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln LN-25X Wire FeederMagnum PRO 250LX GT Spool GunLincoln AC/DC 225¼ Ton of Torches OFC-A OFG-AAir Carbon Arc Gouging CAC-AEverlast 62i Plasma CutterIngersoll Rand T-30 14hpInstagram: #Freebird Welds
Reply:Your price range is in the "yeswelder" range, so either raise your price range or just buy a Chinese welder,Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
http://www.philswelding.com
Reply:
Originally Posted by MetalMan23
just buy a Chinese welder,
Reply:Most of the less expensive spool guns I think would give mediocre performance at best on anything over 1/8" aluminum. Couple that with your inexperience (no offence intended) but it's a recipe for disaster. You would feel beyond terrible if it broke and injured a horse! That's why the $2500 cost for an experienced aluminum fabricator. They'd likely Tig a lot of it. They have the right equipment, the required experience and most importantly should/would stand behind their work. You'd need about a $1500 budget for a good USED set up. A new HD Miller spool gun would cost that or more just by itself. You also need at least a 50 amp 230 circuit, the dryer circuit won't work. Sorry just no way to really do aluminum like you want on a tight budget. Maybe you could cut all the pieces to save some money and just take it in to be welded? Talk to the fabricator.Last edited by Welder Dave; 1 Week Ago at 02:17 AM.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Welder Dave
Most of the less expensive spool guns I think would give mediocre performance at best on anything over 1/8" aluminum. Couple that with your inexperience (no offence intended) but it's a recipe for disaster. You would feel beyond terrible if it broke and injured a horse! That's why the $2500 cost for an experienced aluminum fabricator. They'd likely Tig a lot of it. They have the right equipment, the required experience and most importantly should/would stand behind their work. You'd need about a $1500 budget for a good USED set up. A new HD Miller spool gun would cost that or more just by itself. You also need at least a 50 amp 230 circuit, the dryer circuit won't work. Sorry just no way to really do aluminum like you want on a tight budget. Maybe you could cut all the pieces to save some money and just take it in to be welded? Talk to the fabricator.
Reply:
Originally Posted by Oscar
If it's a yeswelder, he'd need to buy the 3,500A machine, so that it produces about 230A in real life, lol.
Reply:And you can't forget that I need to buy everything else. Argon tank ($100), fill that tank ($50-60), regulator ($30), welding helmet ($40), gloves, hood, etc (another $50+). I am looking at close to $300 in additional costs after the welder itself. Even if I go with the Eastwood or Primeweld, I am looking at around $900-1k total for the equipment. The Lincoln would set me back in the $1400 range for everything.
Reply:
Originally Posted by MetalMan23
Probably, lol, they are known to "overestimate" their equipment Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
Originally Posted by redman22
but it is a 4000 watt (5000 peak) generator with a 240 plug. It wouldn't meet the wattage demand, but would be close
Reply:Redman, I've been in your position before. My philosophy in life has always been to buy the tool and do the job myself, instead of paying someone else. That way I ended up with the tool. I now have a lot of tools and equipment due to that philosophy.You haven't mentioned which process you want to use on the aluminum. TIG or MIG?Either way, you will need to budget for practice materials and extra consumables. MIG is typically acknowledged as being the easier technique to learn, but TIG is more versatile. You'll need to have your weld areas surgically clean for aluminum.Personally I'd be in the market for an older TIG machine, such as a Syncrowave 250 with a water cooled torch or the previous generation Dialarc 250 with high frequency. You may be able to find one within your budget. The only drawback is that you'll need at least 50A circuit and more likely 75A on 240VAC to weld 1/4" aluminum. However those machines that should last a lifetime for you with good care. Leave them unplugged when not in service so that any voltage spikes on the power lines won't cause harm to the circuitry.Everybody in this thread has given you good advice regarding machine sizing. If you buy a good quality machine used, you can get more for your budget and not have to worry so much about long term parts availability. My first TIG machine was a 1960's vintage Airco Heliwelder that I bought used in the late 1990's. It worked great for me for 10 years and still worked fine when I sold it after buying my Syncrowave 250DX.Best of success to you.Miller Trailblazer Pro 350DMiller Suitcase MIGMiller Spectrum 2050Miller Syncrowave 250DXLincoln 210MP
