Have to buy a welder now

[deere_x475guy]

I stated out over 30 years ago with a Lincoln AC/DC stick welder. It sure has been a work horse for me. The DC allows easier vertical up welding and over head welding. It also tends too start better than AC. A/C is best if you ever have to weld something that may be magnetized. If you try to weld something magnetized you will get a lot of arc blow and will be waisting your time. The AC current alternates and between polarities and will allow you to weld the magnitized metal.

About 5 years ago I purchased a MM 251 mig machine and love it. However like the AC/DC it to has it's purpose. I use the mig when I have clean metal to weld and am inside where I don't get drafts. Mig welding in the wind would be like trying to weld magetized metal with DC. The shielding gas gets blowen out of the arc and you have poor welds then. If I do use the MM 251 out doors I use it as just a straight wire welder with no gas, the polarity reversed and solid core wire. But only if the metal isn't to dirty. If it's one of my implements and I want to get it back to work fast I use the Lincoln stick welder.

Next welding machine I would like to add to the stable is a Tig inverter model. Probable the Thermal ARC 185. Anyway I hope I have bored or confused you to much with my input and good luck.

 

[Sully2]

After reading this, I think 10,000 watts is a bare minimum to run a 235 amp machine (at full capacity of course).

Ask The Experts: Generators | Lincoln Electric

I like Soundguy's idea, but after looking around the net, most 10,000 watt pto generators with cart and shipping can cost as much or more than the combo unit....plus you have to figure out how to move the generator and welder to a remote location together if needed.

In a case like that you go with the flow and buy the "best" for the "less". I dont see too many guys running their welders AT "max" output...but no sense in setting up a rig where you CANT run it at max if need be...for sure. Go with the welder/genset combo then!!

 

[Sully2]

...
About 5 years ago I purchased a MM 251 mig machine and love it. However like the AC/DC it to has it's purpose. I use the mig when I have clean metal to weld and am inside where I don't get drafts. Mig welding in the wind would be like trying to weld magetized metal with DC. The shielding gas gets blowen out of the arc and you have poor welds then. If I do use the MM 251 out doors I use it as just a straight wire welder with no gas, the polarity reversed and solid core wire. But only if the metal isn't to dirty. If it's one of my implements and I want to get it back to work fast I use the Lincoln stick welder.

Ive been pondering getting either a MM210 or the Hobart IM210...both of which are MORE than I need but would give me a good margin over ACTUAL needs...until 2 days ago that is.

Someone let the cat out of the bag that Hobart has released a new "Handler" series welder..called the Handler 210. Fits MY needs to a "T". $900 is the list on it! Im going to have one in my tiny shop just as soon as my LWS can get his hands on one.

 

[deere_x475guy]

Sully sounds like a great price for a machine with that output. When do they expect to release it? Also have you been to the Hobart Welding forum?
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You may be able to find more information there.

 

[Stampeder]

Before you do anything go to Lowe's and in their welding department you will find an excellent book by Richard Finch called the "Welder's Handbook". This book has been around for a long time and has great projects from as simple as a welder's finger to building you own car hauler trailer. It is well worth the few dollars it costs.
I have an old copy and a new one....it's interesting to see the revision.
As for me, I have an old Lincoln 180 buzz box that I've used for over 30 years....great little stick welder for most of my stuff....A Smith OXY-ACT outfit (great torch) and a Harbour Freight MIG160 with gas. Still haven't got the MIG outfit totally workout yet....sometimes resort to the old buzz box cause I have no trouble drawing a good bead with it.
I come from a long line of welders. Father welded for 40 years and brother for 30. Bad thing is both passed away from Asbestosis. They used to coat welding rods with the stuff and it killed them both.
Dangerous profession.....but great hobby......ALWAYS WORK IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA.
Finally, if you can take a welding course or two you'll learn some great tips. Also get some silver leaded pencils, makes doing layouts a breeze.

Good luck.

 

[Sully2]

Sully sounds like a great price for a machine with that output. When do they expect to release it? Also have you been to the Hobart Welding forum?
Weld Talk Message Boards - Powered by vBulletin

You may be able to find more information there.

Oh yeah...thats where the cat got out of the bag on it. Someone saw it advertised on Northern Tools website and was asking about it....after a lot of specualtions...someone finally popped up and had been testing it for the last 6 months...then a bunch of others that had been doing testing with it chimed in. Seems about 7 or 8 over there had know and used it...but had to stay mute on it.

A couple of weeks and they should be "in the system" and have some sort of availability

 

[deere_x475guy]

Would two of those testers happen to be Dan and RockyD? I use to spend a lot of time there but haven't in a couple of years. Pretty much since we built the cabin. Just been to busy.

 

[Syncro]

Ditto.. I'm sure there will be welds I make where DC capability will be better.. and if it is en emergency.. I can always set out 3 car batteries and jumper cable weld (grin).

soundguy

Hey 3 car batteries work fine, see attached pics, I've done it with great results. Just gotta try not to think about them exploding!

 

[Soundguy]

Nice gate decorations!

Soundguy

 

[Sully2]

Would two of those testers happen to be Dan and RockyD? I use to spend a lot of time there but haven't in a couple of years. Pretty much since we built the cabin. Just been to busy.

Dont know about Rocky??..but Dan got left out in the cold on this one...lol He was a tester for their HH187 model and of course no one knew it was coming...but got bypassed for testing on the HH210 model