Welder Suggestions

[robertm]

Well, now that I'm really wrapped up in my new Bota, I figure it's about time to invest in a welder to make some of those things like carry-alls, or to add things like chain hooks, etc. Any suggestions as what to buy that is not going to drain my pocketbook? I think the tractor did that first! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif.

 

[karmakanic]

This is the welder I would recommend, a Lincolin 225 ac/dc. This model has been around for ages, gives you both a/c and d/c, is reasonably priced, and universally recognized as a good welder so you can get a good return if you decide to sell it.
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.asp?p=2494&isolocale=EN>Lincolin Welder</A>

 

[TexasJeff]

Miller 300/225 AC-DC Machine Lol Just like Tractors Welders have their own Color choices and favorite colors

Any of the Major brands around 200 to 225 amps AC-DC will work for any project a beginning welder will need

I personally like miller first then hobart second Miller mainly for the infinite adjustment even on their small machines
I have a hobart mig welder that has spoiled me completely

 

[KWentling]

I would recommend one of the 110 volt mig set ups. Lincoln, Miller, and Hobart all make very good units. (Stay away from Clark!) I have a Lincoln SP-125 that works great for light fabrication and repairs. You can run innershield wire in it so you need no shielding gas and welding in the wind is no problem. Or, you can use gas with it and run a variety of hard wires, even stainless and aluminum. Wire welding is much easier than "stick" welding! A little backround here. I work in an industrial weld and machine shop and have for 25 years. About the only stick welding done around there is nickle on cast iron. Wire is much faster and easier in almost every situation, and if the proper wire is used, superior in strength and appearance. Very easy to learn.
Hope this helps.

Kim

 

[wroughtn_harv]

Hopefully I'm picking up a Panasonic Gunslinger 260 tomorrow. That's a two hundred and sixty amp mig with a built in hundred and fifty amp stick capability. I saw it at my supply place and have been lusting like a sixteen year old towel boy in the girl's gym ever since. We've finally came to terms and I'm a lucky fella.

 

[gerard]

I bought a lincoln 235ac for under $300. Would rather have a mig for previously stated reasons but a 220vot mig I think is at least in the 5-600 $ range which I couldn't justify for my purposes. You can get away with a 110volt machine but I wanted the option of more penetration just incase I had to do some heavier material. So far I haven't had the setting higher than 120 amps. You get a lot of penetration with a 6011 rod even at 120 so I may never need the capacity I have but it's there if I need it. One thing about the stick is there are no moving parts and should last you 30 years or more with home use. Mig has a fair amount of moving parts and fine machined parts in the wire drive system so may take more repairs/adjustments over the years. (I never had one so this is just an educated guess based on life experience with pinch rollers and things like that!). Bottom line though is GET ONE. One of my most useful purchases. Like wroughtn harv says, nothing like hot gluing two pieces of metal together!

 

[MDNick]

I am with karmakinc on this one. For general all around use, the Linc Elec 225/125 AC/DC is a nice buzz box. I am not that great a welder, but I can make some nice welds with it. Gives you the ability to do heavier stuff with the AC or lighter stuff with the DC. It is a relatively inexpensive box for the capability.

Get an auto-darkening hood. Probably makes as much difference in ease of use to the welder as does the machine.

Nick

 

[Darren]

Why not turn your tractor into a portable welder?

Take a look at a Zena (www.zena.net). If you don't want to stick it on your tractor, it'll fit your car. Looks like it'll do anything most folks would need.