What welder mig? stick?

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Hey everyoneI have very little welding experience, I am looking to get into welding instead of having other people weld for me. My question is should i go with a mig or stick welder? I have about 300$ to spend on a welder but cheaper the better. I will not be using the welder to make a living, but it will be used more then occasionally. If I go mig i doubt ill be using gas with it. I need something that's only 120v not 230v. I will be welding like truck frames, and trailer frames. That will be the heaviest metal ill weld. Id also weld things such as aluminum, stainless. Sheet metal on cars and trucks, exhaust, and some simple other simple small stuff. I am a big time off roader I am building a jeep now. Any one could help i would appreciate very much. I know it going to take a lot of time for me to learn to weld correctly but I need to figure what machine to use mig or arc.Thank you !
Reply:Here we go again!jeepin,  Go read the sticky about 110v migs and ask the question again.You might also get ready for some harsh, but honsest responses.
Reply:Jeepin,Your background information:1.  Very little welding experience.2.  Don't know which is better Mig or stick 3.  Limited to 115 volt outlet 4.  Only $300.00 dollars to spend.5.  You are a big time offroader (Equipment subject to heavy vibration/abuse)6.  Projects mentioned: Truck frames, trailers, aluminum, stainless, sheet metal, exhaust.Your expectations, based on the information you provided, are unrealistic.Suggestions:1.  Read (Library/Bookstore/Online) more about MIG and stick to learn which is suitable for what.2.  Save more money.  $300.00 won't even begin to cover the equipment you will need for the vast types of projects you mentioned (Steel/Aluminum/Stainless + Sheet metal up to thick metal)3.  Consider the costs of the other equipment you will need: Helmet, gloves, clamps, grinders, something to cut metal: chop saw/bandsaw/portabandsaw/sawzall.  etc. etc.  (Save more money)4.  Consider 230 volt service.  (Save even more money)5.  If you purchase a welder (and accessories), practice A LOT on projects that don't involve a motor vehicle.6.  A novice should not begin with projects such as vehicle frames (especially off road) or trailers.7.  Prepare to be blasted by other forum members for #6.8.  Lastly, I would recommend a good life insurance policy in case you choose to ignore these suggestions.
Reply:9.  Must have before buying a welder (if doing above mentioned projects) MAJOR liability insurance, in case someone else gets injured.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Here is more reading. Don’t buy a pop-gun mig and expect to weld battle ship armor.http://content.lincolnelectric.com/p...ture/c4200.pdfhttp://www.gowelding.org/FCAW_Flux_C...c_Welding.htmlhttp://www.hobartbrothers.com/pdf/da...bshield21B.pdfLast edited by transit; 02-06-2010 at 11:19 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by jeepinHey everyoneI have very little welding experience, I am looking to get into welding instead of having other people weld for me. My question is should i go with a mig or stick welder? I have about 300$ to spend on a welder but cheaper the better. I will not be using the welder to make a living, but it will be used more then occasionally. If I go mig i doubt ill be using gas with it. I need something that's only 120v not 230v. I will be welding like truck frames, and trailer frames. That will be the heaviest metal ill weld. Id also weld things such as aluminum, stainless. Sheet metal on cars and trucks, exhaust, and some simple other simple small stuff. I am a big time off roader I am building a jeep now. Any one could help i would appreciate very much. I know it going to take a lot of time for me to learn to weld correctly but I need to figure what machine to use mig or arc.Thank you !
Reply:This hot rod was welded with a 120v Welder. It was a blue welder is all they said. Not sure if it a Chicago Electric, or a Miller. Check it out. [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nVrr_XTin4[/ame]
Reply:Thank for the replies everyone. I understand totally what you are all talking about. But everyone needs to start some where. I dont have 1000 bucks to go spend on a welder. Maybe down the line ill look into something more. But I wanted to know what would be the best for my money that i have now and what i would be using the welder for. I already have a auto darkening helmet, torches, saws, grinder, plasma cutter, pretty much every tool you can think of besides a welder. Obviously im not going to get a welder today and think im going to weld a truck frame and it be perfect and hold. That would just be ignorant. Practice Practice practice. The one thing is a must is I really do need something that only plug into the 115 v outlet. That is a must for sure. I just want to know what would be the best for my use. Im sure you guys on here make a living welding. So you have machines that cost ALOT. I dont make a living welding and pretty much just going to be hobby and some other odds and end. I need to be pointed in the rite direction. I could go a little over 300 but i want to be LESS then it. Also this maybe a real stupid question but I take it you guys are leaning torge arc? Why? How do I know what rod to buy? Please forgive ignorant questions im a newbie
Reply:Stick is much less expensive than mig, however it takes much more skill to be proficient. Check out the 130-150 amp Migs like Clark and Hobart, some times you may find a deal.
