Opinions on Less Expensive Welders

[woodlandfarms]

Fm. I would ask mark in a private message for a quote on a machine. I have 2 everlast sand they are great for my purposes and the price was too hard to pass up

 

[FM504]

Will do thank you

 

[Jeepnford]

I've run several farms. A welder is never where you need it when you need it. Portability IS an issue. And the later tombstones had their own issues. And the thunderbolt is not what it was.

FM504 said portability wasn't an issue for his uses, not me. Everyone has their own opinion.

 

[Texasmark]

You might try looking for a used Miller Thunderbolt or Lincoln Tombstone transformer machine with DC capability for a stick welder. Usually one or two on CL reasonably priced. Nobody knows how inverter machines will hold up for the long haul. Not knocking them, I own a Miller 161stl inverter. I think a transformer style would be good for farm usage where portability is not an issue.

My Millers are transformer powered. Bulletproof design. Coupling between the primary AC line and the output be it AC or DC is assisted by an iron core that is mounted to a screw thread, rotated by a handle on top. The farther you crank the core into the rest of the transformer the better the coupling and higher the amperage rating. The rectifiers on the DC function are selenium, large for the job compared to the more common silicon diodes used in most everything, but will tolerate most any type of overload....just what you need for welding.

 

[Steveneverlearn]

Thanks for the responses. I found a welder.

I bought a Firepower 220i NIB for less than $800 on eBay. It has been delivered and is brand new.

Steve

 

[bdog]

I know you found a machine but I just wanted to add those old tombstones are great. I started welding with one, AC only, in 1991. It was used at that time and I got it from my uncle. It was my primary welder up until around 2006 or so. I bet I burned thousands of pounds of rods with that thing. I transported it around a lot too but it sure is heavy. It still works today but is just sitting in my dad’s shop.

I love my new Lincoln v-350 pro but I wonder if it will still be working in 25 years. Newer technology is great but I wonder about longevity.

 

[Big Barn]

I know you found a machine but I just wanted to add those old tombstones are great. I started welding with one, AC only, in 1991. It was used at that time and I got it from my uncle. It was my primary welder up until around 2006 or so. I bet I burned thousands of pounds of rods with that thing. I transported it around a lot too but it sure is heavy. It still works today but is just sitting in my dad’s shop.

I love my new Lincoln v-350 pro but I wonder if it will still be working in 25 years. Newer technology is great but I wonder about longevity.

I too learned on the AC only buzzbox we bought new for the farm back in the mid 1960's. It's the ONLY welder I used for decades and still have it but never use it anymore.





Fortunately 25 years from now, I think the LAST thing in the world I'll be worried about is if my inverter welders still work or not. LOL