Just picked up my truck this past late summer and plan on putting up a pole barn for tinkering. Something I've always wanted to learn how to do is weld for the obvious reasons. I plan on getting some books/videos for welding basics etc and figured you guys would be good to ask for advice on what kind of wire welders to look into for a beginner. I was told to look into welders that do both gas and flux core. I don't plan on working the welder every day all day just something for small projects and that's pretty user friendly etc. any advice is much appreciated.

 

There is a lot of information on Youtube. Get the machine setup right for the material type and thickness you want to weld and practice.

Frankly I hate using the small diameter flux core that is commonly used with small mig welders. You are better off spending the money on a tank of 75/25 for a shielding gas and using solid wire. Gas isn't too awfully expensive and you can buy the smaller tanks to avoid leasing. I am stuck leasing tanks for some of my welders because I need the large volume, but I buy the small ones.

I'd recommend spending the little extra money on something like a Millermatic 190 or a Lincoln or Esab equivalent. This will allow you some wiggle room to weld thinner materials and some heavier stuff, just more flexible. They are quality machines compared to some of the junk you find at big box stores and harbor freight as well.

 

I'm looking into the Miller 141 simply because I don't have 220 at my house but it seems like it should be plenty for what I need

 

I just picked up a hobart handler 140 and am very pleased so far. Burned through all the sample Flux wire that cane with it. Flux sucks, get some gas. I've welded for years and always had access to a work welder so didn't need my own. Now after changing careers I do need my own

My dad bought a new handler 125 a few years ago and has been happy with it also

 

Here is a great place to ask that question and get some other advice.

Garage & Workshop - Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums

Craftsman Weld Pac 100 (110/115V standard household plug) for light weight work like floor pans, patch panels ect...get the shop wired for 220. That way you can run a big compressor and a ESAB 220 welder that is for frame and HD work.

Yes on gas, welds a lot cleaner with less slag and splatter.

 

A good hobbyist 110v welder can do about 80 percent of all work on these rigs.... 22g to 1/8-inch thick material.... 3/16ths with proper prep. Wire is .023/.024 and 0.30. Works great on floor panels and patch panels, and small work.. again, up to 1/8-inch in general.

The last 20 percent of the work (axles, suspension brackets, frame boxing, fishplating, frames) requires a 220v welder using either 0.030 or .035 wire where adequate heat penetration is required.

I never use flux core...always gas.

Buy the biggest welder you can afford. Stay away from Harbor Freight welders. I am partial to "The Power of Blue'... I've got a Miller 140, Miller 211, and a Miller Diversion 180 TIG. Eastwood, Hobart, Esab, and Lincoln have some decent models.

There are even models that can automatically switch between 110v and 220v... like Miller's series that have the "Multi-Voltage Plug" or "MVP".

Buy one as an investment because a welder is one tool that can last a lifetime. And once you start welding, you will never look at metal the same way again.

 

Ok thanks.. I'll do some digging around

 

And yes I plan on running 220 for the compressor and have enough power to run my woodshop. I've only messed with flux in the past and will definitely lean towards gas

 

Read through this thread.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ggestions.html

 

Anybody have any tips for a cheaper way to get into an Argon bottle? Leasing sounds like a rip off and the local suppliers want $300 for a decent size bottle plus like $90 to fill it.

Pretty hard pill to swallow spending 2/3 of the welder cost on the damn bottle

 

Buy it used. Just make sure its got a recent certification.

 

I found my argon bottle on CL for $125 filled. Just lucky I guess.