Looking at entry level welder

[shooterdon]

I have no experience and am overwhelmed by the number of offerings in the sub $150 range. My first project will be welding up some Unistrut but I would like to be able to go up to 1/4" wall if possible. I have 110 and 220V available.

Seems like a unit that does MIG and stick would be a good choice.

Any thoughts, advice and recommendations?

 

[Roadworthy]

Have you given any thought to your budget? Recommendations can vary by price.

 

[Jrasband]

Harbor Freight - Titanium 225

 

[mike0000]

Don’t forget to be careful with welding galvanized metals

 

[rangerfredbob]

Although I have an assortment of the Titanium line from HFT, the Yeswelder options are a better deal and have quite the following online...

Not sure I'd bother with a multi process, I have a couple but it took me years to get to anything else... if you want to do stick get a cheap used Lincoln tombstone, they go for $50-100 all the time on facebook and craigslist... flux core will be much more user friendly though.

I agree, if doing anything with galvanized grind it off then do it outside with a fan blowing the fumes away from you...

 

[gengine]

My recommendation is a little more expensive, but a Lincoln 180 Dual is a one and done welder for the occasional welder, by one and done, I mean, buying a cheaper welder to learn on, then buying another welder to upgrade later. Buy a good one to start with, and you'll never have to buy another, unless you really get into welding. The Millermatic 211 would also be an excellent choice as a one and done welder. I am a well seasoned welder, and I have run them both, and they are great welders. They both are dual voltage, 110v and 220v. The both will do MIG (wire feed w/shielding gas), and FCAW (wire feed-flux core) welding. You can also look into the Hobart welders and the Forney welders. I was also very pleased with my buddies 110v Forney MIG welder he bought from Napa for around $200. I have a large and expensive Hobart MIG welder, and love it, I also have a Millermatic 255, and love it, but the Lincoln 180 dual is my go-to machine for most of my projects.

 

[shooterdon]

I should have stated my budget is $500 to get the machine, auto dimming helmet and other 'stuff' to get started.

For the type and quantity of work I will be doing, I cannot justify investing more. That is why I was interested in the $150 machines that seem to get decent reviews on Amazon.

I have a buddy with a stick welder so I may borrow his for a while to see if this is something I want to spend more money on but I hate borrowing stuff.

One question for those who have welded Unistrut. It is galvanized so that is a concern. Is it worth dealing with or should I just purchase square tubing to be safe and make things easier?

 

[chim]

I started with a Millermatic 175 sometime in the 90's and was pretty happy. If I had it to do over it would be a MM211.

For the stick welder I went with an Everlast 200STi a couple years ago. For the amps I use (under 130A at 240V) it has a 100% duty cycle.

 

[2manyrocks]

What do you want to fabricate?

I wouldn't want to weld strut because of the galvanization and the shape of the strut. Square tube would be my preference.

As for welders, yes welder and Harbor Freight are both popular options, especially on sale.

If you buy a mig, I'd get some Lincoln wire because it seems to spatter less although the yes welder wire on Az has good ratings. I've welded with the Lincoln, but haven't personally worked with the yes welder wire.

 

[shooterdon]

What do you want to fabricate?

I wouldn't want to weld strut because of the galvanization and the shape of the strut. Square tube would be my preference.

As for welders, yes welder and Harbor Freight are both popular options, especially on sale.

If you buy a mig, I'd get some Lincoln wire because it seems to spatter less although the yes welder wire on Az has good ratings. I've welded with the Lincoln, but haven't personally worked with the yes welder wire.

This is typical of the kind of things I want to make:

https://www.northerntool.com/products/vestil-bulk-bag-lifter-4000-lb-capacity-open-center-steel-model-bbl-oc-4-4895657?cm_mmc=Bing-pla&utm_source=Bing_PLA&utm_medium=Material%20Handling%20%3E%20Forklifts%20%2B%20Accessories%20%3E%20Hoisting%20Hooks&utm_campaign=Vestil&utm_content=4895657&cmpid=53403390&agid=3200075903&tgtid=pla-4577885387646816&prdid=4895657&ogmap=SHP|PLA|BING|STND|c|SITEWIDE||Material%20Handling%20-%20SC|Material%20Handling||53403390|3200075903&gclid=06884b879cbb179a9899230cefb99399&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=06884b879cbb179a9899230cefb99399

Not bad at $300 delivered but I need a different size for the bulk wood bags I am using.