Interested in learning how to weld

[k0ua]

For all around use, I still think an AC/DC stick rod machine cant be beat for the average farm shop. With the right assortment of rods, one can weld just about any thing with one of those and by adding a TIG torch and bottle, there is no limit to what can be done (assuming the welding experience is there). I have always said that an inexperienced MIG operator can put in more defective material in 5 minutes than a grinder can take out in half an hour.
A properly set MIG can be a joy to weld with, but when one is acting up, they are frustrating to say the least. There are lots of variables to contend with when troubleshooting a malfunctioning MIG and a novice will be pulling out all his hair trying to figure out what is wrong. A DC stick machine is much easier to correct any problem, just turn the dial up or down to correct 99% of problems with an ugly weld assuming that you have followed all the pre-weld requirements of cleaning, electrode selection, and fit-up.

I am also definitely in this camp. Yes there will be a learning curve. Don't expect beautiful results the first time. It does take practice. But the versatility is there and the economy is the best. Of course everyone thinks their system is the best, or easiest, and there is no "one" answer, but this solution works for me. A DC stick machine with an add on TIG torch covers everything from small household repairs to welding on tractor parts.

 

[Gary Fowler]

One other thing that I dislike about a MIG is that you have to be fairly close to the machine with your welding project.,15 feet is about the max length of a MIG gun without having feed problems. THey have gotten much lighter in weight over the years but still much heavier that just a welding whip with electrode holder.

 

[IslandTractor]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. It looks as though a 120V welder is a waste of money and that I should focus on 240V. Should I install a 30A or 40A outlet in my garage? I know it would depend on the unit, but am likely to opt for the unit Shield Arc suggested, or an equivalent mig.

Wrong. A 120v machine would do what you said you wanted in the original post. 3/8" is the limit but if that's all you need there is no reason to go higher. I have a portable dual voltage machine and do 90% of my welding using 110 because it is easier to find a 110 source than a 220v plug with the correct receptacle. If you plan to do all your welding in one place and you already have a 50amp 220 source there then by all means get a 220v welder. For the average home welder though a 110v machine is a decent place to start. Less money to buy, no need to run 220, less weight/size and easy to sell if you want to upgrade.

As with many things boys like to buy bigger than they really need. If you think a F250 is the right sized vehicle for grocery shopping then a 220v welder is the place to start.

I'd second the many suggestions about an adult education welding class. You really don't want to learn from cousin Joey because he's generally not going to be able to teach you the important theory and related safety stuff. Get Joey to help you practice once you've learned the fundamentals in class and in a well supervised shop.

I learned MiG before gas and stick. I now think it would have been best to learn gas first as learning about puddles etc is much easier with a slower process. Stick is so versatile especially in the field that everyone should learn it too. MIG is easy if you already know what a puddle is and how to control it. Danger in starting with MIG is that if you don't understand penetration you might as well use a glue gun. TIG is beautiful and great for smaller projects but unnecessary and inconvenient for tractor or most household related welding.

 

[downsizingnow48]

I've had a Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC stick welder for decades. They are old school and heavy but reliable and cheap. Around here they are on Craigslist all the time for $200 - $250 and can probably be bought for less. Good way to get started without using much money. As someone else pointed out, you will want a lot of clamps and jigs, good set up will save a lot of frustration.

Both my welders (Thunderbolt stick and Miller 211 MIG) use a NEMA 6-50P connector. 50 amps. See chart.

 

[Shield Arc]

I have always said that an inexperienced MIG operator can put in more defective material in 5 minutes than a grinder can take out in half an hour.

Oh how true that statement is!

One time when I worked in a Fab shop. I was running Mig, and had it dialed in perfect. Boss brought over a new hire girl. He wanted her to work with me. I told her to finish welding, and I would go to the other bay and cut more material. About 10-minutes later the girl comes up to me, and says there is something wrong with the Mig welder. I go back to the bay I was welding in. The project looked like a Porcupine!:shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked: There was Mig wire 12 to 16-inches long stuck to the project! Talk about too long of stick out!:laughing:

 

[CNC Dan]

Oh how true that statement is!

One time when I worked in a Fab shop. I was running Mig, and had it dialed in perfect. Boss brought over a new hire girl. He wanted her to work with me. I told her to finish welding, and I would go to the other bay and cut more material. About 10-minutes later the girl comes up to me, and says there is something wrong with the Mig welder. I go back to the bay I was welding in. The project looked like a Porcupine!:shocked::shocked::shocked::shocked: There was Mig wire 12 to 16-inches long stuck to the project! Talk about too long of stick out!:laughing:

Would love to have seen your face at the moment. Probably would have made a great picture.

 

[Shield Arc]

Supposedly she went to a very prestigious welding school in Massachusetts!

 

[CNC Dan]

Supposedly she went to a very prestigious welding school in Massachusetts!

Wentworth Institute of Technology?

 

[Shield Arc]

Oh I don't remember, this was in the 1970s.

 

[cqaigy2]

Oh I don't remember, this was in the 1970s.

The usual quote from somebody talking about the 70's.