I'm interested
Welding Rookie needs advice
Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,591
Likes: 14
From: Pflugerville, tx
If you might be interested in an entry level TIG and Stick machine, here is what I chose. The HF 91811 TIG/Stick welder. Its DC Only (No Aluminum) and 130 amps TIG/ 90 amps Stick. But its adjustable, from 5-130 amps, has a builtin gas valve (gas comes on and off as required automagically), and comes with tig and stick cables.
Scratch start, but because no aluminum, this is no problem.
for $200 it is hard to pass up, you need a gas tank and regulator to use it, everything else comes with. Oh, and a plug end to match your 220 wall outlet. I made a 30ft 10ga extension cord (for another $80), this box only weighs like 15 lbs.
TIG is harder to learn than MIG for sure, but can produce some awesome looking welds.
The next nearest machine, the Econotig from Miller is $1200, and it adjusts only from 30 to 150 amps. The Econotig is also an Inverter machine, so the best are using the same approach.
lots of people on EBAY are (trying and succeeding) suckering buyers on this product, so be careful.
Sam
Scratch start, but because no aluminum, this is no problem.
for $200 it is hard to pass up, you need a gas tank and regulator to use it, everything else comes with. Oh, and a plug end to match your 220 wall outlet. I made a 30ft 10ga extension cord (for another $80), this box only weighs like 15 lbs.
TIG is harder to learn than MIG for sure, but can produce some awesome looking welds.
The next nearest machine, the Econotig from Miller is $1200, and it adjusts only from 30 to 150 amps. The Econotig is also an Inverter machine, so the best are using the same approach.
lots of people on EBAY are (trying and succeeding) suckering buyers on this product, so be careful.
Sam
Last edited by sdetweil; Mar 7, 2005 at 06:53 AM.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Stick welding is the way to start. its how I learned. My first welder was an $80 Cambel Hausefield from Wallmart. it worked well enough to get the job done.
I now use a Hobart 145 wire fed with GMAW conversion. Hobart is owned by Miller, and the internal parts are the same. I can do far more with wirefed than I could with stick. Thicker stuff sometimes takes multiple passes, but I have better control of the weld.
You can weld sheet with a stick, but its not something you will be able to do right away. Its tricky not to burn through
I now use a Hobart 145 wire fed with GMAW conversion. Hobart is owned by Miller, and the internal parts are the same. I can do far more with wirefed than I could with stick. Thicker stuff sometimes takes multiple passes, but I have better control of the weld.
You can weld sheet with a stick, but its not something you will be able to do right away. Its tricky not to burn through
New User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
I would have to say to go with a Mig.. it is much easier to use.. to me anyway...I work for a Metal fabrication shop and weld with both Mig and Stick every day.
Once you get the hang of Mig welding you will love it.
Once you get the hang of Mig welding you will love it.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: South Eastern Connecticut
220 service
Dan,
If you have an electric cloths dryer you have a panel with 220 already. An electrician can hook you up with another outlet for the welder. You may have to get a higher amps service (like 200 amps). If you need a new service you will probably need a new panel too........more $$$$$$$$$$$$
33 pickup
If you have an electric cloths dryer you have a panel with 220 already. An electrician can hook you up with another outlet for the welder. You may have to get a higher amps service (like 200 amps). If you need a new service you will probably need a new panel too........more $$$$$$$$$$$$
33 pickup
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,377
Likes: 2
From: Elkhart IN
well for the exhaust you almost have to use mig, for the rest its all preference. you just have to remember that mig weld strength has to do alot with the prepwork of the work and selecting the right wire and whatnot.
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Dan, 220 is just adding the other 110 leg that is already supplied in your main panel. So you will end up with 2 hots and a ground. You will need to turn off the electricity up stream, or just be very careful when adding the 220 breaker. The hardest part will be running the wires to where you want the outlet. Hope this helps. Randy