First time welder type suggestions.

[Garycw]

What ever welder you choose is fine, but make sure if you are doing any welding on the tractor itself you disconnect the battery. Especially if has any electronics on it. Welding currents flowing through equipment with the battery hooked up can and will set up all kinds of strange current flows. From blowing out alternators and ECM's to freezing transmission shift rails in place. We get all kinds of strange no starts and no charge to steering stuck. First thing we look for is fresh welds.

Great advice! I hadn't thought of that. The 140ST said it would only generate 85 amps on 110. That seemed like a waste of the waders potential. I'll be be coming off the circuit the stove is on. Just have to make sure no ones baking biscuits.
I also got 2 lbs each of 1/16 and 3/32 rods. Not sure if I got the right sizes to start with?

 

[IslandTractor]

Great advice! I hadn't thought of that. The 140ST said it would only generate 85 amps on 110. That seemed like a waste of the waders potential. I'll be be coming off the circuit the stove is on. Just have to make sure no ones baking biscuits.
I also got 2 lbs each of 1/16 and 3/32 rods. Not sure if I got the right sizes to start with?

I don't think there are any welders that put out much more honest power from 110v.

1/16 might be a tad small. 3/32 should be fine and 1/8 a stretch with the 110 but fine for 220. I haven't used the exact same welder as my experience is with the Miller Maxstar running on 110.

 

[Shield Arc]

85-amps, you should be able to run 3/32" 7018, and 1/8" 6010.

 

[Garycw]

85-amps, you should be able to run 3/32" 7018, and 1/8" 6010.

What could I run on 240vac @140 amps? I may potentially have some thick stuff to weld such as plows, hitches etc.

 

[Shield Arc]

Oh you should be able to run 5/32" 6010, and maybe 5/32" 7018, especially if it comes out of the an oven. Here at home if I need anything bigger than 5/32" 7018, thats when I break out the wire feed.

 

[Shield Arc]

Gary you should order this book. There is more to welding than just running beads. Joint prep will make or break any welder.
Books

 

[Big Barn]

And get yourself an auto darkening helmet. Everyone has their opinions on qualities.
Mine is : just don't buy the cheapest or the most expensive. $100 will get you a good one. Check for fit if possible.

I have two Optrel's that are junk now as I can't replace the batteries. My 'go to' hood is a cheap Tweco that came as a mail in rebate with one of their welders.



Terry

 

[IslandTractor]

Here is another excellent welding text that you can use to self teach. Welding Principles and Applications by Jeffus 500 Service Unavailable Error The new edition costs over $200 but the 2007 version can be had used for a little over $20 from Amazon. I've purchased a number of books and taken a couple of classes and the Jeffus book really stands out. It is written as a textbook with theory and practical exercises as well as numerous tips. Well worth $20.

 

[Garycw]

Here is another excellent welding text that you can use to self teach. Welding Principles and Applications by Jeffus 500 Service Unavailable Error The new edition costs over $200 but the 2007 version can be had used for a little over $20 from Amazon. I've purchased a number of books and taken a couple of classes and the Jeffus book really stands out. It is written as a textbook with theory and practical exercises as well as numerous tips. Well worth $20.

Thanks. I'm in Dayton a lot. I may be able to just pick it up there

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks. I'm in Dayton a lot. I may be able to just pick it up there

Just remember that Amazon will deliver it for you for cheap money. Not sure how many bookstores even stock such a textbook used. Good luck.