Newbie first welder

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http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pm...418957508.htmlCentury 250A AC/DCWould this be suitable for a first welder for casual hobby use ?  Could I use it with a dryer outlet for smaller work?Thanks
Reply:What is your welding experience? That's not a bad welder for $100 since its got DC output. Ad far as power, a dryer outlet isn't the best choice but of that's all you got....That Century would be a better all around welder than a 110v mig.Sent from my XT907 using TapatalkLincoln SA 200Esab Caddy 160Thermal Arc 201TSMiller Dialarc HFI don't like making plans for the day because then the word "premeditated" gets thrown around the courtroom....
Reply:I had a very similar machine.  Yours should work great on a dryer outlet. You won't be cranking 1/8" electrodes, but a dryer outlet should manage 3/32" electrodes fine.  I learned a lot on that machine, made some pretty nice projects.Pick up some 3/32" 6010, 6013 and 7018 rod.  I liked the 6013 because it worked well for me on thinner material.  It was also much easier to hand file when complete than the 7018.   Couple of hints: --Do pick up a decent auto darkening helmet.  (If you can, buy one that will take "cheaters".. not all of them will.  A cheater is a magnifying lens that fits inside the helmet, helps you to see the puddle better...)--Always wear boots (laced up!) and other safety gear.  --Check out welding classes at your local community college.--Read up on some of the old postings on this forum.    I learned a lot from these guys.  --Take photos (and notes) often. You can check your progress, keep track of critical settings, record lessons learned.Part of the hassle of learning welding was obtaining scrap metal to practice on.  For my first few projects I used a hacksaw, bench vise and hand files for prep and finish.  It went way slow.  I've since moved on to bench grinder, hand grinder and portaband saw with stand for cutting, prepping and finishing details on metal.  Much easier now. Here are my first experiences with stick welding.--zip
Reply:It depends on the material thickness you want to weld. A stick welder is really best suited for 1/8" and thicker material.  This doesn't mean you can't weld thinner material than 1/8" with one though. Actually sitting here thinking about, if I had that unit, I'd pick myself up a TIG torch with a gas valve on it, and bottle of argon. This would give me a scratch start DC TIG unit for steel or SS.  No amperage control, but with some practice it can still be very effective. I like Jody's, from Weldingtipsandtricks.com, idea of using a knife switch foot pedal for stopping the arc at the end of a weld, so that you still have shielding gas flow protecting the end of the weld.Now I know who built the old AIRCO Bumble Bee buzz box that we use to have at work.I two  have 20 - 30 + year old Century buzz boxes. They're both sitting out in an old shed at my Dad's , and we've never had to do anything to them accept a few minor adjustments. Dad has been using one of them the past couple weekends.ESAB Migmaster 250 Hobart Ironman 230Multimatic 215TWECO Fabricator 181i & 211iHH125EZ - nice little fluxcore only unitMaxstar 150 STH - very nice
Reply:I think it's a great first machine. Try to grab it for less.  Where are the cables?  They're gonna cost you a bunch of money.On a 30 amp dryer outlet, don't expect to go over 100 amps output.  If you have an electric range, they're a 50 amp plug and will give you full range.
Reply:Thanks for the replies!What is the max thickness I can weld with 3/32 rods? If I only use up to 90A, is this going to be any better than a 110v box?I can get a lincoln ac225 for he same price but this has DC output - not sure if that make a big difference.Cables are included but the neg. is missing the plug to he welder - seller says it cost $5 TO REPLACE?I have no experience welding, just want to tinker and complement my hobby metalwork equipment (lathe,mill, 4x6 bandsaw, various grinders...)
Reply:You'll need a machine plug like the LENCO UP-10.  Price varies a lot by supplier: http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...Pin-ConnectorsCheapest price I've seen ($7. plus shipping):  https://weldingsupply.com/cgi-bin/einstein.plI've seen pics of that welder with many different brand names, including ESAB and Air Products."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:Originally Posted by martik777Thanks for the replies!What is the max thickness I can weld with 3/32 rods? If I only use up to 90A, is this going to be any better than a 110v box?I can get a lincoln ac225 for he same price but this has DC output - not sure if that make a big difference.Cables are included but the neg. is missing the plug to he welder - seller says it cost $5 TO REPLACE?I have no experience welding, just want to tinker and complement my hobby metalwork equipment (lathe,mill, 4x6 bandsaw, various grinders...)