Welder question...

[Richard]

Don't have one but, once in blue moon, have need of one.

Has casually crossed my mind to perhaps get one. (my blue moon is currently out)

Homeowner, ZERO welding experience, has 110v and/or 220 available

I currently have need to weld the (slightly less than 1/4") skirt on my rear rotary cutter. Caught a tree and bent part of the skirt back. (unit is probably 25 years old so not as solid as a new one)

Anyway.... if I decided to weld that myself, what type/size welder would I need to consider. Given that I'm homeowner and never welded before, would there be any merit in looking at a nicer unit to grow into?

Currently enamored with thought of getting one. Spoke with local trade school one day. I don't recall exactly what I was told but my memory is I could take a class and learn there......but, I'd first have to sign a waiver form that I'm learning to learn and NOT for a job afterwards (they don't want to damage their placement percentages which I fully understand) AND, the class would cost right around $5,000.

That is when I backed away.... I can make a lot of mistakes on my boxblade or mower with cash to spare for that kind of change.

Or, at least that's my thoughts.

Your thoughts?

 

[Billrog]

Your right Richard, not going to give you any advice on what welder to buy but if you have a bunch of old steel around there a bit of practice and you'll be welding in no time.

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I am not a welder by any means, but always had small projects / metal things that needed to be repaired. I bought a Harbor Freight wire feed 220v welder about 12 years ago. It has run at least 750 ft of wire and is still going strong. About the biggest stuff I have used it for was repairing the rails on a trailer. My son made pickup truck bed rails and a headache rack.

An inexpensive way to learn how to weld. It will not do any heavy work, but you can do the small stuff for sure. Watch some videos, give it a try....

 

[mwayne]

$5000? You can buy a lot of equipment for that! YouTube welding videos will help you quite a bit. Here is a starter:

Introduction to Welding - YouTube

 

[dragoneggs]

Cheapest way is to get a stick machine. More fun and easier is a MIG... my preference. Practice is all it takes and watch a few YouTube videos to give you some ideas on technique. As long as you are building something for your own consumption, no worries. You can always fix it again.

When I go to the dump/recycle station, I do a little dumpster diving in the metal bin and find various scrap metal that I maybe can use. Worst case, perfect free material to practice on. People throw out all kinds of old steel stuff that is junk to them but if cut up, can be used for shop projects, repairs, etc. if you cut it up. What I don't use I haul back to the recycle.

 

[Roadworthy]

I'd probably get an inexpensive wire feed but avoid Harbor Freight. Why? They work fine but you can't purchase repair parts. I have one and one of the range switches went out. I found a near substitute on eBay - probably a better switch than it came with. I'd get a welder which allows you to use either flux wire or cover gas. You don't need the gas or tank but it might be nice for later. The welds are nicer with cover gas. Depending on need you may even consider brazing with a MAPP gas torch. Brazing is much like soldering but stronger. In rural area sometimes high schools offer courses in farm welding. You could also ask a buddy to show you the basics.

 

[WranglerX]

A top end 120 volt MIG welder will usually handle up to 1/4 material quite well... A good 240v welder will probably stick anything together whether it be a MIG or Stick machine....

I personally have Hobart Handler 140 and it does about 98% if what I need to do, it I don't think the HH 140 will handle it I farm it out....

There is a welding forum on the site....

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/

IF you want to learn a bit more about welding you may look at what Jody has to say....

Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info

Also it said you can teach a monkey or a blond to MIG weld so the is hope...Probably no need for a $5000 welding class to get commercial certification level...Check to see if local adult or college nigh school has classes....

Personally I would stay with HOBART or MILLER or LINCOLN or ESAB as the are heavy into USA and repair parts are easily available...

Dale

 

[dragoneggs]

If you know anyone who welds, my bet is they would be glad to spend a couple hours with you. Bring your rig to their shop, offer to replenish their favorite beverage and then go home happy and excited with a few tips in place. That is what I did when I got my MIG. Went over to a fellow TBNer, ShieldArc and he taught me a bunch in very short order... forever grateful. He watched me weld, told me to get some 'cheater lenses' so I could see the puddle. Told me what to listen for... techniques such as back stitching, pushing, pulling, etc. Then it is all just practice!

 

[BlueKnife]

I was just talking to a buddy of mine the other day about this. He's never welded before but wants to learn. I sent him this list.

homesteadonomics
- YouTube
ChuckE29
- YouTube
Make it Extreme
- YouTube
Made in Poland
- YouTube
Mike festiva
- YouTube

You can learn quite a bit from watching these channels. I'd watch a bunch before buying a welder. Help you decide which machine you should get to meet most of your needs.

 

[RandyT]

A top end 120 volt MIG welder will usually handle up to 1/4 material quite well... A good 240v welder will probably stick anything together whether it be a MIG or Stick machine....

I personally have Hobart Handler 140 and it does about 98% if what I need to do, it I don't think the HH 140 will handle it I farm it out....

There is a welding forum on the site....

https://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/

IF you want to learn a bit more about welding you may look at what Jody has to say....

Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info

Also it said you can teach a monkey or a blond to MIG weld so the is hope...Probably no need for a $5000 welding class to get commercial certification level...Check to see if local adult or college nigh school has classes....

Personally I would stay with HOBART or MILLER or LINCOLN or ESAB as the are heavy into USA and repair parts are easily available...

Dale

I also do most of my welding with my Hobart Handler 140. Most of the time run flux core since most of the stuff I weld isn't real Mig friendly. Then for the stuff I can't get clean enough for good wire feed welds I grab the Hobart 160 stick welder. Have been even known to run some 1/16 inch 6011 on mower decks. I don't consider myself a very good welder but i can get two pieces of metal to stick together with enough structural integrity to do what i need.