Beginner Questions about welder to buy

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Looking for some advice on purchasing a welder. I'm a total newbie to welding, currently taking Intro & MIG Welding classes. My long-term future plans are to reach the point where I can have my own welding business. But in the near-term it is to just learn as much as I can about welding, and start doing some small projects around the house, build a welding table, trailer, go-kart frame, etc. Nothing major, just some small projects. I'm getting really antsy to purchase a welder for home. Mainly I guess I'm looking for something to #1 practice and learn with, to improve my welding skills, and #2 for small project ideas around the house.I'm on a very limited budget. Basically as money is available I will purchase. Any ideas suggestions what order to purchase equip? What type to get? What manufacturers? Where to purchase? Used or new? What to start with MIG, Oxy/Fuel, TIG, or Stick, etc.?...Thanks
Reply:Your about to open a whole can'o'worms pal. Suggest you "search" the topic. It's such an open quistion that you will get a dozen differant opinions. I personally love my mm130xp, but I've been at this forever. Good luck!
Reply:Yeah I did search previous posts...Still looking for any ideas/suggestions though...
Reply:gd,when I started putting together my welding equiptment, I bought used stuff from pawn shops, eBay, local trader papers etc. One word of warning though if you go this route, do all you can to make sure what youre buying is in good working order.Deal with reputable traders on eBay with HIGH feedback scores. Ask questions. If they care about the customer, they wont mind answering your questions.Pawn shops are iffy.Most pawn shop owners wouldnt know a MIG welder from a battery charger.  If you dont know exactly what youre looking at and its worth, you could get snookered. If possible , take someone with you thats knowledgable. Again, ask questions. Make a lower offer. Local trader papers are a goldmine for welding and associated tools. Most times the owner will let you try out the item. Haggle.  ASK QUESTIONS.As far as brand names,its all in what color you like as far as welders are concerned......at least with the major names.   I prefer Miller myself. But, its all Ive ever used so, Lincoln may be WAY better.  ?????   lol   ....can-O-worms.Victor torches have never let me down. Ive also used Smith. They work just as well IMO.Another wise investment is either a chopsaw or "porta-band". I like Millwaukee for both. You'll need at least two good 4 1/2" grinders. (one for cut wheels and grinding disks.  one for wire wheels and cups)  Harbor Freight sells some decent "get ya started out" grinders for CHEAP.Vicegrips and C clamps are another gotta-have. They make projects ALOT easier for the one man operation. A good 6" vice comes in damn handy for holding whatever youre beating into submission.All of the above is MY opinion. Take it for what its worth.  I know what I like and what works well for ME.   Good luck with the shopping!  "I need this parade like I need a hole in the head"~John F.Kennedy
Reply:Consider what materials you plan on welding and the thickness of those materials. How important is portability? You can get machines from 70 lbs toa thousand pounds or more. What electrical power is available or what are you willing to spend to add new capabilities? Costs of asseories and consumables can add up.If you have a dream of owning your own business, don't let anybody put youoff the idea. Study and work hard (practice practice practice).My opinion is you should start with OA - develop  good technique, there areskills that will carry forward to other methods of metal joining.Best of Luck and Keep the Dream,Don
Reply:GeorgiaDawgsYou've gotten some really good advice.  I have purchased all my welders second hand.  Well, one was purchased new. As Cracker suggested check second hand stuff.  Most of my shop is second hand quality stuff.  I look for stuff that is repairable not disposable. Don't skimp of clamps however,  if you expect to do a lot of work.  Buy quality Vice Grips clamps, the cheap ones are not worth the 99 cents.I prefer horizontal bandsaw over a chop saw for gang cutting.  Porta-bands are very convient I use mine in the field much more than a  cutting torch.  I rarely carry o/f setup on my truck. If you are going to open your own shop, then buy a little (quality stuff) at a time.Check for school discounts. What do you want to do?Last edited by tapwelder; 01-24-2006 at 10:34 AM.
Reply:From what I read here these guys all gave very good advice.I totally agree not to rush into buying anything until you have checked it out,or if yiu are not sure I would ask a pro to help you.I started on oxy/fuel then stick,then no welding at all for 20 years or so.I now am just getting back into it with a little mig I bought new.I just do hobby stuff and help freinds occasionally with what ever they need welded.I also agree with buy some quality stuff as you can afford it especially vise grip clamps they are worth the little extra for sure.By the way I bought the millermatic Passport and love this welder.Nobody moves nobody gets hurt(safety first)millematic passportmiller 375 plasmacutter
Reply:Originally Posted by tapwelderGeorgiaDawgsWhat do you want to do?
Reply:Since your taking a class, I'd also suggest completing the class before purchasing a welder.  Hence, if you are comfortable welding, then one or two small side jobs will pay for a welder.  Let the tools pay for themselves. Be patient -- because there are used welder out there.Side job suggestions:  Antique/salvage dealers repairs.  Trailer repairs(not hitches) decking that comes detached.   Hand rail repairs (many rust out around where they attach to ground).
Reply:Since your taking a class, I'd also suggest completing the class before purchasing a welder.
Reply:Ive got to agree with Sandy on the stick option. My Thunderbolt doesnt get used near enough but, I'd still be lost without it at times. It'll do pretty much anything you'll ever need.    ...within reason.   .....and its mucho cheaper than a MIG. I found mine on eBay for half what a new one would cost. I lucked up and it was fairly nearby and saved the shipping $ also."I need this parade like I need a hole in the head"~John F.Kennedy
Reply:Go to your local AIRGAS Welding Supply You will then have many machines to chose fromMay your Kingdon continue to grow
Reply:TAPWELDER is right !
Reply:Originally Posted by MetalSculptorGo to your local AIRGAS Welding Supply You will then have many machines to chose fromMay your Kingdon continue to grow
Reply:What is wrong with hitch repair?    There is certainly an issue of liability but it would be foolish in this day and age not to carry insurance.    I mean if one is going to worry about trailer hitches and the like, then one would also ave to worry about a lot of other thngs welded up.Once you progress to the level of making money you become a professional and should protect yourself like all professionals do.ThanksDave  Originally Posted by tapwelder Trailer repairs(not hitches) decking that comes detached.   ).
Reply:What is wrong with hitch repair? There is certainly an issue of liability but it would be foolish in this day and age not to carry insurance. I mean if one is going to worry about trailer hitches and the like, then one would also ave to worry about a lot of other thngs welded up.Once you progress to the level of making money you become a professional and should protect yourself like all professionals do.
Reply:Tap,the difference in insurance policies is something I had not heard before...and it's something folks here should know...$800 in ADDITIONAL liability insurance for the one type of work is substantial for a new or part-time buisiness.  What is the cost of the base policy in your area?Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I did a lot of shopping.  I found that the insurance companies have books that classify welder and ironworkers.  There are categories for ornamental and artist in welding, which is what I do.  I met with the agents in person.  I don't know that many insurance agents know how to classify welder, rather they group them in one group.When I filled out applications via internet or mail the price was $1500 or more.  Each application specifically ask, ... percentage of hitches I plan to weld.  The percentage is a trap, because I enter 5% once and the price shot up.   Hence, apparently the insurance acturaries notice a heightened liability trend  in welding trailer hitches.