First time welder type suggestions.

[Garycw]

I may just order before fine since I'm in my now Done and will ship tomorrow. It'll be here day after welder arrives
Thanks

 

[dragoneggs]

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.

View attachment 438252

Terry

I like my basic $100 helmet from Miller. You can spend a lot more for bigger window and other bells/whistles but for an occasional user, those $300 helmets seem just to stroke your ego and empty your wallet.

 

[IslandTractor]

I like my basic $100 helmet from Miller. You can spend a lot more for bigger window and other bells/whistles but for an occasional user, those $300 helmets seem just to stroke your ego and empty your wallet.

Not sure I agree. For a beginner it is a challenge to strike an arc and to see the puddle clearly. Having an auto darkening helmet really helps. I'm sure experienced welders can do with just dark shades but for someone just starting it is important to be able to see everything all the time. That doesn't mean a top dollar helmet but it does mean decent auto darkening.

 

[dragoneggs]

Not sure I agree. For a beginner it is a challenge to strike an arc and to see the puddle clearly. Having an auto darkening helmet really helps. I'm sure experienced welders can do with just dark shades but for someone just starting it is important to be able to see everything all the time. That doesn't mean a top dollar helmet but it does mean decent auto darkening.

Oh I'm definitely talking auto darkening here! Don't weld strike a weld without it. Old timers are proficient with old school flip downs... They are nodding as we speak... Once you have a auto darkening lens... No looking back.

 

[Garycw]

I've got one ordered. I'll need all the help and ease of learning I can get. I've got an old school style left over from a garage sale I was going to use. The auto helmet I ordered has controls inside and out. Also has all the certifications, so I hope it's ok.

Sent from the mountains

 

[IslandTractor]

I've got one ordered. I'll need all the help and ease of learning I can get. I've got an old school style left over from a garage sale I was going to use. The auto helmet I ordered has controls inside and out. Also has all the certifications, so I hope it's ok. Sent from the mountains

If you are over 40, you should think about getting some cheaters too. You're going to get real close to your welding as you learn to see the puddle. Even if you don't need reading glasses generally, vision correction can make welding a lot more comfortable.

Cheaters are inserts that fit inside the helmet. They only cost about $8-9 and are available at local welding shops. Alternatively you can pick up reading glasses but then you need to take them on and off. Nice thing about cheaters is that they are right where you need them and attached to the helmet. I have several in different strengths. I find my natural distance from the puddle to be different for stick, MIG and TIG so different diopter strengths are useful.

 

[Garycw]

If you are over 40, you should think about getting some cheaters too. You're going to get real close to your welding as you learn to see the puddle. Even if you don't need reading glasses generally, vision correction can make welding a lot more comfortable. Cheaters are inserts that fit inside the helmet. They only cost about $8-9 and are available at local welding shops. Alternatively you can pick up reading glasses but then you need to take them on and off. Nice thing about cheaters is that they are right where you need them and attached to the helmet. I have several in different strengths. I find my natural distance from the puddle to be different for stick, MIG and TIG so different diopter strengths are useful.

Yes, I'll diffidently need those too. Hadn't thought about that.

Sent from the mountains

 

[Big Barn]

X2 on the suggestions for cheaters. I THINK the lens are all of the same physical dimensions but not all helmets accept them. I had to "make" it fit my Lincoln hood.

Spent the longest time trying to figure out what I was doing wrong before I found out it didn't fit.

Terry

 

[dragoneggs]

If you are over 40, you should think about getting some cheaters too. You're going to get real close to your welding as you learn to see the puddle. Even if you don't need reading glasses generally, vision correction can make welding a lot more comfortable.

Cheaters are inserts that fit inside the helmet. They only cost about $8-9 and are available at local welding shops. Alternatively you can pick up reading glasses but then you need to take them on and off. Nice thing about cheaters is that they are right where you need them and attached to the helmet. I have several in different strengths. I find my natural distance from the puddle to be different for stick, MIG and TIG so different diopter strengths are useful.

Yes I need to remember to pick some up! I am getting tired of taking on/off the readers. Actually Sheild Arc was the one that had me try out glasses. What a difference is seeing the puddle clearly!!!

 

[IslandTractor]

Yes I need to remember to pick some up! I am getting tired of taking on/off the readers. Actually Sheild Arc was the one that had me try out glasses. What a difference is seeing the puddle clearly!!!

Yep. Glasses are a good way to check that you'd benefit and you can then use the diopter to select the same strength cheater. However, I found I really liked having different strength cheaters for different projects as the depth of field is not that great. An experienced welder can monitor a puddle from a good range of distances but I've found I need the puddle to be virtually the size of a pencil eraser held between 6"-18" from my nose depending on TIG or MIG or stick and of course the particular project. That's too wide a range for one strength cheater lens. As they are pretty cheap, I just bought three. I also found that wearing progressive lenses is uncomfortable as I need to tilt my head back to get into the reading range and that is awkward when wearing a mask. My current strategy is to wear non corrective safety goggles (so eyes are protected when the mask is flipped up) and to have a cheater installed in the mask. I wear separate reading glasses under simple torch goggles when using oxy fuel.

 

[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.

