I'm kinda thinking about a little stick welder....

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Years ago we had a little "Stinger" stick welder. It had a Dial on the front, which always confused me. Nothing changed much whever the Dial was placed.I got pretty good with that little thing.Then we got a nice Lincoln 220. Remember this was way back in the late 60's or early 70's.I did some really magnificent projects with that Lincoln. Trailer hitch, boat trailer fix, etc. It would do small metal jobs too. In the hands of an expert.So now in my old age I'm thinking of another little "stinger" for monkeying around in my Barn. Again on Boat Trailers, and Riding Mower adaptions.I have a single 20a circuit down there.Who has a little Stinger for sale?Or if none of us has one, do you know of one?More pertinent, which one to stay away from?
Reply:Don't bother with a 'little' stick welder.A 110V 15A MIG (GMAW) will do sheet metal through 1/8" easily. Thicker stuff with some difficulty.Stick is great at thicker material where a lot of heat has to be brought in quickly.There is some overlap between the two, but for getting restarted in welding, MIG is much easier to get into and a whole lot more forgiving in techniques. The MIG equipment is a bit more complicated (costly) than a small stick welder. But as a hobiest a good MIG macine will give better value by a long chalk!Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:As far as stick welders on a 20A circuit (I assume 120 Volts), an inverter type would be best.Examples:Thermal Arc 95S  http://www.globalindustrial.com/p/pl....campaignId=WZESAB 161LTS  http://www.scottgrossstore.com/servl...S-Stick/Detail"USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I think that MIG would require some schooling.I have a Small Engine shop nearby who can weld. That might be a better option than me getting back into welding after all these years.I recall that little Stinger had some really offensive habits.The Lincoln was a really nice machine after I got past the learning curve.
Reply:I looked at those. I never heard of an Inverter.It seems that I'm a fer piece left out in the past!
Reply:Simply put, an inverter is a lump of electronics that trades voltage for current more efficiently than a transformer alone.Technically, an inverter takes the incoming 60Hz AC, recitifies and filters it to DC then converts it to high frequency AC (usually 400Hz, but higher frquencies are often used) the 110 or 220 is then run through a much smaller transformer to drop the voltage (increase the available current).Because an inverter is more efficient, it will give you more power to weld from a given source in a ligher, more compact machine.Because of the costs of building and shipping large copper-filled transformers, inverter machines tend to be lower for a given amount of welding power. However, the old 'buzz-boxes', being MUCH simpler tend to be more reliable and much longer lived.I learned to weld on a transformer stick welder. My current rig is O/A, an inverter TIG&stick welder and a transformer MIG. There are a whole lot of possibilities!First figure out what it is that you would like to do, then choose (look for a good used unit to start) the welding process that most closely matches what you want to do.Above all else, enjoy the activity of taking bits of metal and making something useful.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:I would look at the MILLERS. They are not cheap but will burn stick fine. Here's their Maxstar 150 which we have at work and will burn 3/32 ok. The duty cycle isn't much but will work for you. It is also 115/ 230 volt machine. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00142Now if you want more machine you can jump up to the Maxstar 200. This is also 115/230 volt machine. More power but more $$$$. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00142Barn ? Maybe a engine drive . Now you got a generator backup power source. More $$$$. Now if you want to get into tig you can try these. Maxstar 150 STL.  http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00152or 150 STH http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00143Here is the Milller site if you wanna do a search on the machines. http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...ng-Discussions
Reply:Miller has a good name. I kinda think the Miller originator was one of the first to hire an actual EE to make sure his stuff worked as advertised.In AK I had a VW Rabbit. Thinnest sheet metal I ever had to deal with. It was my Company car. On a trip to Valdez, and stopping near the Ocean, a hi wind blew the Door out of my hand and plumb off the little car.I tied the Door on and in place, and drove 250 miles in the Winter with that Drivers window partly down.At home I couldn't find any small rods. The 'Big 3 Lincoln Alaska' guy found some 1/16th rods. Had to special order them. We nicknamed them: "Volkswagon" Rods.I went a week with that Drivers Door tied on, until I got the Rods from 'Big 3' and went home to monkey around with that little car.I probably should have went by the Junk Yard and picked up some VW Rabbit parts to practice on.But I practiced on a couple places where people wouldn't see them, and put that door back on. Amazing eh?I thought a Welder would be a handy thing to own. Even though I never wanted to be a Welder for a living.
Reply:Get a set of used torches to play with. You can cut, heat + bend, braze, weld,burn off paint, tote them from place to place. A few videos and some scrap will pull you out of the learning curve, a couple of charts printed out will keep you straight on tips and gas pressures.You can even light the cutting torch, set it, snuff it out and use cardboard drink cartons for BM on the holidays !Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:We had Torches. I used them rarely though.I'll have to look into those Bottles for Dollar amount and the time it takes to empty one.Thanks.
Reply:Frankly, the odds are stacked against you with only 20 amps available.Rick V 1 Airco Heliwelder 3A/DDR3 CTC 70/90 amp Stick/Tig Inverters in Parallel1 Lincoln MIG PAK 151 Oxy-Acet
Reply:Look at those little multiprocess machines like Miller's Multimatic 200.  Mine seems like it will weld anything on 20A 110V circuit.  It's quite a bit of money though, I've seen some used ones come up in the Craigslist.BD1's Maxstar recommendation is solid, and mostly a US made Miller products.The recommendations from Oldendum would do very well for you too if you don't mind a completely offshore made product.  I have heard nothing but good about the little Thermal Arc inverter machines.
