Welding equipment/tools? Little help

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Hi to everyone I am new to welding and I wanna buy some stuff to practice stick welding in my garage because ultimately I wanna be a pipe welder.. 1.) A welder ( What would you guys recommend?) Ac/Dc?2.) Do I need some kind of table to practice pipe? What would I use to hold the pipe steady? 3.) I have a hood, gloves, sleeves, wire brush. Is there anything else I need? 4.) What kind and size pipe would I practice with? Enjoy the holidays
Reply:Hello. Your best bet is to find an AC/DC or DC only machine, because chances are you will want to learn to run 6010 and 7018 on DC. You can however learn the basics on a plain AC only unit, and then transfer to DC later when ready. Look around on CL for used machines. The AC only ones near me usually run $50-150 and the DC units run $300-500 and up.As far as tools, you will also need a chipping hammer, file or two, and at least one grinder if not more. You will want a grinding wheel and probably a wire wheel, so two grinders is the easiest way to go. A third grinder with a thin wheel also is nice. You probably also want a leather coat when you get to overhead, and some sort of fire resistant cap to protect your head as well as ear plugs. Having some way to cut your practice pieces is also a good idea. At a minimum, a chopsaw, or an OA torch. There have been a bunch of threads where guys have posted up there test stands. Usually it's some sort of pole and an arm that will let you adjust the position of your practice pieces. It's a good learning project to work on. A table is nice, but it won't really help much with vertical and overhead.To learn pipe, you first need to learn all positions on plate. Plan on doing a lot of practice in all positions before you ever even start on the basic pipe positions. Most pipe joints require you transition between the different positions, overhead, vertical and flat for example as you go around the pipe. Round objects are some of the hardest to get right and will take a lot of practice. Don't worry about pipe now, start with some angle iron to fill up to learn basic beads to start and then transition to 3/8" flat plate. Once you can make good welds in all positions, then you can maybe think about pipe.If you are serious, plan on taking several classes to learn the basics. When you sit down and add up all the materials, rod, electric and so on you get for your money, not to mention the instruction, a class is stupid cheap. Most votech schools usually run night classes, and some community colleges also offer classes..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:as usual, DSW dialed it in quite well for you Chanley.225NT bobcatAEAD200LEScott 125mm175, mm252 w 30A, PT225mm211, TA 181iHyper Therm 380, cut master 529100X & XX, Digital Elite6 Victor setssmith little torch, meco midget kalamazoo band sawsteel max saw evoulution circular saw
Reply:Wow I couldn't have asked for a better answer DSW. I appreciate it, Thanks You!! Does anyone know where I can get the files I need on the net along with grinders for a good price? Last thing what would you recommend I use as test pipe? DSW- I'm taking some welding classes in February. I would like to get in there sooner but that's when they start again. I would just like to get everything I need before hand. I forgot to mention I already have the chipping hammer, so it looks like I need a welder, files, and a couple of grinders and than I should be good . When I have time a little later ill search the forum for pictures and information on test stands.Merry Christmas
Reply:Here's one thread I was thinking about the other day. Take a look at Black Wolf ( Jason's) stand.Grinders, depends. Lots of guys will get the cheap HF units. Personally I'm not a big fan of their stuff. I've picked up some good deals at the local used tool store, pawn shops, flea markets and yard sales. Also Depot and Lowes some times have deals where you can get 2 grinders in a pack. All depends how serious you are, what kind of money you want to spend and so on. I can spend a couple hundred on some nice top end Matabo grinders, or pick up a Hitachi or Dewalt from Depot and supplement that with a cheap HF unit for the wire wheel on the 2nd unit...As far as files, I'll leave the suggestions as to exactly what ones to get to the guys that do pipe full time. Probably a large double cut file at a minimum. Like most of my tools, I have a bunch of sizes to fit different jobs. It wouldn't surprise me if I've got 30 or 35 files in the drawer in the shop, if not more. I keep at least 6 on the truck, 3 being the kind that have a flat on one side, 1/2 round on the other. add in a couple single and double cut files in large