Reply:I would recommend the PrimeWeld MIG180 that comes with a regular mig gun for steel, a welding stinger for stick welding, and a spoolgun for aluminum. You have 30 days to decide if you like it or not, if it doesn't do the job the way you want, you can call them up and return the machine. They will only ask you where to send the label, and why you're returning it. They have always picked up the phone when I've called, have been pleasant, and helpful , before and after the sale. I have had one for almost a year (mig 180) and it has been an asset. I originally purchased a Mig 160 but didnt like that it only took 4" spools. They returned my money within 24 hours of recieving the machine back. A week later I bought the Mig 180 because my Lincoln 210mp was still waiting for a new main PCB (6-8 week wait) . After owning it for a couple of weeks I found it pretty handy, its also a good stick welder, 7014,7018,6013,6011 all work great on it, 6010 is a little sticky , but I can make it work. It is by no means an industrial machine, but the capabilities vs. the price ($500) make it pretty good deal. A 3 year warranty with a phone # to call a person ,,,, priceless. I have spent 4 weeks, and about 20 hours chatting with bots at CenturyLink trying to straight out my internet and phone , I have only spoken to one person(in India if I had to guess) who only tranferred me to a line that used phone prompts to troubleshoot.......but no, I need finance,,,,,,,, noooooooooooooooooooooo! But I digress, customer service is high on my list anymore, there are tons of cheap welders out there , but these guys at Primeweld are here in NJ and do a great job.Yes it can do aluminum, and suggest you try it out. With a little bit of pre heat, and only doing several small weld spaced out , it can work . I haven't tripped out the duty cycle over heat yet , and I've done some long stretches of aluminum. Just my opinion on my experience with PrimeWeld, give them a call before you buy, and ask them your questions. I think you ll find they are very helpful, and the have never over represented their machines capabilities.good luckAirco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60DPrimeweld 225 ac/dcPrimeweld mig180Miller AEAD-200
Reply:I would recommend the PrimeWeld MIG180 that comes with a regular mig gun for steel, a welding stinger for stick welding, and a spoolgun for aluminum. You have 30 days to decide if you like it or not, if it doesn't do the job the way you want, you can call them up and return the machine. They will only ask you where to send the label, and why you're returning it. They have always picked up the phone when I've called, have been pleasant, and helpful , before and after the sale. I have had one for almost a year (mig 180) and it has been an asset. I originally purchased a Mig 160 but didnt like that it only took 4" spools. They returned my money within 24 hours of recieving the machine back. A week later I bought the Mig 180 because my Lincoln 210mp was still waiting for a new main PCB (6-8 week wait) . After owning it for a couple of weeks I found it pretty handy, its also a good stick welder, 7014,7018,6013,6011 all work great on it, 6010 is a little sticky , but I can make it work. It is by no means an industrial machine, but the capabilities vs. the price ($500) make it pretty good deal. A 3 year warranty with a phone # to call a person ,,,, priceless. I have spent 4 weeks, and about 20 hours chatting with bots at CenturyLink trying to straight out my internet and phone , I have only spoken to one person(in India if I had to guess) who only tranferred me to a line that used phone prompts to troubleshoot.......but no, I need finance,,,,,,,, noooooooooooooooooooooo! But I digress, customer service is high on my list anymore, there are tons of cheap welders out there , but these guys at Primeweld are here in NJ and do a great job.Yes it can do aluminum, and suggest you try it out. With a little bit of pre heat, and only doing several small weld spaced out , it can work . I haven't tripped out the duty cycle over heat yet , and I've done some long stretches of aluminum. Just my opinion on my experience with PrimeWeld, give them a call before you buy, and ask them your questions. I think you ll find they are very helpful, and the have never over represented their machines capabilities.good luckAirco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60DPrimeweld 225 ac/dcPrimeweld mig180Miller AEAD-200
Reply:
Originally Posted by albrightree