Reply:I got a lot more help than I was ready to use here.It's so cold down in that Barn tonite, I might not go back there for several months. Unless something breaks.I'll shop for used stuff for awhile.
Reply:Originally Posted by thudpuckerI got a lot more help than I was ready to use here.It's so cold down in that Barn tonite, I might not go back there for several months. Unless something breaks.I'll shop for used stuff for awhile.
Reply:This getting old is a lesson in Hurting.My Grounded 20a to the barn is 125' long. Too many other things on it.So I think I'm gonna pull  a 220 circuit down there.Then I'll not have the worries of that Welder.And just about anything I can afford will work.I'm beginning to Rue the day I sold all that stuff as I left Alaska.
Reply:Originally Posted by thudpuckerThis getting old is a lesson in Hurting.My Grounded 20a to the barn is 125' long. Too many other things on it.So I think I'm gonna pull  a 220 circuit down there.Then I'll not have the worries of that Welder.And just about anything I can afford will work.I'm beginning to Rue the day I sold all that stuff as I left Alaska.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauDid you run the 220 to the barn yet?
Reply:I have used one of those crappy 110 powered stick welders once. It was the biggest pile of crap ever. You could not strike an arc, carry it, etc. And when you got the stupid thing to go, you would not even penetrate anything. So, I switched to sheet metal, and would burn through. To un controllable for body work, and a very weak arc. As they said above, the money and time spent on upgrading to 220 is worth it in every way. No if ands or buts.
Reply:Originally Posted by Canadian Welding...I have used one of those crappy 110 powered stick welders once. It was the biggest pile of crap ever. You could not strike an arc, carry it, etc. And when you got the stupid thing to go, you would not even penetrate anything. ....
Reply:These work very well for what it is..http://www.ebay.com/itm/ArcOne-I100S...item1c3b9e28fdEsab/Lorch ET-220iEsab 160i caddyThermal LM-200 Lincoln feedersThermal Pee-Wee 85sThermal 60i- 3phase /RPC powered (Beast)Thermal Drag-gun 35CINE 1500 Klutch 140i
Reply:Originally Posted by thudpuckerAh you caught me there.Running the 220 down to the barn involves digging a trench.It's been too cold, and my Back is killing me.Later on when I can lay down when the Back says rest!This spring there will be "Sales" on the Wiire etc.But I'd like to keep my name in the list for a Cost-Reduced welder!
Reply:http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2148_200442148     http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...1520_200491520  or find something similar used    no digging required
Reply:If he is to cheap to upgrade to 220, i have a hard time seeing him buy a generator, even used like you said.
Reply:Buy the wire and pipe and get to it. You don't need to bury it now . Run it, make tie ins , and start weldin !
Reply:Originally Posted by puty72http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...2148_200442148     http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...1520_200491520  or find something similar used    no digging requiredThe 20 Amp 120 volt circuit to your barn will soon get loaded up with the decent light us older guys need in order to see well.Candles might seem romantic, but they won't do to weld by.I strongly suggest you get the strongest 220 Volt circuit you can afford run to the barn.  When you start adding a welder or two, grinders, band or cut off saw, and an air compressor, you won't have much left to run the hoist you will want to save your back.  Also, what about a coffee pot, refrigerator and a heater for the tiny room with a toilet?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:LOL, I completely agree with all that.I dug a trench for the 110 Line. This time I'll see if I can get the Grandson and His buddy to do the Digging with a Rototiller.I may be able to put a 220 socket on the outside of the laundry shed too.
Reply:The sugar house is on the other side of a forest with rocks as big as my van. Fastening ACSR to trees is illegal and dangerous. My Miller bobcat 250 2005 cost $1200 it is as nice a stick machine as I've used, provides back up power, and could be fitted with multi process equipment. No digging! When I need power at the sugar house, flip a switch.
Reply:I had two welders when I retired. A miller 250 and a Stinger. Also a Gas setup.I'll be forever sorry I let them all go as we sold out in prep to leaving Alaska.Just now getting my attitude back.
Reply:[QUOTE=Willie B;3697851] My Miller bobcat 250 2005 cost $1200 it is as nice a stick machine as I've used, provides back up power, and could be fitted with multi process equipment. No digging! That would be an easy way to get 240 volt power out to the barn, and then he wouldn't need to buy the little buzz box to weld with. Even be able to weld anywhere on the property and beyond.  Best idea so far on this topic.
Reply:Having a engine drive is nice. My 302 is the go to for emergence power. Since I bought it , no power issues, go figure . Money well invested as far as I'm concerned. You can NEVER have too many machines !
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1 Since I bought it , no power issues, go figure . Money well invested as far as I'm concerned.
Reply:Originally Posted by thudpuckerI had two welders when I retired. A miller 250 and a Stinger. Also a Gas setup.I'll be forever sorry I let them all go as we sold out in prep to leaving Alaska.Just now getting my attitude back.
Reply:I have to fess up!Nope! Nothing got done. Yes it was too  hot some days. My health is failing and the combination made me realize I better get rid of all the stuff in my barn before the wife is left with that chore.