Need a welder for a novice

[MikePA]

w-h, as usual, a very informative post. Given your recommendation, why do you think there seems to be such a fascination with mig? It seems that the best, all around welding outfit, regardless of the skill of the operator is stick, right?

 

[gmason]

<font color=blue> Some guys here have found welding classes at their local community colleges </font color=blue>

This includes me.. I've had a AC 225v stick for several years and have welded a few pieces together and all but one has stayed put. But having someone tell you and show you about the different rods, amp settings, base metals, and weld types, I just couldn't get from a 50pg book.

Welding really is about practice..practice. The class alows me to make mistakes and learn from a professional. If you try to learn welding on you own, how will you know if your doing it right or wrong? W_harv can attest that just because a weld looks good, doesn't make it so. You could be using the wrong stick, too hot or too cold, or have some contaminates in the weld. Yea, the weld may hold for 2-3yrs, but just when you need it the most, <font color=red>BAM</font color=red> it lets go.

If your going to get into welding your going to have to spend some $$ to do it, there just aren't too many short cuts. Plus, having to grind out a bad weld will cost you a lot more than just time. Sticks are probably the cheapest item to purchase. 5lb of E7014 can go a long way on a project, but you'll go through plenty of grinding wheels removing the rust and scale from new metal and then cleaning up after a weld or removing a weld.

I too thought that all I needed was this buzz box, a handfull of (any)rods, and a helmet and I'b be set. Sorry, not so. Check out ebay for helmets and gloves, but be carefull with what you get out there. Not all is cracked up to what it should be.

good luck
be safe
gary

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

My auto darkening helmet is a Hobart I got at Tractor Supply. It was around $160, as I recall. I did zero research on them, so I wouldn't be surprised if you could find it at a better price somewhere else. I bought it because I was at TSC and it was the best one TSC had. Not exactly scientific, I know.

I can tell you I've been happy with mine and don't regret my purchase at all. Mine is supposed to darken in 1/11,000th of a second which impressed me. That's not to say there isn't another brand out there that darkens in 1/100,000th of a second. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

For what it's worth, at the time I bought mine they had the exact same helmet in black and with two or three different decal packages. I was surprised to find that one of the helmets with the decal package was actually cheaper so I went that way. Besides, now no one will pick up my helmet with the American Eagle with Stars & Stripes by mistake and I sure have no trouble finding it, either. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Good luck with whatever you get. I hope this helps. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[MossRoad]

I've been reading about the auto darkening helmets for a while. They turn on real fast, but how soon do they turn off after you stop? Just wondering...

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

While I can't testify to anything like 1/11,000th of a second /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif , I can tell you they lighten up fast enough I"m not in the dark at all. I usually leave mine down when I'm chipping the slag off the fresh weld. Honestly, the thing works just great and I highly recommend one. Good luck with whatever you decide. I hope this helps. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[frank_f15]

if u are truly going to do simple repairs and projects go with the arc welder, much more flexible and u can get all different rods as needed(just remember to keep them dry), if it is possibe get the auto darking helmet. i ain't a great welder but i know when i was starting i would either flip the helmet too soon(can't see nothing then ) or to late and would get flash(still could not see anything) give a whole new appreciation to those that can weld and weld good. welding looks easy till u try it!/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Bird]

Never could get the hang of flipping that helmet down./w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif And didn't feel like I could afford the auto darkening helmet (obviously the best way to go). So if I wasn't working out in the sunlight, I always just set up my portable 500 watt "work light" aimed right at the job.

 

[Turfman]

I think Santa will be bringing an autodarkening helmet to me. My new house present to myself will be the welder. My brother-in-law has a small MIG, so I think I'll get an ARC. The ARC seems to have the most flexibility.

Thanks for all the help and suggestions.

Any recommendations on an ARC? What is the function of the DC output on them?

 

[frank_f15]

i have done the light bit also, another thing that i have problems with is my glasses , i only need them for close in work and if the work gets a little to far away it gets blured. ah well nothing is perfect(especially my welds) /w3tcompact/icons/eyes.gif

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I am SOOO happy to hear you're going with the auto darkening helmet. I'm sure you'll be glad you did. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif