. If not, you'll have to get it off the breaker box.
Welding Rookie needs advice
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Helotes, Texas
I've been welding for over 20 years, and here's my opinion. Take it for what it's worth. Buy a 220v AC/DC welder. The extra electrical will be minimal and you can do it youself if you take proper precautions. I personally feel that you will find this welder to be a great all around machine. I own one myself and have for years. I also own a Wirematic 255 (Mig) and a Ranger 250 portable welder, but you can do almost anything you want with a "Cracker Box". Hope it helps.
Max
Max
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
How difficult is it to put in a 220 service? I've done most types of electrical work, aside from putting in a new panel service. Breakers, runnin wire, outlets, are no problem for me. Do I need some kind of converter to make the 220 happen?
Dan
Dan
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,497
Likes: 5
From: Tucson AZ
I have an opinion on just about everything and this is no exception. I have been a "welder" for 30 years +/-, and would not trade my Lincoln 220v mig for any machine I have ever used. I find the arc to be a little more stable with the 220 and they also have a longer duty cycle. while you are liquidating cash by a good helmet with the instant dark lens. you will love it . Note: you only have to buy the right stuff once.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 824
Likes: 0
From: Helotes, Texas
All you need to do for electrical is install a 2 pole breaker (probably 50 amp) in your existing panel, proper size wire and correct type of 230v single phase plug. I used mine off the breaker for the cooking range and just paralleled a plug for my welder. It never pulls enough amperage to trip the breaker even when the stove is on (although that is rare around my house since I think my wife is allergic to cooking). Good luck.
Max
Max
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 39
Likes: 1
From: Wyoming, Michigan
I have 4 Lincoln welders, 1-225AC, 1-225AC/DC, 1-130 amp "Mig", and a [20? hp]Gasoline powered 10,000 watt welder-generator. I've been welding 28 years. I would recommend either a Lincoln or Miller 225amp AC/DC stick welder to start with. As others have said, they are the most versatle. If you don't have a torch [or your in a hurry] they are very handy for cutting steel but you'll need a 40 or 50 amp breaker service for the higher settings.
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Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
I would never reccomend stick welding for sheetmetal, as it is pretty difficult. I also don't reccomend that you try to learn on stick welding, if you plan to do primarily mig in your future. I mean...training wheels don't really teach you to ride a bike or people wouldn't fall down when they take them off the bike. Stick welding is usually what people use first, just because it is common.
I have used many welding machines on and off the job, over the last 19 years. For small things, I prefer something like the Hobart Handler line. For larger things, I prefer Miller equipment.
For something that will do it all, but still a relatively low price, check into the Hobart Ironman 210. I was surprised at its abilities. Granted, if it was a company's money, I'd go with Miller, but for money out of my pocket, I'd be fine with the Ironman.
I have used many welding machines on and off the job, over the last 19 years. For small things, I prefer something like the Hobart Handler line. For larger things, I prefer Miller equipment.
For something that will do it all, but still a relatively low price, check into the Hobart Ironman 210. I was surprised at its abilities. Granted, if it was a company's money, I'd go with Miller, but for money out of my pocket, I'd be fine with the Ironman.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 385
Likes: 0
Me too!
I have an opinion as a welder for 2 days now! I first attempted welding with a stick on two previous occasions many years ago. I sucked, it was hard, the weld was worse than bad, I hated it.
Now that I have to keep my off road 4X4 Bronco II from falling apart, I purchased a Hobart Handler MIG Flux core 125. Man I love that machine! I'm laying recognizable beads after 1/2 lb of wire. I'm having fun, starting an arc is easy (real easy). My machine has a cold tip, until the trigger is pulled, so I place the electrode on the seam, lower my visor, and sha-zam. Did I say I was having fun! I have welded 3/16" plate, butt and angle welds. I spent $350 for the machine and full coverage sheild at TSC, and it is upgradable to gas later. I will leave the drive shafts and heavy stuff to my shop down the road, but for all the light stuff, I'm set.
Tim
Now that I have to keep my off road 4X4 Bronco II from falling apart, I purchased a Hobart Handler MIG Flux core 125. Man I love that machine! I'm laying recognizable beads after 1/2 lb of wire. I'm having fun, starting an arc is easy (real easy). My machine has a cold tip, until the trigger is pulled, so I place the electrode on the seam, lower my visor, and sha-zam. Did I say I was having fun! I have welded 3/16" plate, butt and angle welds. I spent $350 for the machine and full coverage sheild at TSC, and it is upgradable to gas later. I will leave the drive shafts and heavy stuff to my shop down the road, but for all the light stuff, I'm set.
Tim
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 531
Likes: 1
From: New Mexico
Dangaus, 220 is already at your house I suspect. Your dryer, if it is electric is 220. But it splits inside the dryer: 110 for the motor and 110 for the heater=220 volts. But, run a separate line for the welder out of the service box with its own breaker. You'll notice a difference in the plug and outlets necessary; slanted terminals for the dryer (20 or 30 amp) and straight ones for the welder (50 amp). But, you'll still get the power takeoff from the same service box. A decent residential electrical how-to book will show the way. As always, before you pick up a tool, pick up a book. I did my garage for 60 amp 220V and I'm as simpleton as it comes. I own three books on electrical---I'm that careful.
