Basic Welder

[johnnydel29]

Now that I have owned my tractor and implements for few years now, I am begining to realize I do need to invest in a welder. At least a few times a month, I have needed something welded.

Most of the wleding I will be doing is pretty basic. Repair cracked steel, adding hooks to implements, modifying implements etc.

I am looking at a few basic welders.

I am hoping that the basic ARC welder set-up for a 120v household outlet will work fine for general welding duties. My questions is:

Will a welder this type be ok for basic welding, such as, repairing and attaching items to steele up to 1/4".

I noticed there are so many options for welders and I can a lot of $$. The one I am looking at (don't laugh) is around 130.00.

Thanks for your feedback.

 

[Bedlam]

I sure wouldn't laugh at the 130 dollar welder. I have simply 220 volt one from sears (buzz box) I paid 89 dollars for in 1975.
If your looking for a basic, Id recommend a 220 volt tho. stick.
I'm sure there will be many more posts here,But my opinion over all is this type of welder.
Ive built 15 trailers, implements,welded truck ,car exhaust etc.
Don't cut it to short though, Most likely this is something you'll use allot. and you'll get hooked on all the different welding you can do,

 

[3gun]

To fabricate stuff from new 1/4 steel the smallest electrode I use is a 1/8 6013 at about 135 amps. For repair of painted / rusty steel 1/8 6011 at 100-120 amps works well.

120-volt stick welders will not supply that much current.


A 220-volt AC buzz box will set you back about 250 new and last a life time.
You may find a used one for around 100-150.

It will weld steel over a 1/2 thick, no problem.

Get some 1/8 6011 and 6013 electrodes and an airtight container to keep them dry.
Buy an auto-darkening mask (a cheap one is about 50 bucks) this will make learning to arc weld much, much easer. Get some good welding gloves too.

Add an Angle grinder, cut off saw, some clamps and you can make your own implements.

 

[George2615]

I'd recommend getting a welder that runs on 220V. Should be plenty used ones around. I used an old Sears 220V AC buzz box for many years before upgrading to an AC/DC welder. Mine was probably the same model Bedlam has. Wish I'd known you were looking a couple years ago since I gave mine away.

 

[Flatheadyoungin]

very good advice......here from 3gun

farm implements are usually pretty thick, go with the 220

you should be able to get a good old used lincoln stick 225 for around 100.....AC only but for general farm use, you can't beat one....they will last forever.....

when first learning to weld, stick welding can be frustrating.......this is truly a case of practice makes you perfect, or well, better.....

when you first start, get you a thick pc. of flat steel and practice stricking an arc (they'll stick a lot).......then run some beads just to learn to control your arc length......THEN work on making nice passes.......try playing with your amp setting too, now....

once you find yourself a bit more comfortable with striking a arc, maintaining your arc length....then make yourself run about 50 beads....then move to joining metal and work on your travel speed.....

on most farm equipment, if your weld doesn't hold, just grind it out and make another go of it.......unlike building hot rod frames, welding steering components, etc. it's usually not as critical.....after a while, though, you'll learn whether or not to trust your welds....

good luck!

To fabricate stuff from new 1/4 steel the smallest electrode I use is a 1/8 6013 at about 135 amps. For repair of painted / rusty steel 1/8 6011 at 100-120 amps works well.

120-volt stick welders will not supply that much current.


A 220-volt AC buzz box will set you back about 250 new and last a life time.
You may find a used one for around 100-150.

It will weld steel over a 1/2 thick, no problem.

Get some 1/8 6011 and 6013 electrodes and an airtight container to keep them dry.
Buy an auto-darkening mask (a cheap one is about 50 bucks) this will make learning to arc weld much, much easer. Get some good welding gloves too.

Add an Angle grinder, cut off saw, some clamps and you can make your own implements.

 

[alchemysa]

Buy an auto-darkening mask (a cheap one is about 50 bucks) this will make learning to arc weld much, much easer. .

Absolutely correct. They are fantastic. I struggled for years without a self darkening helmet. I can't believe what a difference it made. Now I actually enjoy welding.

 

[Bedlam]

Oh yes I got this one
Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices
on sale 10 dollars less,but what a difference, the view is smaller than my other one but I like that I can hold things drown the mask and then still see, so I'm not sparking on my hand.
Mines about a year, year and half old and I don't use often but hasn't had any troubles.

 

[ih574]

I've had an oxy-acetylene for about 20 years. Its welding capabilities have been fantastic - welding mower decks, repairing cracks, attaching parts, etc. But its flexibility is priceless - ability to heat and straighten bent metal parts (like bushhog tailwheel forks, stabilizer arms), cut thin and thick metal, braze. The only shortcoming I have with it is ability to weld thick metal to big thick metal. Seems the more metal there is, the longer it takes to heat to a puddle.

That's why I'm going for a buzz box, probably a Lincoln 225. I thought an AC/DC would be good, but I understand DC is most useful for lighter metal. Since I have the gas for lighter metal, I'll just get the AC 225 for the heavy (1/4" and above) metal and save $100.

I can't wait.

r-

Tom C.

 

[Bedlam]

You'll like it . what a change from wondering if you have enough gas and then to have to refill or exchange.
Ive had both since 1975.Use the gas to mostly cut and braze. I found I could use the electric for all sorts of things.
The chop saw and grinder and cutting wheel has almost replaced my need to use gas to cut.Now i just use it to cut the big stuff.
Just allow a good extension cord, or you can add some to the leads. never long enough. LOL
Also like I posted above the self darkening shield is great.The only guilt I have using it is that I have a good quality one a close friend gave me years ago.
Good luck and let us see your set up when you get it.
Al