Beginner welder recs

[Shield Arc]

The problem with that Lincoln 225 AC is how limited it is. Limited by what types of rod you can run, limited to only one process. For $60.00 more you can get a 200-amp DC machine, and for roughly $200.00 you could have a fine Tig welder, (DC only).
Once you go DC, you won't go back to AC, except for Tig welding aluminum.

PowerARC 200 - Spot Welders, Plasma Cutters, Arc Welders, Spool Guns, Torches, 225 Welder

 

[greasemonkeyok]

The video that came with my Lincoln mig was very informative. Also there are several manufacturer's sites that also have instructions.

Pay attention to the safety issues in addition to the welding issues if you are using scrap of unknown origin.

 

[IslandTractor]

The problem with that Lincoln 225 AC is how limited it is. Limited by what types of rod you can run, limited to only one process. For $60.00 more you can get a 200-amp DC machine, and for roughly $200.00 you could have a fine Tig welder, (DC only).
Once you go DC, you won't go back to AC, except for Tig welding aluminum.

PowerARC 200 - Spot Welders, Plasma Cutters, Arc Welders, Spool Guns, Torches, 225 Welder

X2.

I decided to learn how to weld and have taken adult ed courses at the local tech high school. You can learn quite a bit about welding from books and YouTube but it REALY helps to have a systematic introduction to both theory and practice with an instructor.

Based on what I have learned I would recommend getting an oxyfuel set up to learn with. Nothing is better for learning how to work the puddle IMO. I would say that MIG is the worst way to start as it is so fast and the puddle can be harder to see and control for a quality weld. Of course if you are just welding sculptures or non critical welds then a MIG will work but self taught MIG scares me for any weld you need to rely on. Stick is cheap and useful so that would be my second purchase. 150 amps dc will do most everything you need unless you are building a tank or working regularly with >1/2 inch. TIG is fun and similar to oxyfuel in terms of control. Most dc machines now have a tig feature you can add to do steel, copper etc (not aluminum that costs $$).

 

[Soundguy]

Hi All- i am interested in learning to weld- I have tried it a few times with my father who is a pretty good welder and have been around him for a lot of welding activities- unfortunately he is in another state and can't come by just to teach me to weld. I looked in to taking a class at the local tech school but they have a couple of math requisites that I could prob test out of (have a doctorate, masters, and bacherlor's degrees...) but really just want to learn the basics of welding- temp select, metal-welder compatabilites, and rod/wire selection, etc to do some basic welding around my house for my own personal projects. My dad recommended starting with Mig but I was thinking arc is actually easier- I had my garage wired for a welder so it ready to go- looking for thoughts on self teaching welding (not opposed to books, videos, etc) and recs for first welder- alot of my projects would require heavy steel (1/2" and less) which makes me think that arc would be the best for my purposes but not sure 225A is sufficient.

thanks for any thoughts

Weesy

here are some thoughts.

motorbooks puts out a basic 'how to weld' book.

it helps to have had a lil hands on experience either from a friend or family member.. school experience.. etc.

past that.. it's not too hard to buy one, read the manual and some books / ebooks, get some rod.. and practice.

I have a hobart 235xl AC model. they make a model that has some dc capabilities too.

had money nit been tighter when i bought, I'd have got that one.. either way.. there have been lots of things welded with economy arc welders in the past.

those red tombston 225a jobs are just about the most prolific out there... usually had cheap at yard sales / craigslist.

foe other economy welders.. you can even get the 150$ 200a jobs from northern.. but.. I don't know anyone who has tried one.

I know I've welde dmany things on a lincoln tombstone and my hobart... good basic welders for a farm / hobby user.

one of my first real tasks for my hobart was some 1/2" welding to glue a wing back on my batwing mower. that was years ago.. wing still there.

have fun , be safe and good luck.

lotsa rod choices out there.. lotsa machines.. form 100$ on up to $infinity$ apparrently.

I tell ya. I use mainly 6011 and 6013 and some special cast iron application rods. .. most of my stuff is 1/8 though 3/32 gets a lil use. I have used some 7018 or 7014 ac can't remember which, when the aplication called for it.. but 1/8 6011 is my steady diet. have a lil toy CH welder that uses 1/16 and 5/64 rods for sheetmetal..

soundguy

 

[Soundguy]

Once you go DC, you won't go back to AC,

We have a machine with DC capability at work. I've welded a very HD set of ramps for my deckover trailer a long while back... used DC


still use ac at home.

soundguy

 

[Shield Arc]

150 amps dc will do most everything you need unless you are building a tank or working regularly with >1/2 inch.

I have absolutely no concerns at all welding 1/2 inch or even 2 inch thick mild steel with my Everlast PowerArc 200.

 

[Scooby074]

Get DC.

I have a Miller Thunderbolt ACDC. Great stick welder and it'll do most anything a non-pro will ever come across. Its a cheap, DURABLE powersource. There are plenty of 30+ year old thunderbolts and tombstones still in regular use.

As mentioned, the first process i learned was Oxy/ace. Its a great way to get the fundamentals of controlling your heat and watching your puddle.

Id avoid Mig as a first machine, just because of the "glue gun" theory. Until you know the fundamentals, it can be difficult to ensure a sound weld with mig. Mig was the last process we learned. Not to mention the issue that a "proper" sized mig to weld typical farm type steel is way more money than what a stick machine will cost.

 

[Haywire]

I bought the PA200. I like it a lot, infinitely adjustable amperage instead of set steps. I bought some 1/16" 7014 rod to play with a couple days ago and was messing around today with some 1/8" scrap. My skill level is pretty low, but eh, it's fun.

 

[bunchgrass]

The Powerarc 200 looks interesting and very reasonable. Any negatives an who are dealers?

I'm getting by with an old Lincoln AC225 and would like to upgrade w/ a DC unit. Learned stick welding as a HS freshman (Moses was in my class) so I'm okay with that.

 

[gwdixon]

For any of the Everlast products, call or email Oleg at Everlast. He is willing to accept a discount offer on Everlast products.

As the website indicates "make an offer".

Contact Sales Support for Everlast