First time welder type suggestions.

[Oldtink]

I started out with a 240v AC buzz box stick welder. It worked great until one day I used a friends DC welder. OMG what a difference and the search was on for a DC welder and then came a cheap air cooled TIG torch.
I'd be calling that sister. Hook it up, buy some rods and see if you want to learn to weld. It's as much an art as it is a science. If ya love it, look for a DC constant amperage machine.

 

[woodlandfarms]

From a guy who couldn't / can't weld for heck.....

My first welder was a used Lincoln AC DC tombstone. Bought it on CL. Worked like a charm, sold it for twice what I paid for it. I was able to weld 1/8 and above although 1/8 was never pretty...

I got a Lincoln wire feed 180C. In the end I am not as happy with it as I am with stick, more because I am still learning and a lot of stuff I still do is heavy guage steel (heavy to me, like 1./2" max) and the 180C just isn't as cut out for thick stuff as stick is. Also if you are using gas, it doesn't work very well outdoors.

I did pick up an Everlast 200 Stick to replace my tombstone. I feel it welds way, way better than my tombstone ever did. And it is really flexible. And the price was too good to pass up. There is a guy here who sells Everlast who does solid deals to TBN members.

 

[Garycw]

Ok, you've pretty much sold me on everlast. Id rather have something up to date and more portable
What's the main difference in the 140 and the 140ST ?
Are these both connected to 120 or 220 vac or either?

 

[ferrari99]

Here is the 'guys' profile if you want to PM him or whatever. http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/members/mark-everlast.html

 

[ferrari99]

Ok, you've pretty much sold me on everlast. Id rather have something up to date and more portable
What's the main difference in the 140 and the 140ST ?
Are these both connected to 120 or 220 vac or either?

140ST comes with a TIG torch, and voltage according to the website either (I don't have to worry because everything here is 240V )

 

[Shield Arc]

Ok, you've pretty much sold me on everlast.

Don't deal with any body at Everlast, but Mark! Mark knows welding, and he is as honest as the day is long!

 

[IslandTractor]

Ok, you've pretty much sold me on everlast. Id rather have something up to date and more portable
What's the main difference in the 140 and the 140ST ?
Are these both connected to 120 or 220 vac or either?

If I were you I'd take a long look at the Everlast PowerArc 200 as well as the 140. Not too much extra money for the 200 but much more capable if you are doing more than 3/8" steel or a lot of welding. The 140 looks like a very nice welder so long as you won't be doing thicker metal or if you really need the convenience of dual voltage.

 

[Garycw]

Thanks. I'll give Mark s call and talk to him about would work best for my needs. Seems like I'm always needed something welded and not close to town. Plus if be looking to weld everything in sight

 

[Big Barn]

Everyone remembers their FIRST.

Mine was a Forney AC buzzbox my dad bought for the farm in the mid 1960's. I didn't even know about DC SMAW til 'lately'. I tidied it up but don't use it anymore.

All the previous posts gave good suggestions. If you are leaning towards new I would also recommend Everlast.



Terry

 

[Shield Arc]

Oh there is nothing like old iron! 1948 Lincoln SA-200 Short hood.