and small , and a few rat tail files and a tri corner file as well. Most of these are for the general fab work I may have to do. Like most of my tools, I keep my eyes out at yard sales, flea markets and so on and grab deals when I find them.I forget exactly what size the tech school uses for pipe to learn on. I'm guessing 8" dia, 1/4" maybe 3/16" wall, off the top of my head. They also have some 2", but most guys never reach that point in class. You will want to learn on plate. Most times it takes the night students at least 2-3 semesters to get thru all the plate positions unless they can put in some serious time at home or at work to practice. Then they still usually need at least two semesters at night to get thru some of the pipe positions..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:Sounds good, Dsw appreciate it once again. From what I seen on the forum so far some people seem to like Harborfreight and others don't. Not just here but other places as well. Anyways I was looking at an Arc welder on that site and was debating on whether to get one or not. Below I posted the description of the welder that I got off the site. So, please tell me your honest opinions on what you think . The Input is 240 volts and that's what I'm looking for. Since I'm new to welding I'm not 100% on what to look for, so hopefully someone can help me out. Will this welder do what other welders do?135 AC/105 DC Amp Tri-Mode Arc Welder with WheelsThis powerful tri-mode arc welder performs in three modes for ultimate flexibility and control: AC, DCEN (+), and DCEP (-).AC welding produces less arc blow and easier starts, DC welding creates less sticking, spatter and better control on thin workMax open circuit voltage (AC operation) 25.2V adjustable(DC operation) 24V adjustableThermal overload protection with indicator light7.5 ft. welding cable with multi-angle electrode holder6 ft. ground cable with clampSmooth rolling wheels for easy transportEasy two-way handleInput: 240 volts, 33 amps (AC), 35 amps (DC) amps, single phase, 60 HzRated output current: 55 to 135 amps (AC), 30 to 105 amps (DC)Rated output voltage: 15 volts @ 110 ampsMax open circuit voltage: 68 volts (AC), 60 volts (DC)Duty cycle: 30% @ 110 ampsElectrode capacity: 3/32" to 1/8"Weldable materials: mild steel, cast iron, stainless steelMaterial thickness: 18 gauge (1/4" thick)Includes: handheld face shield, chipping hammer with wire brushShipping Weight: 62.00 lbs.Thank You
Reply:Any word on this welder anyone?
Reply:welcome.. a 7 foot cable is not much good, you gonna be sitting on the machine and getting off it to  move it around.... this thing is 135 amps max and the duty cycle at 110 will kill you on 1/8 7018.. look instead for a used lincoln or miller transformer type mac/dc achine..you'll want some pullon boots..grinders with paddle switches so when not if the sumbitch wants to climb up your shirt and into your face it will shut off...larger diameter pipe(8") is easier than small...make friends with a pipewelder and start buying him beers, you gonna need him over your shoulder..editit says only 105 amps max on dc..duty cycle wont be a problem because it wont even light up a 1/8 7018rod..Last edited by weldbead; 12-28-2011 at 12:45 AM.
Reply:Thanks weldbead!!I was looking at that one on Harbor freights website and was curious, but I have a meeting tomorrow to pick up a Lincoln electric arc welder , The guy told me on the phone it was an ac/dc welder about 10 times, but he told me the model and it was a AC 225-S . Is there an Ac/dc model 225-S? I looked on the net but couldn't find anything so I don't know
Reply:If the lincoln has 2 knobs it is probably ac/dc, If it only has one big switch right in the center on the front then it's ac only, also look for a Miller thunderbolt or Hobart stickmate. Other brands to look for ...Forney,Linde, ESAB, Century. Also look for older machines because many of the newer ones are aluminum wound instead of copper, the newer machines also use much more plastic.Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Good info Demon, thanks.. How about a dayton stick welder 230/140 amp ac/dc mod. # 3Z563b 100% duty cycle ??There is one near by if it's a good buy ill take it
Reply:Check that Lincoln out. I did a quick search over on Lincoln Electric and it looks like an AC/DC unit.EDIT: It and that Century unit are entry level. Nothing wrong with them, but you might want to look for a Miller DialArc or a Lincoln IdealArc unit for shop use.Last edited by WyoRoy; 12-28-2011 at 01:55 AM.Lincoln PrecisionTig 275Miller 251Miller DialArc 250Bridgeport millHossfeld bender & diesLogan shaperJet 14 X 40 latheSouth Bend 9" 'C'Hypertherm 900Ellis 3000 band saw21"Royersford ExcelsiorTwo shops, still too many tools.
