110 volt stick weilders
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Central Kali
Save your money. I started with a 220 volt unit. Then had to get oxy/act. Then had to get a mig. Then converted the arc welder to a tig. Then bought a couple of used wire feeders cheap. Then.........who knows what is next. 
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: alaska
Originally Posted by Mike W
Save your money. I started with a 220 volt unit. Then had to get oxy/act. Then had to get a mig. Then converted the arc welder to a tig. Then bought a couple of used wire feeders cheap. Then.........who knows what is next.
Logistics Pro
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You could get by with one. I bought a craftsman 110 arc used because it is what I could afford at the time, and have found more and more uses for it. I keep meaning to buy a "better" welder, but keep comparing the cost to the amount of ford parts I can buy with that kind of cash 
So I keep welding with it. I have done about everything: made skidplates out of 1/4" steel plate, hitches, sheetmetal repair, driveshaft shortening, etc. You can do about anything with them, but you have to know how to use it. If you have never welded, maybe you should save your $$. I would say buy one, and start practicing with it. Any welder is a good investment. Ted
So I keep welding with it. I have done about everything: made skidplates out of 1/4" steel plate, hitches, sheetmetal repair, driveshaft shortening, etc. You can do about anything with them, but you have to know how to use it. If you have never welded, maybe you should save your $$. I would say buy one, and start practicing with it. Any welder is a good investment. Ted
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
re:stick welders
Stick welders are good for thick materials, but, at 110 volts and 15 amps, you are not going to be welding anything that thick and you can not weld anything thin either like sheet metal, maybe the thinnest thing might be 14 guage or exhaust pipe.
The 230 volt stick welders from Lincoln and Hobart are good deals at about $250.00. Easily can handle 1/4 inch steel.
$100-$200 mig welders just are not worth the money for anything useful either, like welding a cracked exhaust manifold. I think the best value in mig (because S&H is included) is the Hobart Handler 135 from NorthernTools.com. I have used mine in the past few weeks to weld up security cages for A/C units, put an exhaust on a car, and weld up a broken exhaust manifold.
If $100 is your limit for a single project, then consider Home Depot rentals, they will rent a MIG welder for $35 a day.
Stick welders are good for thick materials, but, at 110 volts and 15 amps, you are not going to be welding anything that thick and you can not weld anything thin either like sheet metal, maybe the thinnest thing might be 14 guage or exhaust pipe.
The 230 volt stick welders from Lincoln and Hobart are good deals at about $250.00. Easily can handle 1/4 inch steel.
$100-$200 mig welders just are not worth the money for anything useful either, like welding a cracked exhaust manifold. I think the best value in mig (because S&H is included) is the Hobart Handler 135 from NorthernTools.com. I have used mine in the past few weeks to weld up security cages for A/C units, put an exhaust on a car, and weld up a broken exhaust manifold.
If $100 is your limit for a single project, then consider Home Depot rentals, they will rent a MIG welder for $35 a day.
Last edited by rebocardo; Apr 2, 2004 at 10:58 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,157
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From: Central Kali
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
I agree with Mike, grab it, as long as it is in good condition. That is a good deal, about 1/2 retail, plus, you can go just about anywhere for replacment parts. Try to get a few free rods too if the guy still does welding.
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