I am thinking about acquiring a welder and learning how to use it. Last time I did any welding was in high school back in the late ‘70’s. We did stick welding back then.
I would love to get recommendations on what you think I should get. I would use it to do body work/patch panels, and possibly frame repair. I also would use it to build mobile bases of steel for some of my woodworking machines.
I’ve read a lot of good comments about the Miller 211. Would this be a good starter machine?

 

Millar is a good brand. I have a Hobart 140, works perfect for what I do in my garage. Not sure if they still make them, just a 110 volt unit.

 

i have two. a miller bluestar 2E AC/DC reverse polarity stick machine, and an older Lincoln 215 power mig with spool gun for use on aluminum and stainless.
i use the stick for heavy work like frames or heavy metal, and the mig for thinner metal

 

1st- learn how to weld.... just buying a welder and practicing with it is not learning anything really. IMHO, buy an oxy-acet set, take a class (virtual) and then begin practicing. You will learn multiple techniques and how to properly heat, weld, braze (including aluminum) and solder and recognize when a metal is properly heated. Then move on to a miller or Hobart multi-function unit.

 

Imho, You need to define what you’re looking to do a bit more, type and a budget. What are you welding? Thin sheetmetal, heavy frames, or shop equipment? Tig, mig, stick, oxy/act?

Sometimes local colleges have evening welding classes, or local welding shops do as well. You’ll learn some basic metallurgy, safety, styles, penetration, techniques, various equipment. I agree with the above. Once you know what to practice, then practice. I started welding as a teen in my dad’s shop, learning from experienced welders. Older, with some knowledge, I practiced a lot for test samples. It’s a bit of a degrading skill, imo unless you do it everyday/frequently.

We had Hobart, Miller, Lincoln etc at the shop. I bought a nice small compact Miller multi function for another shop, great little machine. They all work great, but also very expensive. I bought an inexpensive offshore tig/plasma/stick multi function unit over 10 years ago - Everlast IGBT. Infrequent home shop use. Served me well so far. Looking on their web site, looks like they have tig/mig multi function now too. I also have an old lincoln dc at home for heavier work when needed.

One tip. Never use chlorinated brake cleaner in a welding shop. I banned it from the shops years ago. When burnt, it releases phosgene gas, it’s deadly. A small amount can kill you. I still see people using for cleaning time to time in videos online.