how much would it cost to ...

Zoomie · May 20, 2004

I took a semester-long course in welding at the local junior college, and really learned alot, though there is much, much more that I didn't get to.

I have a flux-core wire feed for light duty welding and have been "borrowing" my dad's old Lincoln AC stick welder for heavier projects.

One will not replace the other, as the wire feed will easily handle thin sheet metal tasks (replacing rusted out decking on my rotary mower, that the buzz-box just burns holes in, even at its lowest setting.

I've recently ordered one of Hobart's new Champion 4500s. Its an (8hp B&S) engine-driven 140Amp AC welder that can serve dual duty as a 4500 watt AC generator.

It's not cheap ($1K), but its completely portable and fits my needs much better than a staionary unit. The generator feature means my small wire-feed unit is now as portable as the larger machine, since it runs off 120V AC.

Good luck, welding is an invaluable skill if you live in the country and have steel pipe fences or equipment to maintain.

Henro · May 20, 2004

<font color="blue"> Maybe once I have a welder I'll be more motivated to take a class or two.
</font>

Taking a course in the evening is invaluable. Otherwise how can you know if you are on track or off? Having a true weldor, the instructor, show you what is right and what you may not be doing right is worth A LOT!

I guess you can see I am really glad I took a basic welding class. Aside from practice the first project was welding hooks on my loader bucket. Very rewarding.

Maybe a class is not needed, but the opinion and guidance of someone who can well is very helpful.

I can't believe it took me over fifty years to learn basic welding... /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif It is a great skill to learn. Not sure I could have learned much at all by myself...but that may just be me... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

slowzuki · May 21, 2004

If you know what you're doing you and get by doing some minor welding with a couple of pairs of jumper cables and a couple of car batteries.

Search offroading websites and you can get more info.

It is more dangerous than boosting a car, batteries can boil and blow acid everywhere if you do it too long. Optimal gel cells are the prefered battery for this.

radman · May 21, 2004

Like Bird, I bolted mine to the bucket. I bought the tow hooks commonly found in farm stores and auto part stores designed for 4 wheel drive trucks. A chain can easily be looped around them. They have 2 half inch bolts included with the hooks. Drill the holes and attach. No damage to the paint like a welder. They come in black or chrome. I have a 250 amp MIG welder, but I still often bolt things on when possible. I put one hook on each end of the bucket and one in the middle.