Wow, what a book! I can see why it was original $162 retail. $21 was a deal. Large hardcover,911 pages with lots of easy to understand illustrations. Thanks. I'm going to check out the other shield arc suggested too Sent from the mountains

 

[Chris Sargent]

The front end of the Frame on our CC 7532 snapped due to end loader stress.. I was so upset! It drove the Plastic fan into the shroud and shredded it, plus bent some body parts and broke the front axle pivot mount. new frame alone was over $1200.00 without labor to replace it.. I bought a Hobart Stick Mate some 1/2" x 2" steel, some Grade 5 Bolts and went to work. It turned out beautifully! I had some guidance from an good friend, but since that project, I built myself a Three Point 65Galllon Lawn sprayer with a 8' boom.. Once you get a welder, there is so much you can do. I also have a Hobart MIG 225A.. The gas is expensive at first because of the tank purchase. I have to be honest. The stick is my go too.. You can weld thinner metals with lower amperages, and less penetrating rods. I used to have a 115v 90A and it was so limited, I sold it... I do not regret getting a stick at all! It can penetrate very well. No matter what you do, get a good helmet and gloves. Protect your skin from burns.. Even sunburn... Good Luck!

If I were a professional or had the extra coin, I would have gone with Miller.. I have zero complaints about Hobart..

 

[IslandTractor]

The front end of the Frame on our CC 7532 snapped due to end loader stress.. I was so upset! It drove the Plastic fan into the shroud and shredded it, plus bent some body parts and broke the front axle pivot mount. new frame alone was over $1200.00 without labor to replace it.. I bought a Hobart Stick Mate some 1/2" x 2" steel, some Grade 5 Bolts and went to work. It turned out beautifully! I had some guidance from an good friend, but since that project, I built myself a Three Point 65Galllon Lawn sprayer with a 8' boom.. Once you get a welder, there is so much you can do. I also have a Hobart MIG 225A.. The gas is expensive at first because of the tank purchase. I have to be honest. The stick is my go too.. You can weld thinner metals with lower amperages, and less penetrating rods. I used to have a 115v 90A and it was so limited, I sold it... I do not regret getting a stick at all! It can penetrate very well. No matter what you do, get a good helmet and gloves. Protect your skin from burns.. Even sunburn... Good Luck!

If I were a professional or had the extra coin, I would have gone with Miller.. I have zero complaints about Hobart..

I love fixing stuff rather than replacing broken parts. The more my old mowers etc look like escapees from a Mad Max movie the better as far as I'm concerned. Drives my wife crazy 'cause they are butt ugly but as long as it's safe and solid I'm happy. Last week the flimsy handle on our battery powered push mower broke so I rummaged around and found some 1/8"x1/2" sheet metal and made me some splints that I attached with screw clamps and duct tape. Looks gnarly and is more solid than when new.

 

[IslandTractor]

The front end of the Frame on our CC 7532 snapped due to end loader stress.. I was so upset! It drove the Plastic fan into the shroud and shredded it, plus bent some body parts and broke the front axle pivot mount. new frame alone was over $1200.00 without labor to replace it.. I bought a Hobart Stick Mate some 1/2" x 2" steel, some Grade 5 Bolts and went to work. It turned out beautifully! I had some guidance from an good friend, but since that project, I built myself a Three Point 65Galllon Lawn sprayer with a 8' boom.. Once you get a welder, there is so much you can do. I also have a Hobart MIG 225A.. The gas is expensive at first because of the tank purchase. I have to be honest. The stick is my go too.. You can weld thinner metals with lower amperages, and less penetrating rods. I used to have a 115v 90A and it was so limited, I sold it... I do not regret getting a stick at all! It can penetrate very well. No matter what you do, get a good helmet and gloves. Protect your skin from burns.. Even sunburn... Good Luck!

If I were a professional or had the extra coin, I would have gone with Miller.. I have zero complaints about Hobart..

I love fixing stuff rather than replacing broken parts. The more my old mowers etc look like escapees from a Mad Max movie the better as far as I'm concerned. Drives my wife crazy 'cause they are butt ugly but as long as it's safe and solid I'm happy. Last week the flimsy plastic handle on our battery powered push mower broke so I rummaged around and found some 1/8"x1/2" sheet metal and made me some splints that I attached with screw clamps and duct tape. Looks gnarly and is more solid than when new.

 

[Garycw]

No matter what you do, get a good helmet and gloves. Protect your skin from burns.. Even sunburn... Good Luck! If I were a professional or had the extra coin, I would have gone with Miller.. I have zero complaints about Hobart..

The cloves and cheaters are next on the list. I already had some Kevlar sleeves I think would help too. . Also a Mig welder to compliment the stick power arc 140st. Helmet should be here today. I wouldn't want to attempt using the face shield that came with it. Sent from the mountains

 

[IslandTractor]

The cloves and cheaters are next on the list. I already had some Kevlar sleeves I think would help too. . Also a Mig welder to compliment the stick power arc 140st. Helmet should be here today. I wouldn't want to attempt using the face shield that came with it. Sent from the mountains

As a new welder you should also take care to wear cotton or non meltable pants and shirt. Also, no sneakers. Leather ankle high work boots and make sure the pants are long enough to cover the boot when sitting. Also it is a good idea to wear safety glasses even when you have the helmet on.

 

[k0ua]

I can't add much to what has already been said except I really like my Everlast PA160 stick welder. I TIG with it too. Yes the autodark helmets make a big difference.

 

[Chris Sargent]

My neighbor had a Century AC/DC unit out for sale sometime ago. He was asking $225.00 and it look like brand new.. Century is a subsidiary of Lincoln (Same Color too) If I hadn't purchased my Hobart StickMate LX, I would have jumped on it for 185-200.. Good price for a Dual model.. On old "Tomb Stone" unit can be had cheap! Every farmer in the USA probably had one.. Personally, I think Stick welding is the way to learn.. You must control the angle, Arc, feed rate, path speed.. then add in rod type, Amperage setting... I still don't have a great handle on MIG welding and my set up cost me about $1500.00 to get set up... I have CO2 and Argon Mix gas. I need to practice, but haven't had much time.. BTW I am not a super star welder with a stick either... But I can make due, have fun, and am learning.