just getting started

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I have a 6x12 trailer and need to do some work on it. I always wanted to learn basic welding and take it from there. I have a 200 amp service and 220 running to the shed where I plan on doing most of my work. can someone tell me how to get started, and what i'll need without a major investment, maybe something I can buy used and so on? I just want to start out with angle iron eighth inch, quarter inch, and half inch stock and practice running some beads? any help would be appreciated. Thanks JoeWeeki Wachee Joe - Mowjoeman
Reply:This could be a long story. The cheapest thing you could do is get a stick machine. I feel they are a standard must have tool in any shop even if there are other welding processes. I would bite the bullet here and get an AC/DC machine. A Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160 AC/DC is good. Around 400$ at TSC stores. I would get some 1/8 6010 and some 3/32 7018 to start with.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Pretty good advice from Sberry. I'd offer to sell you a used Invision 456MP with an additude, but you dont have the right voltage and shipping would probably put a bad taste in your mouth.
Reply:Thanks  sberry and speedphreak, that would no doubt be  a shipping dilemma! especially if I don't have the right voltage? and sberry excuse me but I never heard of TSC stores? I live in central west Florida and maybe they don't have these stores around here? I wanted to stay with something that i could use a 220 line with? sberry the types of welders you've suggested I have no idea what they are? But basically i just want to build shelves and baskets  and brackets for the lawn trailer that I have? it's just a 6x12 2" axle and i need to extend the trailer a couple of feet and beef up the spring leafs? If I can do this fairly easy than in time I'll buy that enclose tandem axle trailer. I just need to repair lights and weld them higher up out of the way behind the  fender and weld them on a piece of angle iron? dosen't Home Depot have something that i might be able to use to get started that will alow me to run a bead etc.  thanks for your time - JoeLast edited by mowjoeman; 08-17-2004 at 11:16 PM.Weeki Wachee Joe - Mowjoeman
Reply:I am not sure Tractor Supply stores are in Fla or not. At one time Home Depot did carry a Lincoln version of that machine, I have one, and although I have never used the Hobart I like its specs a bit better and this is a case where the infinate adjustment may be good. I am not sure what Lowes another version of HD carries, but those stores are not much to write home about in the welding dept although some of the other tools are fine,, grinders,, etc.  I am sure there are regular welding stores there,, Miller Thunderbolt is the same machine as the Hobart   but costs a little more for the blue paint.   http://www.hobartwelders.com/product...eLX_AC-DC.html    The list is 500$ but you can find it regularly for 400, several places online too. There are cheaper machines but this my value pick in this class and type of machine.www.urkafarms.com
Reply:Joe,        You, like a number of us, are looking to get into welding fora minimum investment. I think most of the experienced membersof this forum will tell you to forget about buying something cheapthat you will not be happy with in a short time. If you want to weld, you have to ante-up and get quality products. You will notregret it because welding will get you hooked once you start. It'sfun, and a constant learning process.Best of Luck,Don