Reply:What the fellas are trying to tell you here is that you can't do what you want to do with 300 dollars and 115v. You can try. I promise you it will be fun. But you have an untold amount of experience on hand here in this forum. Even the guys that don't do it for a living will tell you the same thing. And not to be the bad guy, but your question comes up almost on a weekly basis. The same exact question. The topic has been beaten more than PeeWee's pee pee.Let it go.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Your requirement for a 115V machine & what your trying to do, save your money a bit & get a Hobart 140A welder.  You can use flux core in it to save some money (no shielding gas required) and it will allow you to do welds up to about 3/16" at max ratings.Once you get skilled with the flux core, get a bottle of gas, some solid wire & learn how to weld with that set up.  Once you have done that & become proficient, then start looking online for used 220V machines knowing the work area will require 220 volts to run a larger class machine.A person can do quality work with a 115 volt machine, but guys that do that have many years of full time experience.  It can be done, but not necessarily by someone just starting out.  Myself, I can weld, have welded some 1/4" stuff with both stick & my 175 Amp machine, but not trailers or frames.  I have welded some race car cages together at a friends house, but that was a 250 Amp machine.  Totally different class than mine.Read, read, read some more, then decide what you can afford & weld things within the capabilities of the welder.  This is after practice, practice, practice.Good luckMarkI 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:It's like going bear huntin with a .22 because you can't afford anything bigger but really really want to go bad. Practice will improve your odds by a bunch, sure, but there are times when will power and even a lot of talent just may not get the job done.Reality check.
Reply:Good one Sandy. Markball, I guess we will just look at each other from the other side of the fence on this one.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:I am searching around forums now, just trying to figure out what I want to get. I just read the link about 110v migs. Took about a half hour to get threw it but had very great information. I think for what I am going to use it for, mig is what I need. I am sure there's been TONS of post about stick vs mig. This is the first forum ive ever joined so I am still trying to figure it out. Just found out how to search this forum.Anyway on another note I should have just said I am looking for a welder to help with mechanics, and body work. Yea sometimes I mite weld on a frame but Its not going to be a everyday thing maybe once a year (if that). Hell the only reason i am looking for a welder Is I want to Weld a Off road bumper to the jeep and a winch! I gave the wrong idea welding frames, I didn't mean welding truck frames together. But maybe Plate a truck frame if it needs to be in forced. Ive been having a guy do my welding he uses a stick welder set up on a huge generator to a trailer. I am not sure the model or anything but I know its old. He also has a mig that use 110 its from harbor freight. Every time I need something welded he uses the stick. But I never had him weld body panels for me. I need something that I can learn on (or learn from you guys). It will be used for mostly light work nothing heavy. The heaviest thing I feel I need welded is the off road bumper and winch. I also am missing a tooth on my back hoe Id like to get at someday putting back on. But mostly Just small odds and end. Like I am going to put rockers on the jeep. I figure from what I read a mig would be best for my application. I am not sure about harbor freight welders? Thanks guys for helping me. I will try and get on here often to give any advice if I have it and keep learning from all of you guys. I appreciate the help Ive gotten so far even though its very little.(The whole .22 and bear thing makes since, but MANY bear have been killed with a .22. Shot placement off topic I know). THANKS AGAIN!
Reply:Joker, I agree that any frame/trailer work needs to be done with a much larger machine.  But I also remember ZTFab reported once he used a 140A machine for many things he was doing on the vehicles he was using.  That was what I was referring to in the above post "many years of full time experience".  I would hope someday I will be half as skilled as he is.  On the other hand, maybe I'll swing by, you can show me what I'm doing wrong & I can learn a thing or two.  In about 4 weeks I'll have time.........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:Find a used 140 amp (115volt) welder.  Miller, Lincoln or Hobart.  No Harbor Freight.Run flux core (.30 or .35) for better penetration on 1/8" - 3/16" mild steel (flux core is not for aluminum or thin sheet metal).Practice on 1/8" stock (flat, lap and fillet joints).Cut your practice pieces up to see if you are getting good penetration.Practice some more.  Then some more.  Then some more.Cut your practice pieces up again until you have consistent penetration.  If you don't know what good weld penetration is, get a book at the library or look up some pictures online.When you are consistent with flux core and after saving some more money, purchase a tank and convert to MIG. If you buy a cheapo 90amp harbor freight flux core welder, you will probably be sorry.  It won't have the power to properly penetrate 1/8" or larger stock.  You might as well buy some JB Weld and save your money.
