Need welder advice

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Dec 9, 2002 | 09:42 AM

Raul

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From: Northern Virginia

Need welder advice

My son (3rd yr Mech. engineering, UVA) wants a welder for Chrismas; he has hinted at the Lincoln welder, flux-core wire feed (no gas) for $350 at Sears. Includes clamps, and shield, wire. Welds up to 1/4 inch thick metal.

I do not know welding at all (when I need it, I have it done) -- is this a reasonably useful model? At $350 could I do better.

Any recommendation/advice appreciated. TIA

Raul

Dec 9, 2002 | 10:19 AM

theonlybull

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From: clementsport canada

Need welder advice

personally, i'd spend extra and get a mig that can use gas as well as flux cored...they cost a little more, but someday he'll realize taht flux cored isn't that great. gas is the best method.. $350 for a flux cored is a resonalbe price too...

Dec 9, 2002 | 01:03 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

Need welder advice

I have welded both, and give me gas any day. Actually, TIG has them both beat, hands down. But good luck finding even a used system for less than $1200. Lincoln is a very good company to go with, I would follow bull's advice, and get a dual model, though. If you are working with fresh, clean metal, and want to just crank out a job, flux core (also called self-shielding) can work great. Get the slightest bit of rust, though, and it will pop and spatter everywhere. This stuff really sucks for making a second pass too, as it releases the extra flux left over in the weld, and again spatters everywhere.

Jared

Dec 9, 2002 | 08:27 PM

79CEEJAY

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From: South of you

Need welder advice

I believe that that little Lincoln has a provision for Argon. Take a look at www.discountweldingsupplies.com. They are out of Phoenix, I believe. They carry Lincoln, Miller, and I believe Hobart. Compare what you have seen at Sears with their models. I have not seen anybody cheaper...I also believe they have "free" shipping.

Flux cored wire is not that bad. That litle machine will handle I believe up to 3/16" material if I'm not mistaken. You can do a lot of welding with that machine. However, which machine depends on the job most often performed. For stainless and aluminum, you need a tig, and for mild steel...you would want a mig.....and now things start to get confusing....so...take a look at that web site and just compare odel for model....

Dec 9, 2002 | 09:09 PM

theonlybull

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From: clementsport canada

Need welder advice

aluminum and stainless steel can both be welded with mig, but the require special wire, and gas(straight argon) alum as doesnt' feed though a whip very well. (ours has a $1200 alum attachment) and for ss, we us stainless wire, it's fast and easy for any amount of fab work.

as for tig, cheap add on units can be bought for steel and stainless(no good for alum or mag.) these are none high frequency models.

Dec 9, 2002 | 11:24 PM

Ford_Six

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From: The Big, Oregon

Need welder advice

I used to weld TIG, mostly on stainless (fusion welds on sanitary pipe), and on aluminum with filler rod. I forget what machine I used, it was an old POS, that my company picked up at auction. The aluminum seemed to like DCRP (reversed polarity) quite a bit, and this is what I mainly used. I also welded heavy mild steel with it to make the new dockplates they are still enjoying. I loved the welding, but I hated the company.

Jared

Dec 10, 2002 | 11:00 AM

Raul

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From: Northern Virginia

Need welder advice

OK guys, thanks for the input. Based on your much appreciated advice I have just ordered a reconditioned Lincoln SP 100T MIG welder for $360. It handles the same stuff as the one in my initial post, but will feed both solid wire and flux core wire, and includes the regulator for the gases. I am sure my son will enjoy it.

I have always wanted a welder - I see it as more of an art, and suppose I can learn it. But I was never willing to pay the price. Funny how willing I am to do it for a son -- maybe I can borrow it. Maybe we all give our kids too much.

It does not include a hood, only a hand shield. But I understand you can get a decent hood for 30-40 dollars; not the fancy schmanzy automatic darkening models, of course. Includes how-to video and wire.
I will let him upgrade as he sees fit.

But I think I am giving him a good starting point. Thanks for the advice.

Have a joyous and SAFE holiday season.

Raul