I would recommend the PrimeWeld MIG180 that comes with a regular mig gun for steel, a welding stinger for stick welding, and a spoolgun for aluminum. You have 30 days to decide if you like it or not, if it doesn't do the job the way you want, you can call them up and return the machine. They will only ask you where to send the label, and why you're returning it. They have always picked up the phone when I've called, have been pleasant, and helpful , before and after the sale. I have had one for almost a year (mig 180) and it has been an asset. I originally purchased a Mig 160 but didnt like that it only took 4" spools. They returned my money within 24 hours of recieving the machine back. A week later I bought the Mig 180 because my Lincoln 210mp was still waiting for a new main PCB (6-8 week wait) . After owning it for a couple of weeks I found it pretty handy, its also a good stick welder, 7014,7018,6013,6011 all work great on it, 6010 is a little sticky , but I can make it work. It is by no means an industrial machine, but the capabilities vs. the price ($500) make it pretty good deal. A 3 year warranty with a phone # to call a person ,,,, priceless. I have spent 4 weeks, and about 20 hours chatting with bots at CenturyLink trying to straight out my internet and phone , I have only spoken to one person(in India if I had to guess) who only tranferred me to a line that used phone prompts to troubleshoot.......but no, I need finance,,,,,,,, noooooooooooooooooooooo! But I digress, customer service is high on my list anymore, there are tons of cheap welders out there , but these guys at Primeweld are here in NJ and do a great job.Yes it can do aluminum, and suggest you try it out. With a little bit of pre heat, and only doing several small weld spaced out , it can work . I haven't tripped out the duty cycle over heat yet , and I've done some long stretches of aluminum. Just my opinion on my experience with PrimeWeld, give them a call before you buy, and ask them your questions. I think you ll find they are very helpful, and the have never over represented their machines capabilities.good luck
Reply:I will stop doing any 1/4 now that I find out it cant be done.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:
Originally Posted by albrightree
I would recommend the PrimeWeld MIG180 that comes with a regular mig gun for steel, a welding stinger for stick welding, and a spoolgun for aluminum. You have 30 days to decide if you like it or not, if it doesn't do the job the way you want, you can call them up and return the machine. They will only ask you where to send the label, and why you're returning it. They have always picked up the phone when I've called, have been pleasant, and helpful , before and after the sale. I have had one for almost a year (mig 180) and it has been an asset. I originally purchased a Mig 160 but didnt like that it only took 4" spools. They returned my money within 24 hours of recieving the machine back. A week later I bought the Mig 180 because my Lincoln 210mp was still waiting for a new main PCB (6-8 week wait) . After owning it for a couple of weeks I found it pretty handy, its also a good stick welder, 7014,7018,6013,6011 all work great on it, 6010 is a little sticky , but I can make it work. It is by no means an industrial machine, but the capabilities vs. the price ($500) make it pretty good deal. A 3 year warranty with a phone # to call a person ,,,, priceless. I have spent 4 weeks, and about 20 hours chatting with bots at CenturyLink trying to straight out my internet and phone , I have only spoken to one person(in India if I had to guess) who only tranferred me to a line that used phone prompts to troubleshoot.......but no, I need finance,,,,,,,, noooooooooooooooooooooo! But I digress, customer service is high on my list anymore, there are tons of cheap welders out there , but these guys at Primeweld are here in NJ and do a great job.Yes it can do aluminum, and suggest you try it out. With a little bit of pre heat, and only doing several small weld spaced out , it can work . I haven't tripped out the duty cycle over heat yet , and I've done some long stretches of aluminum. Just my opinion on my experience with PrimeWeld, give them a call before you buy, and ask them your questions. I think you ll find they are very helpful, and the have never over represented their machines capabilities.good luck
Reply:As much as I like the Hobart I got to admit,,, or it really amazes me the low cost the stuff has become and it works. When we compare it to traditional machines or hi end and start talking that they wont be here 30 yrs from now what this says is I got no use for the thing really. The upscale forums are full of broke stuff, boards cant be fixed yet we worry to tears we might have to replace this 500$ machine in 10 years. As for the post above,,,, that is a poster case for good net advice for a couple reasons. Number 1,,, being rather qualified to form an accurate opinion and whiler there are other guys talk about various machines and are experts its boilded down for a guy that is unsure,,,, buy this machine. Scott V is expert but tests so many and uses them in the same sentence that I cant keep track of them. Louie does that well with the Rebel, splains it all well,,,, its really economical, I could hit the buy button real easy if I needed it.Last edited by Sberry; 1 Week Ago at 10:06 AM.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:
Originally Posted by Sberry
This is probably accurate word for word and tested by someone that knows.
