Welding 101
#32
Welding is not hard. It does take some trial and error when first starting. Buy some scrap and learn your self. So much gets made about the actual welding and machines. What they won't show you in a traditional welding class is actual fabrication and fit up. That's where it's at in this hobby.
You know how one day you ended up married, and after the wedding you had some drinks and next thing you knew you were naked and next to your new wife? What happened next was easy right? That is welding. The time and hard work you put into the relationship to get you to that point, that is fabrication.
Don't sweat the actual machine too much. Buy what you can. Some of us here are tool *****s. I raise my hand. But definitely get a MIG. Then get some clean steel to practice on. There are several good books available.
The following users liked this post:
#33
The extra 145 for the 180 IMO is a better deal if you are willing to spend that much for the 140. To me it just makes more sense.
I know you directed this question towards Ax but I can't help myself, so I hope I don't upset some of the others or you here. IMHO the Lincoln is of equal quality as the Hobart and I have used the Hobart in my welding class I took while a sheet metal apprentice. I have been using my Lincoln 155 for quite some time and am totally satisfied with it.
#34
There's a lot of free online instruction these days. There's a guy on YouTube that has an excellent series. search Weldingtipsandtricks ,
Get some metal, and practice.
#35
My Turn , I have a Hobart 190 - 22volt Mig it's a great machine however it's tied to my garage . If I was buying again I would get the Hobart 140 and have the ability to take it anywhere . The ability to weld outside away from the garage with flux cored wire would be an asset to me . IMHO
#36
Lincoln Electric Weld Pak 180 HD Wire Feed Welder-K2515-1 - The Home Depot
The extra 145 for the 180 IMO is a better deal if you are willing to spend that much for the 140. To me it just makes more sense.
The extra 145 for the 180 IMO is a better deal if you are willing to spend that much for the 140. To me it just makes more sense.
While you may never weld aluminum, the gas is important when welding sheet metal.
#37
Lincoln Electric Weld Pak 180 HD Wire Feed Welder-K2515-1 - The Home Depot
The extra 145 for the 180 IMO is a better deal if you are willing to spend that much for the 140. To me it just makes more sense.
I know you directed this question towards Ax but I can't help myself, so I hope I don't upset some of the others or you here. IMHO the Lincoln is of equal quality as the Hobart and I have used the Hobart in my welding class I took while a sheet metal apprentice. I have been using my Lincoln 155 for quite some time and am totally satisfied with it.
The extra 145 for the 180 IMO is a better deal if you are willing to spend that much for the 140. To me it just makes more sense.
I know you directed this question towards Ax but I can't help myself, so I hope I don't upset some of the others or you here. IMHO the Lincoln is of equal quality as the Hobart and I have used the Hobart in my welding class I took while a sheet metal apprentice. I have been using my Lincoln 155 for quite some time and am totally satisfied with it.
I have a 120v Lincoln SP 135 I bought at a welding supply store and use it for everything up to 1/8" As I started doing more chassis work I wanted a 220v unit if only for piece of mind.
The 180 weldpak works great, the only thing I do not like (and I am sure it is one of the money saving items) is the heat settings are on steps and not infinitely variable like on my 140 amp machine. Sometimes you need a heat setting between two selections and cant get it, so you have to learn to deal with that.
If I only had one welder I would get one with variable power output and not with set numbered outputs.
I have read good things about the Eastwood stuff, and if I was going to buy an eastwood 220v machine until I found the CL deal.
#38
#39
It was not a total waste of or money,but it became a problem when the welding machines had problems because of abuse.
#40
When I retired, my co-workers got me a gift certificate to the Riverside Vocademy, where welding is one of the things they teach. I took three 4-hour classes for basic MIG welding for under $500 including the materials fees. Since I had never welded anything before taking the classes, I felt it was well worth the time spent. Of course, for me 2/3 of the cost was covered by my co-workers gift.
Check your area for a local vocational school. Sure, you can watch YouTube videos all day long, but no one will tell you what you're doing wrong.
Check your area for a local vocational school. Sure, you can watch YouTube videos all day long, but no one will tell you what you're doing wrong.
#41
#42
#43
I went through university to be a shop teacher for all disciplines, so we learned every type of welding (and on good machines helped). Last year got myself a Lincoln 210 MP. It's dual voltage and will do MIG (incl optional spool gun)/ stick/ DC TIG. Super little unit to grow into, and have really simplified the use with their digital setup. Done both heavy frame welding (patches) and bodywork.
Just my 0.016 cents (exchange is just killing us up here).
Just my 0.016 cents (exchange is just killing us up here).
I love my Lincoln MP210. I bought it without the TIG setup and saves a few bucks. Now the TIG setup is available with after market parts see ebay.
Brad
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Bluey Zedoff
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
21
11-16-2014 08:38 PM
sancochojoe
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
01-27-2004 10:43 AM