Another newbie looking for guidance

admin

I've spent a couple of hours reading many of the other "I'm a newbie, what should I buy" threads, and now know much more than I did before, but haven't found answers that fit my own situation.  I have no prior welding experience, but I'm an experienced woodworker and a fast learner.  My welding needs are very specific:  I'd like to be able to make frameworks for coffee tables, end tables and consoles using 1/2" to 1" steel square tubing with no more than 1/8" thick walls.  Occasionally I'll need to add 16 gauge to 1/8" thick steel plate and up to 1/8" thick flat bar.  My shop is a free standing building with 110v 20 amp circuits, and the cost of running a 220v circuit would be too high since there's an asphalt driveway separating them.So, will a 110 welder like the Hobart 125 EZ (about $350 at Tractor Supply) be a suitable machine, and is it suitable for a rank beginner?  Thanks!
Reply:Good morning denis926,  Welcome to WW, As an amatuer, My first purchase was a Lincoln 135 which will work for 1/8" mild steel. For a furniture frame  I'd  probably check  a  steelmix gas and solid carbon steel wire (.030)  to reduce the spatter.   You'll probably find the clamping, cutting and grinding to be more of a technical problem than the welding.  Getting nice smooth square corners in 3 dimensions is fun  Hobart is a good brand.  That is probably the best thought, USA made, reputable company U recognize, like Lincoln, Miller etc.will get you off to a good start. just like your woodworking tools. Good luck.  There are quite few very experienced welders here who might clue you on details, set up, cutting welder choices etc... Check posts from Specter to learn how to set your location etc. I've seen some nice furniture made also, so wander about on search for those fellas. There might be members near you who would be good contacts.ps: we like pics of shopsLast edited by PapaLion; 12-27-2010 at 10:51 AM.Lincoln Power MIG 215Lincoln WeldPak 3200HDLincon ProCut 25Lincoln WeldanPower 225 AC/DCIf all else fails... buy more tools
Reply:Look at Hobart Handler 140. Mig with gas makes a much cleaner nicer weld. Less smoke for inside your small shop. Don't forget a fire extingusher. A decent band saw might work well for your cutting needs.
Reply:Originally Posted by denis926My shop is a free standing building with 110v 20 amp circuits, and the cost of running a 220v circuit would be too high since there's an asphalt driveway separating them.
Reply:Many thanks for the suggestions!
Reply:Originally Posted by denis926I've spent a couple of hours reading many of the other "I'm a newbie, what should I buy" threads, and now know much more than I did before, but haven't found answers that fit my own situation.  I have no prior welding experience, but I'm an experienced woodworker and a fast learner.  My welding needs are very specific:  I'd like to be able to make frameworks for coffee tables, end tables and consoles using 1/2" to 1" steel square tubing with no more than 1/8" thick walls.  Occasionally I'll need to add 16 gauge to 1/8" thick steel plate and up to 1/8" thick flat bar.  My shop is a free standing building with 110v 20 amp circuits, and the cost of running a 220v circuit would be too high since there's an asphalt driveway separating them.So, will a 110 welder like the Hobart 125 EZ (about $350 at Tractor Supply) be a suitable machine, and is it suitable for a rank beginner?  Thanks!
Reply:DSW has the best safety advice there is.  I used to do wood working & there was sawdust all over the place.  Lucky for me, where I was welding was outside on a concrete slab, as the workshop had a wood floor.  I did melt some slag onto the floor & it smoldered quite a while.That said, my first welder was the Hobart Handler 175, a 220V unit.  Still have it & it still works great.  Depending on your location, I or PapaLion could help school you on welding up something if you like.  (See Bret, I do volunteer others sometimes)A Hobart Handler 140 will do almost as much as the 175 will & it's a 110V.  You won't go wrong with the Hobart welders, even used they are good units.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Good morning Denis926.I started with a Miller 140AS and it is a great machine. You will benefit from the AutoSet feature to help you learn. That welder is 110v and will easily handle everything you said you would need. Later I sold my 140AS and bought a new Miller 211AS. As pointed out by DSW, you will eventually want 220v and the dual voltage 211AS will work fine on 110v initially and ready for 220v later. Don't forget the 211AS is spoolgun ready when you decide to make some aluminum furniture.Burt _____________________Miller Syncrowave 250Millermatic 211Miller 375 Plasma Cutter Hobart Handler 12010FtDrillBit.com