Haven't welded in 20 years. Help me pick some equipment?

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I learned to weld in shop class in high school, and spent two summers building boat docks (stick welding, cutting on vertical bandsaw). I've been fortunate that I can build myself a small shop, which is now almost done. But I have to make a decision on whether to wire for 230v to run welding equipment. The electrician will be done this week, so I really need to make up my mind soon. What I'd like to do is to be able to weld steel under 1/4". Mostly for around the house projects, that odd repair project, work on motorcycles, and general things like that. I don't think I'll do much aluminum or stainless steel. I'm leaning towards a Lincoln 140C MIG and a Hypertherm 380C Plasma Cutter for machines. I like these since I can run them on 115v, and the air compressor I already own is plenty for the plasma cutter. I have a good local welding shop to buy from that will sell and refill tanks. There is a small local steel supply that will sell small quantities to hobbyists and not rob them. But the big dilemma is do I jump up to bigger 230v machines? I don't think I need their capabilities, and it will really double the cost of the machines. It will also double their size. I do like the idea of being able to take the machines somewhere, since they can run on 115v. Thoughts?Also, is there a list somewhere of things to get before you try and build something? Off the top of my head I'm thinking angle grinders, sander, clamps, magnet clamps, face shield, gloves, jacket, soapstones, squares and metal rulers. Anything I left out? Thanks in advance.Eric
Reply:If I were building a new shop, you'd have to whip me to not run 230 for a welder. Probably to the compressor area too.
Reply:I'd say concentrate on the welder first, and the Plasma cutterwhen you learn more about them. Plasma cutting with compressedair requires a clean, dry source of compressed air. This meansadding aftercooler and/or refrigerated air dryer along with filtrationto your compressor. The compressor should be run on 240V asshould the welder, if for no other reason than the improvement induty cycle you get with a 240V welder vs. a 120V one. I'd look atpurchasing a Millermatic 175/180 or equivalent, and running 0.030"solid wire in it for in-the-shop welding. When you're not using thewelder, pull the roll of wire out and store it in a plastic bag or boxalong with some dessicant so that it won't start to rust too quickly.
Reply:With out a question I would get 220v In the shop....Your talking about an aircomperssor, mig welder, and a plasma. In my opinion everything should be on 220...The prices for 220V welders are not double. Bettween the millermatic 180 and 140 is $100.. The between the lincoln 140c and 180c is about $120, depending where you shop. And they are the same size welders too. You most likely going to have to have atleast a 20 amp service for the 110v welder anyway. According to my millermatic mig calculator, for 1/8, 140-150 amps is recommended... For 1/4 steel, 180-190 amps is recommended. Take it for what ever its worth...Sounds like you gonna have a nice shop when you finished....And welcome to the forum.....
Reply:You can also consider the cost of electric, 220 is a much more efficient way to go. And cheap enough, being the electrician is going to be running wire anyway. It's just a matter of what size wire he's pulling, really pennies more Talk to the electrician. And you have a good list of things on the "to get" list, just don't forget the safety equiptment you will need. Welding helmet, gloves and some sort of welding jacket I'm sure you already have on that list, but you want to consider also venting your garage air, and fire protection for the rest of the garage area by curtaining off your work table. Have fun!Last edited by Clanweld; 11-14-2006 at 09:44 AM.If you don't have the time to do it right, then you definitely don't have the time to do it over.
Reply:An upgrade to the first tier of 230V machines will use the exact amount of the exact same wire; no additional wiring cost at all except for the 2-pole breaker and the larger receptacle.Your duty cycle will double immediately, you'll have a far easier time on 3/16" - 1/4" steel, and the machine is the exact same size.  Look at the newest offerings from Hobart (Handler 187), Lincoln (PowerMIG 180C) and Miller (MM180).  These are brand new and are gaining a great reputation.
Reply:Do the 220 in the shop now. That way when you (like most everyone else) decides you want the bigger welder, you don't have to kick yourself twice. Both the air compressor and the welder. If you don't use them you are not out that much and way better than having to redo later.He who dies with the most tools wins
Reply:Mac I was referring to 2 conducter vs 3 conducter, not guage. If he's wiring the garage from scratch he'll need a neutral for the 110 portion of the service.If you don't have the time to do it right, then you definitely don't have the time to do it over.
Reply:Originally Posted by ClanweldMac I was referring to 2 conducter vs 3 conducter, not guage. If he's wiring the garage from scratch he'll need a neutral for the 110 portion of the service.
Reply:Not correcting you at all, I know you are an electrician by your bio; trying to make my posting clearer. Probably not explaining myself well, far as I know to wire strictly for 220v you can use 2 conductor wire same as for 110v, white and black both hot and a bare copper ground. If you are bringing a 220v circuit to carry both 220v for the welder and compressor and additionally 110v for lighting outlets and such, the electrician needs to run 3 conductor wire from the double throw breaker at the panel in the house out to the garage. Red and balck carrying 110v each for 220v in, white is neutral return for the 110v portion of the service(which would be powered off the black), and bare copper ground. 'Course I'm definitely not an electrician (underlined!!) and it's hard to hurt my feelings, so if I have that all or partly wrong please correct me. Thanks!Last edited by Clanweld; 11-16-2006 at 11:05 AM.If you don't have the time to do it right, then you definitely don't have the time to do it over.
Reply:Yep, that's right.  Just remember to recolor the white wire when you use it for a hot.  Any color except gray, white, or green; it can even be a second black.
Reply:The electrician wired two 230v outlets for me, he'll put in correctly sized breakers after I pick my machines.Unfortunately, I already own a 115v compressor that's only a year old, so I won't be changing that. Thanks for all the tips - time to start picking out a bigger machine now.
Reply:You wont regret it.....Keep us informed on what machine you end up going with... Goodluck