My first welder for a green old guy

[arrow]

Lets face it; an independent household could do with both. For what prices are on some of these inverter type machines, you can get both units and still be under $700 most of the time. I'd get a mig 110v that has gas capabilities if you wanted it later and get a dual voltage stick welder. There will not be too many welding projects you will not be able to handle.

 

[Sodo]

Agreed that way you could get on with your projects with the MIG right away and as time allows learn the stick.

 

[Underdog57]

Lets face it; an independent household could do with both. For what prices are on some of these inverter type machines, you can get both units and still be under $700 most of the time. I'd get a mig 110v that has gas capabilities if you wanted it later and get a dual voltage stick welder. There will not be too many welding projects you will not be able to handle.

I would splurge a little more and get a dual voltage Mig & dual voltage Stick!

 

[powerscol]

In following up on suggestions I have found that at least two dual voltage welders (Lincoln and Hobart) can do mig, stick, and tig with one unit depending on options. Are there other brands to consider? Miller did not seem to have a multipurpose unit comparable to the others that did all 3.

Second question on helmets - there sure seem to be a lot of them out there saying theirs are the best, What specifications should I look for in a good helmet. I wear glasses and need all the vision I can get at my age. Comfort is up there too.

Last question - clothing - my local TSC store seems to have a line of Carhart welding clothes at a reasonable price. Thoughts? What do I really need?

Thanks again

 

[Shield Arc]

Far as clothing, everything burns up! I've worked in oil refineries where they issue you fireproof coveralls, they still burn up with welding. Cheap cotton cloths are you best bet. A leather welding jacket or sleeves are nice to have.

 

[s219]

I just use an old Dickies work shirt. My leather welding gloves (about 30 years old) have big gauntlets that run up to my elbows practically. If I did more work, I might want a leather apron.

 

[CNC Dan]

Second question on helmets - there sure seem to be a lot of them out there saying theirs are the best, What specifications should I look for in a good helmet. I wear glasses and need all the vision I can get at my age. Comfort is up there too.


Thanks again

If you use reading glasses, get one that can be fitted with a 'cheater' lense. That way, you can wear proper safty glasses under the hood.

 

[dragoneggs]

That sounds great!
I've had several guys come over to my shop for some one on one. They all say it really helped them out.

I can vouch for this as I am an SA disciple now. I am not the best qualified to recommend welders but I love my 110/220v miller MIG. I struggled long ago learning with stick and didn't weld for a long time. I bought a MIG after reading a bunch and visited SA for some instruction early on. I don't do a lot of welding and nothing structural that could kill someone but I sure enjoy the ease of MIG.

 

[Hiltz]

If you want instant gratification and nice looking welds without hours and hours of practice get a MIG.

 

[s219]

If you want instant gratification and nice looking welds without hours and hours of practice get a MIG.

That's how I feel too. I hadn't made a weld in about 20 years, never used MIG (only stick), and within a couple minutes I was getting very nice beads from a wire feed MIG machine running flux core. Then started getting fancy with weave, zigzag, and cursive-e patterns to play around with the bead quality (seems like a simple zigzag look best for me). If I can say that, it would have to be easy. That said, I am sure my limited confidence will break down as soon as I need to weld upside down or something...