Looking to buy my first welder

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Are these welders as good as the reviews make it sound?  http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3263_200403263
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead!Are these welders as good as the reviews make it sound?  http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3263_200403263
Reply:Stick with the name brands.I have a great miller 255 that i paid 500.00 for. Stay away from HARBOR FREIGHT welders.I hope this helps.
Reply:For that price you are better off at harbor freight.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Not really.It's probably an ok machine, but it suffers from all the same issues any small FC only machine does. Biggest issue is that I didn't see any info on converting it later to gas/solid wire mig. This means that if you want to do thin sheet repairs you will have a difficult time as FC wire is a hot process and not well suited to materials below say 16 ga. The other big down side is that it is a 110v machine. Even with FC wire it will top out at 1/8" material under real world conditions. The reviews where guys say it works great on 3/16" material aren't judging it by "normal" standards. They simply see it sticks metal together, not that the weld is cold and is just sitting on the surface. Quality control and materials are almost always lower than what you will get from a major name brand unit like Hobart, Miller or Lincoln in the same class of machine. QC is probably better than ones from HF, but nowhere near what you get when you spend the extra money.Most welders quickly outgrow small 110v machines. They tend to be very limiting unless you are just planning to do auto body work. A FC only machine however isn't suited for auto body stuff. You would probably be better served in the long run by buying one of the 110v/230v capable machines like the Hobart HH210, Miller MM211 Or the Lincoln 180 dual voltage machine. These will give you the best of both worlds. The ability to have a small portable machine that can do up to 1/8" when run on household power, and the ability to do 1/4" if run on 230v power. The big downside is the cost. However in the long run it's usually cheaper to spend the money up front rather than buy a 110v machine and then later get a bigger one..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I'm just looking for something to practice with. I'm taking a high school welding class and realized I really like welding and need my own welder. I cant afford or would have the use for a bigger machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead!I'm just looking for something to practice with. I'm taking a high school welding class and realized I really like welding and need my own welder. I cant afford or would have the use for a bigger machine.
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead!I'm just looking for something to practice with. I'm taking a high school welding class and realized I really like welding and need my own welder. I cant afford or would have the use for a bigger machine.
Reply:As a first welder I'd look for a DC stick machine, unless you are just going to use it for body panels (then you should look at a gas/solid wire mig).Example of low budget DC stick welders that can do both 110 & 220V:http://www.longevity-inc.com/stickweld-140#29http://www.everlastgenerators.com/Po...T-3915-pd.html
Reply:In my welding class I've used both the stick and mig machines. At first I liked stick over mig, but the more I have used the mig the more I like it.  What would I be limited to with a 110 flux core machine?
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead!In my welding class I've used both the stick and mig machines. At first I liked stick over mig, but the more I have used the mig the more I like it.  What would I be limited to with a 110 flux core machine?
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead!In my welding class I've used both the stick and mig machines. At first I liked stick over mig, but the more I have used the mig the more I like it.  What would I be limited to with a 110 flux core machine?
Reply:I knew the thickness of metal. I was thinking something else, my bad. Thanks a ton for the info, although, I'm still not convinced that this welder wouldn't work out for me.Right now I'm thinking. get this welder and do what I can do with it and upgrade to something better when I can.
Reply:If you watch CL you should be able to find a used Lincoln/Miller MIG for close to that price. Flux core is so UGLY compared to MIG.  I would recommend getting a Lincoln 225 AC(or similar) stick welder as a starter machine...they're inexpensive , tough, and very useful. Pass the Lincoln Buzzbox or Blue/Red MIG on to your grandchildren long after the cheap flux core unit has just "passed on" (to the scrap yard).