Reply:jeepin, take it from someone who's been where you are now.  Put off the projects, save some more coin, and buy a welder that will do what you "need" it to do.  AND THEN...PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE....AND THEN...PRACTICE SOME MORE....REPEAT.I know you say that you will only use it every once in a while BUT when you do use it you want to have the correct tool for the job.To be honest...based on the experience, or lack there of, that you say you have and the projects you want to do....you scare the heck out of me.  I've got kids my man...and last think I want is some junk falling apart right infront of me or my family driving down the highway.  Not trying to be harsh, just think about what you want to do before you do it.Mom always told me....use the common sense GOD gave you!  Took me a while to finally listen to that GREAT advice but I came around.Good luck, have fun with the learning experience, I did.
Reply:jeepin', why can't you use a 220v machine?  At home, I have only oxy/ acetylene, and a 220v stick machine.Almost any electrical service to a home will support 220v. welders. Your humble response indicates that you are not a dumbass, and are worthy of help. You are the type of guy that will learn something here.
Reply:That $300.00 dollar cap is the killer. If I knew I could get a brand name 140 mig for $300.00 or less I'd sell my MM 175 in a flash and get one. Set it up for .023 and C-25 and leave that way.
Reply:"When you can weld the pebble to my hand..."  Attached ImagesCity of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:Tanglediver...another good one.Mark, I guess it depends on what you are doing. I like to use my 110v mig for tack welding stuff. Its a lot easier to get in and out of the garage. Then when I am ready to burn some wire, I drag out the big dog.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyThat $300.00 dollar cap is the killer. If I knew I could get a brand name 140 mig for $300.00 or less I'd sell my MM 175 in a flash and get one. Set it up for .023 and C-25 and leave that way.
Reply:I think that's why I like my Hobart 175.  It's small enough to roll about the garage, once set, I tack, then weld as necessary.There are things I'm planning on building that will need more power.  When that happens, I plan on getting more welder.  For now, I run it off my dryer outlet with a "Y" plug & extension cord.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:Originally Posted by DesertRider33One time on Craig's List, a guy nearby me was selling a Miller 130XP for $60.   It sold instantly, of course.
Reply:When I was waiting to hear back about the offer I made on the well-used MM250 (had to leave a message), I spotted a clean, used, Lincoln 255C for $650. I called him up to find that it had sold 1/2 an hour beforehand...big surprise. City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDannyYeah, had the same thing happen today.  Saw an ad on Craigslist for a 1986 Lincoln 10,000 watt 200 amp welder-generator for $300.  Called the guy & it was sold about a half hour before.  Was complete on a trailer too.  RATS even!!!!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:You could buy a cheaper machine to practice with, but in the long run you'd still have to save up for a larger welder. I'm sure you're itching to start learning, but it would be cheaper in the long run just to hold off on buying a welder untill you can afford something bigger. Besides, once you start to learn how to weld, you'll probably get bitten by the welding bug. Then suddenly you find all kinds of larger projects you want to weld. You should try to buy more welder than you think you'll need. Maybe in the mean time you could get the guy thats currently doing your welding for you to give you lessons. Or if you put your location down some one on this website in your area may be willing to help you out (though it may cost you $300 in beer! )daddy's right, you seem more teachable than alot of other noobs that have come on here looking to jump on large projects. Keep posting. I'm sure people will appreciate your humble attitude and try to help you any way they can.
Reply:This can be a rough crowd my friend. Somethinng tells me you can take it though. Good.I was in your shoes not very long ago. 99 WJ 4.7 with self made control arm dreams. I had many of the same responses you are getting. I listened. I also spent my tax return on a Lincoln PowerMig 180C and Victor torch kit.I spent enough time at the county library to qualify for local nerd hero status. And I practiced.I'm a darn good hobby weldor now (exscuse my boldness). I understand what I am not good at too. So go read and buy what you can afford and practice. They call it hood time.If I had to do it all over, I would get the torch first. It welds slowly but beautifully AND it cuts and bends.Ryanps - control arms came out real nice in due time.Lincoln PowerMig 180cVictor O/ABandaids and aspirinI don't know what I don't know!?
Reply:Pee Wee's teeny weeny wee wee"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Jeepin,Where do you live?I know of a Hobart Handler 125 in the Dallas, TX area that is going for $275.00 ($350 with cart). The owner states it has only run 3 lbs. of wire through it (less than 1 year old = in warranty).It's not a huge machine but it meets your $300.00 budget.