Reply:Okay sounds good. I really want a lincoln but I want an ac/dc unit, so hopefully it is what he says it is.
Reply:Originally Posted by ChanleyGroo - good idea, good call... Thanks Dsw- thanks again lol . On my other thread that you answered I asked about a welder from harbor freight and was wondering if you knew anything about them?  It's a Chicago electric ac/dc arc welder.
Reply:And try to look for one of these. I picked this one up for $104.50 off ebay because it was local pickup only. You would probably never outgrow this welder. I see alot of them for sale, you just have to keep watching. And make sure it's the AC/DC version, with the switch in the upper right corner. These things are quiet and weld AWESOME!"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:I suggest you look long and hard at Everlast's PowerArc 200. For little over $300.00 I don't think you can beat the arc. It will stack 6010 every bit as nice as either one of my shorthoods, and run 7018 every bit as nice as either one of my Red Face machines. And it comes with a 5-year warranty!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Thanks everyonce for your input . I got the guy to send me a pic of the lincoln and it doesn't look like it has DC, but than I don't know much about welding. I found a couple older lincolns on craigslist but I'm positive they are not dc. The pic is below let me know if it has DC. It's not the actual pic of the welder, but he said that's exactly what it looks like. Attached Images
Reply:I can also get this for  $120.00
Reply:You won't like that for pipe welding. For around the farm yes!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:It's not DC. What is your budget?
Reply:Jay O - I'm looking for something used and only wanna spend 300 tops. I'm sure something will come up eventually.
Reply:http://http://store.cyberweld.com/tharctigwe.htmlI know you say used but cyberweld has really good deals on Thermal Arc inverters. Its more then you want to spend but should be good for you especially since your going to be taking classes. I would look a getting the 161stl model even though its more money it does include a tig torch and reg. vs the 161s. The company I work ordered some so I had a chance to try one and if I didn't have two of my own welders I would be buying one.Last edited by Jay O; 12-28-2011 at 08:19 PM.Reason: info
Reply:ATTENTION NEW GUYS: LIST YOUR LOCATION!!!I have a lot of stuff I wouldn't mind hooking up a new guy with if you're close by. Originally Posted by SundownIIIDon't get me wrong.  They are just as ill informed about politics as they are about welding, they just post more on that subject.
Reply:Originally Posted by jmtebbensATTENTION NEW GUYS: LIST YOUR LOCATION!!!I have a lot of stuff I wouldn't mind hooking up a new guy with if you're close by.
Reply:DSW,That's the damndest thing...  I know I had it there before.  I must've fubar'd something last time I was in the User CP... Originally Posted by SundownIIIDon't get me wrong.  They are just as ill informed about politics as they are about welding, they just post more on that subject.I am in the North east PA ..I'll up date that now.   I went with the Dayton 230/140 amp AC/DC . I only paid 75.00 for it which I'm fired up about. Now I gotta make up an extension cord to run it off the dryer outlet . The distance between my garage and the laundry room is about 15ft. Anyone have a ball park figure on the cost of the cord and what not?
Reply:Also does anyone know where I can download an owners manual for that welder?
Reply:A bunch of Daytons were rebadged Century machines. We need the exact model number of the Dayton to try and track it down. A quick Google search pulls up a cross reference list for Century/Dayton. I start to see some Dayton stuff listed on pg 100 or so and on.http://www.lincolnelectric.com/asset...n/crossref.pdfLincoln bought Century, so if you can get the cross reference number, I bet you can contact Lincoln and get that manual if nothing else..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 actually got the owners manual lastnight after a while of research . I got them off of http://www.grainger.com. I contacted tech support and I told them the model and they finally  sent them over to me. It took about 5 different calls to get it actaully sent. They got rude once I told them what I was looking for.  If anyone ever needs a maual just ask me and ill e-mail them right over to you. The manual isn't just for one welder, its actually a couple of models in one manual