Reply:I am with some others here,,, I say buyu the tool on this one too. Its a good place to start, its a good place to make a mess of some stuff if not careful but the tool will pay off every time you use it after this. While the alum gets the attn plan on another gas bottle right off,,, even look used but the workhorse in a small shop is 180 machine 030 solid wire.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:There are so many with so many names now, they are basically the same couple models but with 50 names, just put a sticker on it so its important to fixure out which it is. I believe someone said avoid Lotus maybe? Same for that yes thing and then there were some shiners. I suspect most of this stuff,,,, 85% or better comes down 1 of 3 lines by about 2 big companies and a smaller 1. Junk, then a step up, then a bit better one and the marketing is between the 2nd and the third which cost just a bit more. Same with a lot of modern tools, yes there is a survivor among the 9.95 HF grinder but its junk and then 20$ and its a little better but starting at about 30 can sort thru and find the model is the generic fugger they use world wide and sticker it. For most practical purpose a guy has to get near a hundred bucks if then to get something noticeably better,,, you could paint it and toss it in a gang box and no one give it a second thought. It was a blessing to find that tool in this business. Opening a box at 30$ and getting years service to it was a rea; splution and I hate fussing with that crap and have seen buckets full of Metabo and others just the same. Someone just give me 3 heavy Mill they ruined in a factory, they make too much peak power to run that long. I have never overheated a Walmart B&D, have done the industrial,,,, this is better.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:There are so many with so many names now, they are basically the same couple models but with 50 names, just put a sticker on it so its important to fixure out which it is. I believe someone said avoid Lotus maybe? Same for that yes thing and then there were some shiners. I suspect most of this stuff,,,, 85% or better comes down 1 of 3 lines by about 2 big companies and a smaller 1. Junk, then a step up, then a bit better one and the marketing is between the 2nd and the third which cost just a bit more. Same with a lot of modern tools, yes there is a survivor among the 9.95 HF grinder but its junk and then 20$ and its a little better but starting at about 30 can sort thru and find the model is the generic fugger they use world wide and sticker it. For most practical purpose a guy has to get near a hundred bucks if then to get something noticeably better,,, you could paint it and toss it in a gang box and no one give it a second thought. It was a blessing to find that tool in this business. Opening a box at 30$ and getting years service to it was a rea; splution and I hate fussing with that crap and have seen buckets full of Metabo and others just the same. Someone just give me 3 heavy Mill they ruined in a factory, they make too much peak power to run that long. I have never overheated a Walmart B&D, have done the industrial,,,, this is better.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Fargin puter posting 2x. But this is 1 reason I post about that particular grinder. I dont say,,, which is true,,, there is tyhis and that, we say,,, used several of these in a tuff shop, this model at this store and I have had several pm and even a shop owner or 2 says,,, dont tell anyone but its what I use too and guys say, bought it last week, beat the snot out of it and am impressed. I was going to get another and see Walmart changed, for giggles I buy 22$ one but havnt tried it yet. I was tossing it in the back in case but thats how we found the BD,,, should have use them sooner but they were insurance and I finally open one and been using them since. I think I used 4 or 5 in last 20 years and the first one we really ran lots. Never had to replace or fix a cord. I like the DW402 for handling but not as durable as the cheaper orange one.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Fargin puter posting 2x. But this is 1 reason I post about that particular grinder. I dont say,,, which is true,,, there is tyhis and that, we say,,, used several of these in a tuff shop, this model at this store and I have had several pm and even a shop owner or 2 says,,, dont tell anyone but its what I use too and guys say, bought it last week, beat the snot out of it and am impressed. I was going to get another and see Walmart changed, for giggles I buy 22$ one but havnt tried it yet. I was tossing it in the back in case but thats how we found the BD,,, should have use them sooner but they were insurance and I finally open one and been using them since. I think I used 4 or 5 in last 20 years and the first one we really ran lots. Never had to replace or fix a cord. I like the DW402 for handling but not as durable as the cheaper orange one.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Used tanks may not pass testing. I look at 80 to 120cf tank size The smaller you refilling a lot.Dave
