Never welded before,looing to get a machine.

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I am looking into getting a machine to learn to weld on. this winter i want to fabricate up brackets and stitch weld my chassis in my race car. I can stretch  how much i can afford to get a machine that will last me a lifetime.  Ive been considering Lincoln and Miller.Lincoln PowerWave c300 tops my listLincoln Invertec 205-tMillermatic 211 migIs it possable to learn on a higher end machine like the powerwave? or should i start with the miller 211?I like the thought in having one machine for mig/tig/stickCan you run a Powerwave c300 on a residential dryer circuit?forgive my for my lack of knowledge, trying to learn fast as i can.
Reply:Hey R32GT-R,Your first positive step is admitting a lack of knowledge. Your second positive step is consideration to get a machine that will fulfill your needs & the applications you want to do. Your first negative step is thinking you can learn all the parameters of the vast welding arena & associated metallurgy... "as fast as I can". Not gonna happen.It takes years to obtain the knowledge & skills to produce repetitive consistency with all the processes available......you're not gonna acquire it in weeks, months, or sometimes years. You should give serious considerations to taking some welding classes at a high-school evening adult class, a vo-tech program, or a college program to at least get some familiarization with welding. Metal working is an infinite world of changing situations & the degrees of success will vary according to your investment in learning & practice. You gotta do some homework.....if you're not willing to invest in yourself, then you're hope of outcome is diminished. After 47 years.....I still learn.DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:yes i am planning on taking welding classes, hard to find where i live though
Reply:Take a minute to add your location to the User CP at the top. That way we always know where you are. Lots of times guys may have recommendations on where to go for classes in your area, or where you might be able to get deals local as well as offer help.I agree 100% with Denny. A class is the best way to learn. I wished I had taken one years earlier, rather than trying to learn haphazardly on my own to start. I'll still take an occasional class if time and funds permit. There's a lot on welding I've still got to learn, especially alum tig.I'm not familiar with those Lincolns, so I can't comment on them. You are generally better off getting a better more powerful machine, with in reason, if you can afford it..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:will any price range welder be about the same to learn on. or will cheaper of more expensive be diffrent
Reply:You want to get at least a 220v machine so you are not limited to thin sheetmetal. After that it all depends on what you plan to do exactly..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:ya, my budget is around 4. but thanks for the suggestion.
Reply:you owe it to yourself to learn oxyacetylene welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by R32GT-Rwill any price range welder be about the same to learn on. or will cheaper of more expensive be diffrent
Reply:Originally Posted by R32GT-Rya, my budget is around 4. but thanks for the suggestion.
Reply:A miller syncrowave 250DX would be a good machine for you.  I just happen to have one for sale.
Reply:updated location, Kelowna,BC,CanadaKelowna,BC,Canada
Reply:Basically i am gonna take formal training so i can learn to "Hobby Weld" safely and properly, I just want to buy one that i can learn on and not have to replace when I get more experience. I am leaning towards a all in one.Kelowna,BC,Canada
Reply:As tempting as it may be to buy a cheaper, lower powered machine, dont do it. In my opinion you might as well go out and buy a welder that will suit your needs forever. Look at the welding you do now and think of something big you would never think of making and get the welder that will build that big project, because someday you may build it. The worst thing to do is buy a welder and have to spend more money again down the road to upgrade. Just because you are not a great experienced welder doesnt mean you cant purchase a good welder to learn with and have for whatever you may throw at it eventually. If I were you, I would look into the powerwave, it is a newer welder, so not many people will have input on it, so if you do buy it you would be a go to guy for others looking at it.Miller Dynasty 300dxSpeedglas 9002XMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeLincoln PowerMig 255xtLincoln PowerMig 140cMilwuakee Portaband