Need input on a welder for a newbie

[pwright]

@lildobr - Are you using gas with your Hobart 140? It does have a lot of positive reviews.

@jeffinsgf - All input is welcome. Something that makes it easier for a novice like me certainly wouldn't be a bad idea.

Thanks!

 

[Arc weld]

If you buy the Hobart portable you could make a nice little cart or trailer to move it around. That would make a good project. Nice thing with a stick machine and gas drive, you can go anywhere you need to weld. Hitch breaks on an implement in the field, take the welder out and fix it on the spot instead of having play around to get it back to the shop.

 

[pwright]

That would be a cool project.

 

[Arc weld]

I've seen welders like that on a 4 wheel cart for moving them in and out the shop.

 

[lildobr]

pwright: I use both. I also built my own cart to move it about the shop. I like that I can plug it in anywhere and can even use a drop cord if needed. I have built a yard cart for my step-grandson out of a $35.00 lawnmower. I done a lot of welding on this project of different gauge metal. The chart on the welder is very accurate just set it and weld away. The gas does make a pretty weld, but flux core is simple weld and go, you don't have to mess with turning gas on set reg. purge line etc. and welds still look very good. You wont be disappointed with this welder in my opinion.

 

[Midniteoyl]

Not a stick, but I bought one of these to use with a 4500w genset and it works fine.. Pretty decent welder for the price. Can use gas or flux core.

Maxus Reconditioned MIG/Flux-Core Welder — 120 Volt, 140 Amp, Model# RBMXW30900 | Wirefeed Welders| Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[pwright]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'm just wrapping up the insulating and paneling of the barn/workshop and just got in all the solar panels and electronics that will power it. Getting a welder may come after all that done.

 

[fishman]

i have been running a 4000 w generator to power my Hobart AC/DC stick welder now for several years. I posted a very similar question to yours here at that time and lots of people told me it couldn't be done, although they had never tried it. A couple of people had and recommended using thinner rods. So when I'm out on my property welding, or at a friend's house with no welding plug, I run 3/32" 6011 with no problems. Amps range from 70 to 130 depending on material thickness. Any more than that (which isn't needed), and the breaker will trip on the generator after a few minutes. My rationale at the time was to go ahead and buy the welder and try it since I already had the 4000 watt generator. If it didn't work, I could always buy a bigger generator. The combined cost would be way less than a dedicated generator/welder unit, and the generator could be used for a lot of other things. As it turned out, I didn't have to purchase a bigger generator, and I was set up welding for under $300 for the welder and Harbor Freight auto darkening helmet.

Disclaimer - I am not a professional or even close. My experience consists of a large rv/boat barn, a smaller tool/lawnmower barn, and lots of smaller projects and repairs. I am currently building an entrance gate/fence on my property and it has all been built using generator power. The welds aren't beautiful like a mig, but they work and a grinder makes them pretty if you want.

 

[pwright]

Thanks for the input Fishman!

 

[fishman]

Glad to help. One other bit of information is that I haven't had a need to weld anything thicker than 1/4", possibly 5/16". That isn't a hindrance for buildings or fences. It may weld thicker, I just haven't tried. I get great weld penetration with those thicknesses, however.