Reply:Im in upstate NY... About 15 min from catskill NY.. Ive been looking on craig list everyday to see if I can find anything thats decent. How much would a decent welder cost me? Any around my budget?  I understand that all of your input is really about safety. The information is very valuable. I think ill just get something and practice A LOT. Then maybe down the road get up to doing some bigger projects. I have been reading last night and this morning for a few hours. I went back about 30 pages. Im still leaning torge a mig for what i want to use it for. The reason I need only a 115v is because where most my welding is done is only 115v. My shop is a very long ways from my house. So 115v is a must. I think down the road id like to use welding gas. So does everyone agree with me that a mig is what I need? Considering what I plan on using it for? Or stick welder?I agree you guys are tough crowd, seen pretty harsh on some other members of this forum. But Really your guys just seem to be speaking the TRUTH, from your experience. I am giving my best trying to learn from you guys, I am a very fast learner not a moron. The thing that seems to be the hardest for me to understand is AC/DC and amps. But I will figure it out more reading. Anyway I will stay away from harbor freight from what you guys say. Is there any good websites maybe I could order from? What about from northern tool? Like this..http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...1941_200381941orhttp://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...2691_200332691Thanks again everyone.
Reply:J, one of the reasons we’re trying to steer you away from the striped down units is that you will develop bad habits while you’re learning, then you’ll have to go back and un-learn the habits. Sometimes the big box stores get returned equipment that is good and they will sell them deeply discounted.What don’t you understand about AC-DC, amps?Of the two, the mig 135 is the better choice. welds 2 min at 88 amps, max is 135. you can weld 1/8 in. 3/16 in is 1/8 + 1/16. 3/16 is a maybe with skill and prep work.Last edited by transit; 02-07-2010 at 11:03 AM.
Reply:Back to the power  in the shop for a sec.  Is it wired, or are you going to have to run extension cords?
Reply:Jeepn, The difference between AC and DC in the most simplest of terms....that I know how to explain.....is DC power goes in one direction, like your car battery. You have a positive post and a negative post, right? The current flows in only one direction.AC power is what you get from the outlet in your house. The current goes one direction and then flips and goes the other direction. That is called "alternating current".  Now, you wanna know how fast it switches directions? In North America it switches at 60 times per second. That's 60 cycles per second!! Fast, huh? That 60 cycles or frequency is expressed as 60Hz. You will see it on all your electrical devices in your house. Other parts of the world use 50Hz as well. So, does your machine have batteries inside to get DC current? Nope, it uses diodes in rectifiers to actually cut half of the AC cycle off. It's usually not a pure DC output. There will usually be some AC ripple in there. Not enough to matter, much like a battery charger will have.Now, here is where you start to get into the upper crust of welding.....if you have a basic transformer type welder, all of your AC welding OUTPUT will be 60Hz. Cuz that's what's coming in. But if you wanna drop the coin, you can buy an inverter based welder and with an inverter you can control the frequency on some machines. Maybe you wanna weld at 120Hz? I myself have only used an inverter in college welding class. I never could afford an inverter...and so far I haven't NEEDED it.hope that helps a little.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Keep going Joker, some of us haven't had your training & the basics help a lot.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:Mark, I am not sure, cuz I can't see your face....but i sense that you are just busting my chops...I really am not trying to sound like an expert, just trying to help him out. Hey, did the rain pound you guys all night? My pool was flooded. I had just pumped some of it out from the last storm and its full again. Man alive, it was coming down so hard I thought I was going to have to get into the garage and weld up an ARK!!!Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11Mark, I am not sure, cuz I can't see your face....but i sense that you are just busting my chops...I really am not trying to sound like an expert, just trying to help him out. Hey, did the rain pound you guys all night? My pool was flooded. I had just pumped some of it out from the last storm and its full again. Man alive, it was coming down so hard I thought I was going to have to get into the garage and weld up an ARK!!!
