Welder Choices

[bx23barry]

That is a great choice. Play around reading and burning rod so there is nothing you can't do!

 

[mjncad]

Lots of good advice. I took the advice of a buddy of mine and his son who have more toys and no space than anybody I know. The kid TIG welds pop cans together when he's bored.

Anyway, they said stay with a name brand (e.g. Miller, Lincoln) and go 230VAC input if you can. I ended up getting a Miller 210 MIG and I'm happy with it so far. I just need more time to play with it and an outbuilding for a shop would be nice.

The other number they said to watch for "Duty Cycle" to make sure you can actually weld stuff instead of waiting for the welder to cool off.

 

[BTDT]

At first glance I was going to suggest wroughtn_harv, but then I saw where you were looking for welding machines. Just like a tractor, Bigger is Better. With a gas/diesel powered unit, you also have standby power.

 

[bigballer]

this might be an ignorant question but what is the advantage of having the DC option on an arc welder? I am looking at 2 used Lincoln Models and one is AC Only 225S and the other is the AC/DC Version (but it's about 60 miles away). the AC is priced at $125 and the AC/DC at $170? I plan to use it for small occasional use, welding brackets, hooks on my bucket, some light fabrication work, angle iron, etc, nothing too heavy duty.

thanks,
bigballer

 

[BlacknTan]

I don't know diddly about welding equipment myself. But, where I worked, the certified, ultra high vacuum welders would use NOTHING but Blue (Miller)...

 

[Defective]

bigballer,

DC is easier to work with. If you're planning only occasional use, you wont be staying in practice. You'll be glad for DC.

 

[Soundguy]

this might be an ignorant question but what is the advantage of having the DC option on an arc welder? I am looking at 2 used Lincoln Models and one is AC Only 225S and the other is the AC/DC Version (but it's about 60 miles away). the AC is priced at $125 and the AC/DC at $170? I plan to use it for small occasional use, welding brackets, hooks on my bucket, some light fabrication work, angle iron, etc, nothing too heavy duty.

thanks,
bigballer

For what you do.. AC would be fine.. however.. for only 45$ more.. I'd get the DC.

Dc will let you run some weird rods.. like... aluminum.. etc. Plus.. bead looks better.. etc.

Soundguy

 

[gemini5362]

Although it is a bit expensive miller makes a combination that appears to be useful. The Miller DVI, it is a mig welder that can work on dual voltages. It comes with different plug in conncections. You plug in the one that fits your receptacle and it auto selects the voltage. Will work with 115v or 230 volts and can weld up to 3/8 inch steel with one pass. I will admit that I have not used one yet, but I have very very strongly hinted to my wife that i would not be uspet if I got one for christmas.

 

[Trahere]

Haven't I read this post some where else? There never seems to be an answer ! Just like WHICH TRACTOR should I purchase!!!!!!

 

[Zoombah]

Prolly so....

We are all different; the questions may often sound similar but the needs, likes and pocketbooks vary from person to person. Most people respond with informative and useful answers....even to questions that get asked frequently. That's what makes these boards work.