Originally Posted by redman22
I am a beginning welder who hasn't welded in ~15 years. The only welding experience I have was shop class in high school. I caught on quickly and made some pretty solid welds back then - and have been looking for an opportunity to get back into welding.We have a horse trailer that needs an aluminum ramp built. I was quoted $2500 from a local shop for the ramp (way above what I am willing to spend) and figured this was the perfect opportunity to spend some money on a welder. I am going to be welding predominately 3/16'' aluminum, but will also be welding some 1/8'' and some 1/4'' aluminum. Based on what I have read, mig welding is probably the way to go. 120v access is by far the most accessible to me - but I can get access to 220v for the larger 1/4'' materials.Any advice on this setup? I am trying to keep the cost as low as possible, but if I should go a different route with anything, I am absolutely open to doing just that! I wanted to be close to $500, but am fine going as high as about $750 all in.Hynade 175 amp 110/220v multiprocess (Mig, stick, tig) welder (I hope to use 110v @ 155 amp max, but can get 220 access if more amperage is needed) - $270https://www.amazon.com/Multi-Functio.../dp/B09JJPCTYN-or-Lotos 140 multifunction welder (comes with regulator) - $370https://www.amazon.com/Welder-Alumin...s%2C131&sr=8-5Spool gun - $100https://www.ebay.com/itm/20166906903...kAAOSwPU9bX8SaHarbor freight welding helmet, gloves, etc ($35 helmet, $22 gloves/safety gear)https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...met-64527.htmlArgon regulator ($30 on Amazon) and Argon tank ($100 shipped used on Ebay)All in cost would be around $550 (or approx 650 for the lotos.It looks like material costs are going to be around $500 if I build it myself. So for a little over $1000 total, I can build the ramp and have a welder for future use!Any suggestions are very much appreciated!
Reply:I don't know where the OP is located geographically, but this is off the Primeweld site.
Lots of work can be done with a machine like this. They also offer a bottle of 75/25 for the same price.HTHAirco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60DPrimeweld 225 ac/dcPrimeweld mig180Miller AEAD-200
Reply:I don't know where the OP is located geographically, but this is off the Primeweld site.
Lots of work can be done with a machine like this. They also offer a bottle of 75/25 for the same price.HTH
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Airco 250 ac/dc Heliwelder Square waveMiller Synchrowave 180 sdMiller Econo Twin HFLincoln 210 MPDayton 225 ac/dcVictor torchesSnap-On YA-212Lotos Cut60DPrimeweld 225 ac/dcPrimeweld mig180Miller AEAD-200
Reply:I think there are so many problems with this idea. First and foremost, I can't see you getting away with any less than $1200 in materials, not including anything you waste because of your inexperience. Unless you are talking mini horses or ponies, I think you are going to need much more material than you think. 2 inch, 0.187 wall extruded tube is going to cost you nearly 100 for a 4 foot length. I am guessing you need at least 6 of those for the frame. a 4x4 sheet of quarter inch diamond plate is another $600. You will then spend another roughly $1200 for the welder, gas, helmet, etc. Then who know what the vet bill will be when the thing fails and a horse gets injured. None of this includes the value of your time, and the amount of material you will waste from the learning curve. $2500 for the quote was cheap in my opinion. I am not telling you to not buy a welder, and I am not telling you its not freaking awesome to learn how to weld. But for the sake of the safety of your animals, don't learn on a ramp for a horse trailer. Spend the $2500 to have a pro do it for you, and take your time with the learning how to weld piece of it. Learning how to weld aluminum really is going to require you to learn how to weld on steel first. Aluminum is difficult to learn on. The smart call here is to take it in two steps. If you get into the welding and really like it you will likely spend many thousands on welding equipment, supplies, materials etc. before you get to the point where it will save you money on an aluminum project of this magnitude.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:It will be probably keeping the down on single project in aluminum. In steel you have two low cost options. Stick and fluxcore. With aluminum you need tank around $300.00 plus equipment. You can buy low cost but you new to this type welding should have better equipment or your welds may not hold up to a 1,000 pound horse. You could do a blend of steel and aluminum. Make framing out steel tubing and bolt the aluminum deck to steel frame.It will save a lot money in aluminum and equipment Dave