Reply:I have never seen anyone regret buying a welder that comes ready for gas...I have seen people regret one that is only capable of flux.www.triarc.us
Reply:I have had success with my Eastwood MIG175.  They have a 135A model that works on 120VAC, and for a little bit more, you get excellent customer service, gas ready, infinitely variable settings. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Speaking as a beginning welder, I can tell you, first, go with 220. 110 is simply too small to progress with you. I had a 140 Lincoln and in a few days, went to a 180. Now, about 60-days into it, I'm questioning not getting a continuous and saving a few bucks on a tapped. All this boils down to, if you care about your welds and you care about you progression, at the very least, get a continuous rather than a tapped and a 220 rather than a 110. I'm in the middle of my first project; a shop stool. Nothing big but more than a couple of joints. Already I wish I'd gone for the continuous over the tapped . Whether it's a Lincoln or a Miller, I can't speak to yet. But I can attest to what everyone here says; you'll outgrow a lower priced/quality/power machine FAST. Fortunately I got my 180 Lincoln HD for $400 with about 10 hours of trigger time on it. I should be able to resell it in the coming couple of months for that and when I do, its Miller time for me or a better Lincoln 180. Then it's TIG-time. I started out thinking I would just do slap-it-together farm work. But there's an art to welding; one you just can't do with a lesser machine like, in my truly humble opinion, any 110v.
Reply:Think of the environment and your own economy. What's the point of buying something with such a limited capability when you for just a little more money can step up to something that is going to be useful even in the long run and that you can sell and actually get something for when you don't need it?Nevermind, it was a retorical question.
Reply:It's totally up to you.......but all the advice given to you here( at the very least ) would suggest a slightly better upgrade to what you are looking at. These people here know what they are talking about.You will regret buying that unit.Miller 252Miller Bobcat 225Lincoln MigPak 1801959 Hyster forkliftHarris OA torch
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead!Are these welders as good as the reviews make it sound?  http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3263_200403263
Reply:I don't know where you live, but in my area, there are occasional deals on Craigslist.  Lincoln SP175 for $250., Lincoln 125 for about $150. I got a clean Clarke 130EN (which isn't great but OK) with a 5 lb CO2 tank, flow meter and 5 spools of wire for $85."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:While I firmly agree that a 220 unit is the way to go, the first question is: does the OP have 220 available, or can it be made available?
Reply:I don't have 220. How would go about getting it?Are there any decent brands other than Miler,Lincoln and Hobart?Last edited by !sledhead!; 04-24-2013 at 09:07 AM.
Reply:Thanks for the heads up on not to purchase a welder from harbor freight.
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead!I don't have 220. How would go about getting it?Are there any decent brands other than Miler,Lincoln and Hobart?Originally Posted by !sledhead!I don't have 220. How would go about getting it?Are there any decent brands other than Miler,Lincoln and Hobart?
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead!I don't have 220. How would go about getting it?
Reply:Originally Posted by JD955SCA 50 amp breaker is preferred and if you can get higher go for it.
Reply:Anybody ever welded in their basement?  If I went with a 220 I think that's what I would have to do. Only problem would be ventilation.
Reply:For tig on CLEAN metal I don't see any issues.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:I'm looking at arc or mig if I can find a good deal. Gonna try and stay away from those cheap flux core welders.
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead!I'm looking at arc or mig if I can find a good deal. Gonna try and stay away from those cheap flux core welders.
Reply:You definitely don't want to stick weld in doors. Same goes with FC wire. The smoke will get everywhere. Mig isn't as bad, but I still wouldn't do it inside with all the sparks unless I had no other choice.Install the 230v outlet in the basement, then use a 100' extension cord to get your power outside easily..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Too many hazards to list. Read this and then either move or, well, move. I know that's hard when confinds are limited. You may not have a garage, etc but your health and welfare and that of your family have to come first. Of course, I mean that IMHO as I'm a first-time welder.http://www.elcosh.org/document/1003/...ml?show_text=1
Reply:I have a garage, but don't have power to it, just run an extension cord for lighting. No way would I weld in an unventilated area. I would have to get some sort of vent. system if I was going to weld in the basement, just figured that's my best bet for a 220 outlet. I'm liking the extension cord idea.Anyway, I've found a few Lincoln ac 225 on craigslist for around $150, just not sure about what to look at with a used welder.
