Thinking About Buying a Welder

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Clear as mud Larstan....LOL. I think the suggestions about taking a welding class are good ideas. I would probably be a more informed buyer at that point.

 

[TNhobbyfarmer]

Clear as mud Larstan. I think the suggestions about taking a welding class are good ones. I'm sure I'd be a more informed buyer after a class.

 

[Larstan]

Don't worry you will catch on quick, just like your first tractor "FEL, 3PH, HST, and on and on. Once you learn the basic language then you can concentrate on fusing some metal together. For me there is something very satisfying about making things with metal. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...

 

[Larstan]

Also I might add, figure out what you want to do with the welder. Then go take a class and you should get to try all the different types of welding, see which one you like best. Then pick a machine with the enough amperage(your amperage dictates the thickness of metal you can weld) to tackle the largest project you think you may try. IMHO trying to tell someone which welder or what size tractor or which implement is like asking someone else to dress you. You are going to get every different viewpoint out their because there is no "right answer" there is only preference. So educate yourself, Test drive, and then when you narrow down your own preference TIG, MIG, ARC and what size (read amperage) shop the brands in that amperage range and ask for feedback on those machines. That will get you some good info. Good Luck /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[FL_Cracker]

MIG is steel welding using a wire feed welder and TIG is aluminum/stainless welding using a rod to add meterial. MIG can be done on aluminum with a wire feed aluminum spool gun.

 

[BB_TX]

I bought a Lincoln AC/DC buzz box several years ago. $437 if I remember right. Had not welded since I worked in a metal shop over 30 yrs ago. And even then it was just playing around before work time. I read everything I could. Got a bunch of scrap metal and practiced. Would like to take a class, but have not found one local. I have made several things and repaired many others. Not always pretty, but sturdy. And it is lots of fun. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[dooleysm]

I agree with everyone that has recommended a class. I signed up for one at the local community college, one night a week for 4ish hours, for about 10 weeks. I burned up alot of rods and fused together lots of scrap steel. Well worth the $200 I paid to get into the class. Had a great time going to school again!

 

[SnowRidge]

Take a look here under the heading "Tennessee Technology Centers" and see if there is a campus near you. They offer really inexpensive day and evening welding courses at most campuses.

I took the course at the Athens campus before I bought my welder. FWIW, I learned gas and stick welding. I picked up a used gas set from a buddy and bought a Hobart Stickmate LX 225 AC/DC unit from TSC. So far I have been very pleased with it.

 

[AntrimMan]

TXDon,
I don't have an auto dark helmet.
How are they better than a simple helmet.
What filter number do you set it to?
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the optically and intelligence impeded Martin.

 

[wushaw]

The advantage to the auto darkening helmet is you don't have to flip it just before you strike an arc which as everybody knows you could start an arc somewhere you did not want to /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif