Welding virgin needs direction ...

[Chilly807]

You'll be welding a lot more than that if you don't know what you need to know to make implements
It'll cost more over the long run if you buy the wrong machine and start breaking welds. There are some safety concerns as well. You need to learn a little before you make that purchase. Shadetree welding is not rocket science, but like anything else, you need to find out what you don't know and make a qualified decision/purchase. If you get that right you'll have no regrets about purchasing or investing the time to get "up to speed" so to speak.
I have a miller-matic 200, 240 vac wire welder. I feel I got a good deal on so I laid out more cash than most would for a welder I'm not making a living with.
It's kind of like buying a tractor for some people: You don't know how bad you needed it until you have it.

I couldn't say it any better myself. I'll add a few things. My first welder was a Miller 120 V mig. Great little welder, up to 1/4 inch if you took your time.

A couple years later, I got a "deal" on a 220 V Miller mig, complete with spoolgun for welding aluminum. The "deal" is a whole other story, but let's just say I got one he** of a good deal for now.

I've used the spoolgun quite a bit, it's nice to have the versatility to weld aluminum if you want to.

My personal recommendation is to look for a good price on a new 220 v mig, and by all means look for a good brand name. Miller, Hobart (built by Miller), or Lincoln would be my choice, but there are other good names out there as I'm sure someone will point out.

Ideally I'd have a bigger mig (say 200 amp plus), an AC/DC stick, and a good tig as well. I simply don't have the room for all three, so I picked one that would do the majority of work I need done reasonably well.

If you DO go with a stick, I would strongly recommend AC/DC. The smoothness and easier starting arc makes beginner welding a bit easier.

But like the guys said, if you have the chance take a course first. Using somebody else's welder (and usually a good one) in a classroom environment is a great opportunity to see what you really want, like, and need before you spend your own money.

Sean

 

[smfcpacfp]

My personal recommendation is to look for a good price on a new 220 v mig, and by all means look for a good brand name. Miller, Hobart (built by Miller), or Lincoln would be my choice, but there are other good names out there as I'm sure someone will point out.

Just so you know Miller does not build Hobart welders. Hobart builds Hobart welders. Both companies have been owned by Illinois Tool Works since the 1990's and were completely independent of each other, and competitors for 70 years before that. Most people would say that Hobart welders are not the commercial equivalent of a Miller welder, although they do use some common parts.

 

[tb525]

For versatility reasons, stick with a 200-300 amp DC stick welder. Later down the road, you can always add a suitcase MIG. Or if you wish to TIG carbon and stainless steels, a Tweco TIG torch..

 

[Baby Grand]

"Complete welding idiot here ..."
You can't be,for your showing interest w/out chip on your shoulder.

If you have time sign up for class,just may peak your interest further..migs,torches, etc.,or get to know someone teach you quick hands on.

Ain't that the truth.
You're on the right path, asking intelligent questions, Grasshopper.
Definitely take a vo-tech class - beg, borrow or steal the tuition money.
You will waste a lot less money and gear, you won't have half the aggravation, and when you finish you will be asking these guys much more difficult questions ;^)
Good luck,
-Jim

 

[nunyabinis]

For ease of learning I would start with a good quality 220 volt MIG welder. You can use flux-core wire to weld thicker metal without using gas.

If taking a welding class is not practical for you, go to YouTube and search "basic welding", "MIG welding", "Arc welding", etc. You'll find more detailed videos than you can shake a stick at.


Then practice, practice, practice. Once you start welding you'll be hooked. I look for any excuse to melt metal together. You'll wonder what you ever did without a welder.


Then you'll start eyeing Plasma Cutters..........



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[beppington]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

I've found that my local Comm Coll can "get my on their list" in early Nov.

I was a little frustrated by that long time frame, but I guess I'll wait it out rather than jumping in, spending $, & trying to figure it out on my own.

I did watch a good youtube video on MIG welding, filmed like an instructor giving a class, even had a female student he was teaching, in front of a "class" (us). Seemed very good. I feel like it was a start, but not enough for me to go spending $ just yet.

 

[Chilly807]

The time will pass pretty quickly. It's actually good to have some lead time, it lets you think of specific questions you want to ask the instructor.

The guys are right, once you have a welder it's amazing how many projects go from the "wish" list to the "do" list. Even things like making holes round again, moving holes, removing bearing races and broken studs... the list just goes on.

Mine gets used at least a couple times a month, with a little more imagination and time I'd be using it more than that.

Sean

 

[smfcpacfp]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

I've found that my local Comm Coll can "get my on their list" in early Nov.

I was a little frustrated by that long time frame, but I guess I'll wait it out rather than jumping in, spending $, & trying to figure it out on my own.

I did watch a good youtube video on MIG welding, filmed like an instructor giving a class, even had a female student he was teaching, in front of a "class" (us). Seemed very good. I feel like it was a start, but not enough for me to go spending $ just yet.

I had in mind what type welder I wanted to get before I started taking welding classes. Taking the class and seeing what was possible changed my mind, so I agree with you, don't spend any dollars until you see what is available and possible.

 

[teg]

I did watch a good youtube video on MIG welding...

Got links??? I was able to teach myself to stick weld with LOTS of reading... Sometimes I can lay down the greatest weld... and 5 minutes later, have problems striking the arc... I went to a meeting to learn Mig welding... instead I ended up teaching people how to stick weld :confused2: If I can find time, I would like to actually learn to weld :laughing: so take the class if you can...

 

[beppington]

Got links??? I was able to teach myself to stick weld with LOTS of reading... Sometimes I can lay down the greatest weld... and 5 minutes later, have problems striking the arc... I went to a meeting to learn Mig welding... instead I ended up teaching people how to stick weld :confused2: If I can find time, I would like to actually learn to weld :laughing: so take the class if you can...

Sure, here ya go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzBGZaS1apw

Again, I'm no expert, but this guy seems to know what he's talking about.

From what he says, maybe you need to clean the metal to be welded better? Or, as he says, welding is all about heat management; Maybe you've got it quite right?

Let me know what you all think about the video.