I have a question about welders...

swnoel · Sep 13, 2018

BMan2005 said:
Like you I needed a welder to start repairing my own stuff. I didn't plan to weld much other than normal steel, no aluminum or sheet metal. Never stuck an arc in my life and wanted quality and price in one unit for a stick welder. Not a easy thing, but after some recommendations on here I bought a Everlast PowerArc 200 ST. Starting learning to weld, repairing my broken stuff, then some projects along the way. It's not a Miller I'm sure, but it's done everything I ask of it and makes a complete newbie like me look like I half way can weld. Mig will be more versatile and I plan to add one into the arsenal one day after my shop is built, but I do like the simplicity of grabbing a stick and running a bead.

Here is a few pictures of a few things I've done with it so far, it's more than paid for itself. Welding is probably the best thing I've ever learned to do around here & good luck in your choice. These guys here can definitely help you.

That's me... thanks for all the advice and information.

k0ua · Sep 14, 2018

I reckon if you are really on a budget?

BMan2005 · Sep 15, 2018

k0ua said:
You have done some nice work.

Thanks man!

swnoel said:
That's me... thanks for all the advice and information.

Welcome & good luck. Don't remember if you said you welded much either, but between these guys here and all the great videos on YouTube I have been completely self taught. Both were very valuable resources for me. Just throwing that out there just in case.

metalbender · Sep 15, 2018

Speaking of you tube, had a bit of a chuckle a few years ago. Was fixing a ft blade lift arm on an older Belarus for my BIL neighbor. He asked me where I learned to weld, told him I watched you tube yesterday. Looked at me kind of funny lol.

BMan2005 · Sep 15, 2018

Could you imagine what you could do if you stayed at a Holiday Inn & watched YouTube!? Some serious skills.... Lol

shanto52 · Oct 13, 2018

I agree that Budget and Experience. Under 3K and you have a million options. 4K and up narrows the field and i could offer some of the better options.

Dneel81 · Oct 16, 2018

Like others have said, trade beer for welding (pay them after welding). Get some short teaching sessions if you can. Youtube (weldingtipsandtricks.com) is okay. I used it. That will get you to where you can function on your own.

As far as buying a machine, try craigslist. I have a millermatic 211 and it does everything I need. I'm very happy with it. I did not get it from Craigslist however. I tried a friend's model 211 and his other 3 machines. I liked the 211 the most.

multiprocess machines are okay for light duty stuff, but their duty cycles are reachable with more serious work. Hope this helps.

dragoneggs · Oct 16, 2018

Dneel81 said:
Like others have said, trade beer for welding (pay them after welding). Get some short teaching sessions if you can. Youtube (weldingtipsandtricks.com) is okay. I used it. That will get you to where you can function on your own.

As far as buying a machine, try craigslist. I have a millermatic 211 and it does everything I need. I'm very happy with it. I did not get it from Craigslist however. I tried a friend's model 211 and his other 3 machines. I liked the 211 the most.

multiprocess machines are okay for light duty stuff, but their duty cycles are reachable with more serious work. Hope this helps.

I’m a hack welder but I do love my 211 transformer model. Bought it before the inverters were released but thinking I’m happy with the tried and true build quality.

Originally I thought I wanted a multiprocess machine but so far glad I didn’t go that way.

I guess I’m lazy but I like dedicated machines.

TMGT · Oct 17, 2018

Dneel81 said:
Like others have said, trade beer for welding (pay them after welding). Get some short teaching sessions if you can. Youtube (weldingtipsandtricks.com) is okay. I used it. That will get you to where you can function on your own.

As far as buying a machine, try craigslist. I have a millermatic 211 and it does everything I need. I'm very happy with it. I did not get it from Craigslist however. I tried a friend's model 211 and his other 3 machines. I liked the 211 the most.

multiprocess machines are okay for light duty stuff, but their duty cycles are reachable with more serious work. Hope this helps.

Have to disagree with you on the duty cycle of multiprocess machines, some units now are just as capable as higher end machines. Looking at the Everlast it is very comparable duty cycle wise to my Miller Dynasty 280dx.
I think if I was in the market for a new welder the Everlast MTS 252 STi would be on the list.

I'm honestly surprised Miller and Lincoln haven't come out with comparable multiprocess welders with A/C-D/C capabilities.