Originally Posted by redman22
I am a beginning welder who hasn't welded in ~15 years. The only welding experience I have was shop class in high school. I caught on quickly and made some pretty solid welds back then - and have been looking for an opportunity to get back into welding.We have a horse trailer that needs an aluminum ramp built. I was quoted $2500 from a local shop for the ramp (way above what I am willing to spend) and figured this was the perfect opportunity to spend some money on a welder. I am going to be welding predominately 3/16'' aluminum, but will also be welding some 1/8'' and some 1/4'' aluminum. Based on what I have read, mig welding is probably the way to go. 120v access is by far the most accessible to me - but I can get access to 220v for the larger 1/4'' materials.Any advice on this setup? I am trying to keep the cost as low as possible, but if I should go a different route with anything, I am absolutely open to doing just that! I wanted to be close to $500, but am fine going as high as about $750 all in.Hynade 175 amp 110/220v multiprocess (Mig, stick, tig) welder (I hope to use 110v @ 155 amp max, but can get 220 access if more amperage is needed) - $270https://www.amazon.com/Multi-Functio.../dp/B09JJPCTYN-or-Lotos 140 multifunction welder (comes with regulator) - $370https://www.amazon.com/Welder-Alumin...s%2C131&sr=8-5Spool gun - $100https://www.ebay.com/itm/20166906903...kAAOSwPU9bX8SaHarbor freight welding helmet, gloves, etc ($35 helmet, $22 gloves/safety gear)https://www.harborfreight.com/weldin...met-64527.htmlArgon regulator ($30 on Amazon) and Argon tank ($100 shipped used on Ebay)All in cost would be around $550 (or approx 650 for the lotos.It looks like material costs are going to be around $500 if I build it myself. So for a little over $1000 total, I can build the ramp and have a welder for future use!Any suggestions are very much appreciated!
Reply:
Originally Posted by redman22
As for the 240 circuit, my plans are likely less than idea. I have a generator that I would be using for access to 240 - or - I can use the dryer outlet. It would clearly be a temporary setup, but it is a 4000 watt (5000 peak) generator with a 240 plug. It wouldn't meet the wattage demand, but would be close. I figure I can weld for short periods of time to keep from tripping any circuits. Keep in mind this isn't a profession for me - it is a hobby at best.Eastwood has a 180A mig welder that they claim can weld 1/4'' aluminum that I am seriously considering. There is also a primeweld 180 mig that they claim can weld 1/4'' aluminum for about $100 less than the eastwood. Alternatively, there is the Lincoln 180 mig that also claims to weld 1/4'' aluminum, but it is just over $1k after buying the spool gun - while the Eastwood is $650 and the primeweld is $550 including the spool guns.
Reply:My opinion would be to borrow a stick welder from a friend, family, neighbor and build the thing out of steel. Learning curve is much less steep, and you can find junk or scrap anywhere to practice on.Then decide if you want that mig, or multi-process or just a cheap used buzz box. Or heck, buy both. PS, i know nothing about modern multiprocess welders. But i know i do like having more than one welding machine in my shop.Last edited by bead-boy; 1 Week Ago at 04:32 PM.Century buzzbox that I learned on 40+ years ago (was Dad's)Crappy Century 110volt mig 70 amp pigeon pooper.Lincoln Idealarc TIG-300
Reply:Get a used tank, bring it to a LWS that swaps tanks, like Praxair (now called Linde) there's literally no reason to buy a brand new tank. Sent from my SM-G973U using Tapatalk
http://www.philswelding.com
Reply:Might desire a tig torch cooler?
Reply:Your generator is way too small and you need to know if the welder you're considering is even designed so it can be used with a low end generator. Electrical circuit in a shop or home is different than a generator. You need a lot more watts than the rating on welder when using a generator. Otherwise everybody would be running shop welders on their trucks powered by a multi-purpose generator.
Reply:Take the $2500 that a fab shop would charge and buy a slightly used miller or Lincoln, 250 amp CV MIg machine, get set up with a bottle of Argon for aluminum and 75/25 for steel and you'll have a machine for life that will have good customer support.We've done so much, for so long, with so little. Were now qualified to do anything with nothing ! |
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发表于 2022-8-7 15:51:38