Reply:Those stick machines are tanks. If it runs you are golden. There's honestly not much to fail on those. $150 is on the upper end of what I see AC only transformers going for regularly. "Off brands" like Craftsmans, Montgomery Wards, Century and so on run a bit less. $50-150 is typical of AC only stick machines. AC/DC machines run from roughly $250-500 depending on model and condition..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:This is an excellent post, as I've recently been researching welders to buy. The fleet mechanic (who is an avid welder himself) also said to look for a DC welder and have an electrician wire me an outside 220 volt outlet. I was looking at some Hobart welders at Tractor Supply, I'm looking for something I can do stick and MIG, I'm currently in on a Miller stick in my welding class, but will be on MIG fairly soon. I'd like to be able to practice here at the house. Where should I look besides Tractor Supply?I thought about checking out Northern Tool, Harbor Freight I would Not consider as most of their stuff is, well... cheap. I'd like to be able to use it for auto body/truck work, tractor work, trailer work, and general welding (if there is such a thing). Thanks, Bob
Reply:Originally Posted by Trucker2WelderThis is an excellent post, as I've recently been researching welders to buy. The fleet mechanic (who is an avid welder himself) also said to look for a DC welder and have an electrician wire me an outside 220 volt outlet. I was looking at some Hobart welders at Tractor Supply, I'm looking for something I can do stick and MIG, I'm currently in on a Miller stick in my welding class, but will be on MIG fairly soon. I'd like to be able to practice here at the house. Where should I look besides Tractor Supply?I thought about checking out Northern Tool, Harbor Freight I would Not consider as most of their stuff is, well... cheap. I'd like to be able to use it for auto body/truck work, tractor work, trailer work, and general welding (if there is such a thing). Thanks, Bob
Reply:Originally Posted by pf/welderThanks for the heads up on not to purchase a welder from harbor freight.
Reply:I have an old blue Harbor Freight 151. I use gas/solid wire. I used to use FC but switched. I'm wanting a new one, but I have also had this one for 5 years and haven't had a single issue with it. I am also a very very inexperienced weldor, though I am using it to learn. If you want an affordable welder, then I would recommend it, but I think you will want a bigger and better machine in no time. I know I do. Best of LuchJW
Reply:Craigslist is the way to go and do a "search" for previous articles on the same discussion just recently this was discussed.
Reply:I have the Northern Tool MIG 135 (does both flux core and solid wire with gas) and it's a great little machine for what I do. If you're not going to be building trailers or wanting to do structural it's a hell of a machine at a great price. The problem you will encounter here is most of these guys weld either for a living or weld some serious metal for which a 220V (or more) machine is best. I liked running the big 480V machines at school a lot better, too, but you go with what you have for power and what you can afford for a welder. I did.Good luck with you decision.
Reply:An SA200 I thought everybody knew thatDisclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Priorities, go big and do it right or fix lawn chairs with your harbor farter and watch your fat aunt break her azz when it breaks anyway I hate being bi-polar it's awsomeMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys
Reply:Since you are in highschool I'm sure you can manage to guilt your parents into buying you the necessary equipment. Just make sure that you can actually power said equipment though. When I bought my Hobart Stickmate LX it really buttered my biscuits when I realized I had to install the correct wiring and that I was forced to mess with the fusebox.
Reply:Originally Posted by !sledhead! weld in the basement, just figured that's my best bet for a 220 outlet. I'm liking the extension cord idea.
Reply:Heck, I did it using the info on the internet and I'm no electrician. I just looked up the wire gauge rating for the distance I needed, bought the proper breaker for my panel and the right socket for my welder's end plug, the right box and cover and put in the time to run it right. For my 180HD, I got a 50a female socket and a 30a breaker built for our panel, ran a couple feet of Romex 10/3 between the two because the outlet is on the other side of where our sub-panel is on the garage wall, hooked two of the power wires to the right two poles and the negative to the other, cut a hole in wall, installed the box, connected the socket and installed the cover plate. Total cost; $36. I might have skipped a few steps but it works and passed inspection so I'm a happy camper. 220 in the garage fro less than a steak dinner. Seriously, look around on the internet. It's not all that difficult.