Reply:Seriously, keep posting stuff like this.  I'm sure many of us like to know more about these basics.I wouldn't bust ya on this, only about certain other things................. like when ya bruised yer wife's shoulder?Haven't checked the pool yet, but it was coming down hard for about a half hour.  It's still full from the last storm we had.  Imagine that 6" of rain within 30 days of each other..............in the desert no less!!!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:We got hit with alot of rain here in SD CA yesterday too.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Hate to throw more options at you, I'm sure your head is spinning already. Have you considered an oxy/ace set up? It would give you cutting, brazing, and welding capability. Little harder to learn, but it's versatile, portable, and doesn't care about your wiring situation. I'm not to familiar with small mig welders, so can't help you there. If you decide to go with a 115v stick welder Thermal Arc makes the 95s. You can find it with just the stick package in your price range on ebay. Or if you can save up a little more you could get it with the tig package as well. Then you'd have two processes at your disposal. If you're interested in the 95s at all, here's another thread about it.http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=38202
Reply:Originally Posted by Joker11Jeepn, The difference between AC and DC in the most simplest of terms....that I know how to explain.....is DC power goes in one direction, like your car battery. You have a positive post and a negative post, right? The current flows in only one direction.AC power is what you get from the outlet in your house. The current goes one direction and then flips and goes the other direction. That is called "alternating current".  Now, you wanna know how fast it switches directions? In North America it switches at 60 times per second. That's 60 cycles per second!! Fast, huh? That 60 cycles or frequency is expressed as 60Hz. You will see it on all your electrical devices in your house. Other parts of the world use 50Hz as well. So, does your machine have batteries inside to get DC current? Nope, it uses diodes in rectifiers to actually cut half of the AC cycle off. It's usually not a pure DC output. There will usually be some AC ripple in there. Not enough to matter, much like a battery charger will have.Now, here is where you start to get into the upper crust of welding.....if you have a basic transformer type welder, all of your AC welding OUTPUT will be 60Hz. Cuz that's what's coming in. But if you wanna drop the coin, you can buy an inverter based welder and with an inverter you can control the frequency on some machines. Maybe you wanna weld at 120Hz? I myself have only used an inverter in college welding class. I never could afford an inverter...and so far I haven't NEEDED it.hope that helps a little.
Reply:You should meet him in person, a pretty knowledgeable person.  Kinda friendly too, if ya bring boobie pictures...................Just kidding.  Nice guy & helpful too.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:Go here: http://www.searchtempest.com/results...ch_string_neg=Current search on Search Tempest for Craigslist ads.  I put in the Catskill zip code & key word "welder".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:Originally Posted by MarkBall2Go here: http://www.searchtempest.com/results...ch_string_neg=Current search on Search Tempest for Craigslist ads.  I put in the Catskill zip code & key word "welder".
Reply:A wire welder would work better for sheet metal.  Stick can do it, but it's much more difficult.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:Originally Posted by Grimm1You could buy a cheaper machine to practice with, but in the long run you'd still have to save up for a larger welder. I'm sure you're itching to start learning, but it would be cheaper in the long run just to hold off on buying a welder untill you can afford something bigger. Besides, once you start to learn how to weld, you'll probably get bitten by the welding bug. Then suddenly you find all kinds of larger projects you want to weld. You should try to buy more welder than you think you'll need. Maybe in the mean time you could get the guy thats currently doing your welding for you to give you lessons. Or if you put your location down some one on this website in your area may be willing to help you out (though it may cost you $300 in beer! )daddy's right, you seem more teachable than alot of other noobs that have come on here looking to jump on large projects. Keep posting. I'm sure people will appreciate your humble attitude and try to help you any way they can.
Reply:Among other dual voltage machines is the HTP 160DV which will operate off of 110 or 220 volt input power.  You can find them here.  http://www.htpweld.com/products/mig_...mig_160dv.html  I dont have one like it, but have bought other products from them.  Good company to deal with.  I think others on this forum have some of their equipment also.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:Havent got on in a few days but now im back. Is campbell hausfeld any good? I found a 115v flux that say it will well 3/16. Then theres a lincoln that says it will do 1/8 of a inch its about 70 bucks more but it wont weld as heavy metal? Heres some links. Yes I know there cheap migs but ive decided Im going to get one of these style for now then down the road When i get more money find a used generator/stick welder. What one out of these 2? I dont want to pay for just the NAME!Thanks everyone your a great bunch of guys!http://www.tractorsupply.com/welding...welder-3811167   http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053
Reply:Based on the numbers only, the Century at up to 88 amps is the pick of the litter. Both units are low end and you will need to weld multiple pass to accomplish anything. 0.030 wire may perform better than 0.035.
Reply:Jeepin,Go ahead and buy whatever YOU want. At the price YOU can afford. Get back to us later about what you can do with it. Post up pictures of your projects.Be sure to let us know how long it lasts, how easy it is to get parts for and how long it takes before you feel you need something bigger. These are all points that we should keep track of everytime someone starts the same thread asking the same questions. Then we can make it a sticky and we can be done with it. Have a good one!And you posted asking which one. I say Lincoln. And not everything is about the NAME.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain