Advise for a first time Welder

Shield Arc · Jan 20, 2014

I suggest you get a machine big enough to run at least .045" wire. You can go with 100% CO2 for a hotter puddle, then there is a whole world of flux core wire out there. Gas shielded, and self shielded.

RealMav · Jan 20, 2014

I have a hobart handler 140 , largest for 110 volt. it works great for most things I have tried, have an old stick and torches to complete the collection. I can even run the 140 with my generator. I use flux core most.

CNC Dan · Jan 20, 2014

Shield Arc said:
I've always heard good things about Hobart's IronMan 230

I agree. The Ironman 230 is something I've been looking at for a while. I don't need it, but I want it.

For outdoor welding you will have trouble with the shielding gas being blown away, but you can also use self-shielding flux core wire for those times. I would recomend using a stick welder to start, then see about getting a MIG welder later.

A used transfomer machine, or a new inverter machine is not too much money to start out.

Industrial Toys · Jan 20, 2014

IF you are going with MIG, my advice is to buy commercial stuff over consumer, well . . . stuff!

Buy something like a Miller 210 or 250. Shop around for a really nice used one. If you don't care, shop around for an even cheaper ugly one. Use it, and the day you sell it, you will get your money back! That's what I love about commercial stuff. And a part time user, will never, ever wear it out.

CNC Dan · Jan 20, 2014

Also, check out the videos from a place called "wall mountain" I have one of their stick welding DVDs and the arc shots are incredibly clear.

leveled · Jan 20, 2014

I purchased a Thermal Arc Fabricator 252i MIG/Stick/TIG Welder it works well and is priced fair for what you are getting.

Shield Arc · Jan 20, 2014

leveled said:
I purchased a Thermal Arc Fabricator 252i MIG/Stick/TIG Welder it works well and is priced fair for what you are getting.

leveled does the 252i come with a foot pedal for Tig welding?

I know several very experienced weldors who just rave about the quality of arc with Thermal Arc welders.

leveled · Jan 20, 2014

not sure about the foot pedal. I do not know how to tig weld I know this welder can not tig weld aluminum but can spool gun it, I mostly arc weld. I just wanted to be able to mig weld and it was the same price as most mig welders that can do the same job for the money I paid 1800 for it so tig and arc was just a bonus to me. I honestly love the machine its small and compact and can weld as good as my miller trail blazer without the noise.