If it looks too long to read, just skip to the part by the asterisks (*). LOL.
I just started learning to weld a month or so back - I've wanted to for a long time, but finally made it a priority. A friend loaned me his 110v mig to play with. I'm ready to buy my own, but wish to purchase something I won't grow out of too quick. I've been reading all that I can and will probably take a class this fall or at least spend a bunch of Saturdays with a friend who welds for a living.
My metal building is only wired for 110v and poorly at that. Eventually, I'll get 220v out to it, but want to start welding now, as getting 220v may take a while. That being said, there's a dedicated 220v plug about 50' or so from the metal building (for the master bedroom HVAC wall unit).
I know that I could go w/ a mig and it'd be easier starting out, but I want to learn to stick weld, so I have my sights set on a stick welder, herein lies the question:
***Should I go w/ an older stick (220v) and run a long plug into the existing 220 outlet - knowing that I'd lose power and not be able to run the machine at it's full rated output, which really isn't a problem since I'll just be burning sticks to learn, for now. Are there other issues I should be aware of using a long power cord? Or is this an absolute no-no?
***Or should I go w/ something like the Everlast 140 dual voltage stick/tig welder, knowing that even at 220v it will only put out 140 amps, iirc - will I get frustrated w/ only 140 amps too soon? The price is in the ball park as the 220v stick welders I've been looking at, $229. I could at least be able to learn to weld and will have better (not much) amperage than 110v eventually. I know I'd be hoping that Everlast lasts and they honor their warranty. So some ifs involved here.
In this area, 220v AC only (I know this is not as desirable as an AC/DC machine) machines go for $100-$200. The 220v AC/DC machines go for roughly $200-$400 for the older tried and true Lincolns and Millers.
I found a Miller Thunderbolt 225v w/ 100' cord and leads for $100 - I know this is AC only. Lincoln tombstone AC only for $175. Should I hold out for the AC/DC machine as a beginner? How limited would I be w/ an AC only?
I also found a Miller Dialarc 250P ac/dc w/ 100' welding lead and 30' ground for $350.
And a Miller 225 AC/DC Thunderbolt for $300. The seller mentions that it has the variable adjustment versus the snap lock adjustment.
For now I'll just be spending time learning to weld. Eventually I'll maintain/upgrade my tractor and implements and fix whatever else I manage to break on our property. Way in the future, I may look at building a trailer and gates, etc.
Thanks in advance.
Clint.
I just started learning to weld a month or so back - I've wanted to for a long time, but finally made it a priority. A friend loaned me his 110v mig to play with. I'm ready to buy my own, but wish to purchase something I won't grow out of too quick. I've been reading all that I can and will probably take a class this fall or at least spend a bunch of Saturdays with a friend who welds for a living.
My metal building is only wired for 110v and poorly at that. Eventually, I'll get 220v out to it, but want to start welding now, as getting 220v may take a while. That being said, there's a dedicated 220v plug about 50' or so from the metal building (for the master bedroom HVAC wall unit).
I know that I could go w/ a mig and it'd be easier starting out, but I want to learn to stick weld, so I have my sights set on a stick welder, herein lies the question:
***Should I go w/ an older stick (220v) and run a long plug into the existing 220 outlet - knowing that I'd lose power and not be able to run the machine at it's full rated output, which really isn't a problem since I'll just be burning sticks to learn, for now. Are there other issues I should be aware of using a long power cord? Or is this an absolute no-no?
***Or should I go w/ something like the Everlast 140 dual voltage stick/tig welder, knowing that even at 220v it will only put out 140 amps, iirc - will I get frustrated w/ only 140 amps too soon? The price is in the ball park as the 220v stick welders I've been looking at, $229. I could at least be able to learn to weld and will have better (not much) amperage than 110v eventually. I know I'd be hoping that Everlast lasts and they honor their warranty. So some ifs involved here.
In this area, 220v AC only (I know this is not as desirable as an AC/DC machine) machines go for $100-$200. The 220v AC/DC machines go for roughly $200-$400 for the older tried and true Lincolns and Millers.
I found a Miller Thunderbolt 225v w/ 100' cord and leads for $100 - I know this is AC only. Lincoln tombstone AC only for $175. Should I hold out for the AC/DC machine as a beginner? How limited would I be w/ an AC only?
I also found a Miller Dialarc 250P ac/dc w/ 100' welding lead and 30' ground for $350.
And a Miller 225 AC/DC Thunderbolt for $300. The seller mentions that it has the variable adjustment versus the snap lock adjustment.
For now I'll just be spending time learning to weld. Eventually I'll maintain/upgrade my tractor and implements and fix whatever else I manage to break on our property. Way in the future, I may look at building a trailer and gates, etc.
Thanks in advance.
Clint.
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