Didn't have toys when young, now it's my turn

[jacklithgoe]

Hello TBN folks
New guy here. I have an orange tractor 4wd, FEL, brush cutter, box blade, tiller, row builder and quick hook up from HF that fits everything except the brush cutter. Bummer since that's what I use most. Brush cutter needs some new skin, and I'm not much of a welder but I expect the challenge will improve my skill. Lincoln AC/DC cracker box. I plan to read the forums to see what I can learn from the pro's.
Best,
Jack from Baton Rouge

 

[George2615]

Welcome to TBN Jack :welcome:

 

[Cataclysm]

Ha ha, I'm with you on that!!!

Welcome!

 

[Code54]

Welcome - nothing like practice to build your welding skills!
We all have been there before!

 

[Hilbilly]

Get a MIG welder. MUCH easier to use and it will just be an addition to your toy collection.

 

[jacklithgoe]

Get a MIG welder. MUCH easier to use and it will just be an addition to your toy collection.

Yes, my friend loaned me his from Harbor Freight (90 amps, 10% duty cycle) to weld some 1/8" tubing and it did well, and way cleaner than stick welding,(splatter, flux chipping, and rod stubs etc). But I think 1/8 inch was about it's limit. Can you recommend an affordable MIG for structural steel 1/4 " and bigger. I don't know enough about welding or plan to weld enough to justify a big purchase and argon shielding gear.

 

[Hilbilly]

I bought a Lincoln Migpak 15 (175 amp) Mig about 15 years ago. I absolutely love it and it came with the gas kit. It will weld with gas or flux core wire and does a great job. I've welded up to 1/2" plate with it and it's still holding together. I'm not a welder but have made enough steel stick together that I'm confident with the end products strength. There are lots of Chinese mig welders around for cheap prices but I have no experience with them. My only bit of advise would be to get something bigger than 140 amp if you have access to 240V power. My brother in law gave me that advise before I bought this Lincoln and I have thanked him for that advise many times over. You can always weld thinner materials with less amperage but you can't weld the thicker stuff without it.

If yo really want some good advise about a cheap decent welder I suggest you ask your questions in the welding section. There's lots of very knowledgeable people there that can give you better advise.

Good luck.

 

[Wagtail]

G'day Mate and welcome to TBN from Downunder.

Enjoy the site.

 

[TBN Support]

Hi Jack.

Welcome to the forum. Happy to have you here.

:welcome:

 

[CPTKILLER]

Howdy