What kind of welder should I buy?

[Loogie]

I would like to buy a welder for home use. Preferably something that can run off of 110V. I've seen MIG and TIG, but don't really know the difference. If one of you knowledgeable guys can give me a short course and point me in the right direction. I'd just like to be able to do some light fabrication and repairs. I'm a woodworker and I like making things. I'm not looking to spend too much but I always feel like I should buy more than I need now if it will keep me from having to upgrade as soon as I start using it.

 

[EddieWalker]

Why do you want to limit yourself to 110 volts? Do you have a panel in your shop/garage? It's not that dificult to run 220 to an outlet that you install.

If your set on 110, then I'd guess Mig would be your best option. The adavantage to mig is it's fairly cheap to buy, easy to learn on and it gives you a nice weld. The disadvantage is that it's only good for thinner metals and you need to clean the surface really well.

I have an AC/DC arc welder. You can get the cheaper AC arc welder that does the same thing, but if you can afford the extra price for DC arc welders, it's worth it for a nicer bead and easier arcing. Is that a word? hahaha

Arc welders are probably the best value for your dollar as they can handle fairly thick material, weld dirty, rusty metal with paint on it and with a variety of welding rods, you can weld allot of different situations.

The problem for you is that it needs 220 volts and 30 to 50 amps.

Eddie

 

[toolaholic]

Suggestion ,try weld talk .com. I'm there also much info. It's a hobart site ,but all brands are discussed

 

[loulou61]

I've used a cheap 220 v Sears arc welder( AC crackerbox) for over 25 years. Kept a 1953 Ford NAA on line with it. Built and repaired all sorts of equipment and gadgets. If you have any way to use 220v outlet that would be a quick and easy way to go.
Like Eddie said, you can weld all thickness metals and you don't have to go into elaborate cleaning of your metals before using.


Lou
South Louisiana

 

[bjcsc]

It depends on what you plan on fabbing, i.e. thicknesses involved and duty cycle, and how much money you want to spend.

110
The absolute most you can get out of a 110 MIG is 1/4" and that's if you preheat it and it's clean. It will weld sheet metal and up to 1/8 nicely.

220
Arc: Best bang for the buck is a Lincoln tombstone. Good for everything except light gauge sheet metal.

MIG: There are some nice units that will weld up to 1/2". Look for duty cycle and handy things like stitch settings.

110/220
Several companies, Miller and HTP for example, make Dual Voltage MIGs that will run on 110 and 220. Great portability, but guts when you need them.

 

[JB4310]

I'm by no means a welder but do have all 3 types, an AC buzz box, a gas driven DC welder and a 110 volt Mig. I use the AC welder the most for repair and fabrication. the Mig is nice for light jobs and a necessity for sheet metal. The DC is my newest acquisition, cause I always heard it was the easiest to weld with, still have yet to prove that.
I've had the AC since I found it in a dump, took it home fixed it up and have been using it for 30 years and would be the one I would replace first if all three got stolen.
So I guess the answer would be the AC welder, or like Eddie said the AC/DC, that's what I would do today, don't know if there is a 110 volt AC so you would need the 220 outlet.
For all the welding I do, I really should get some formal lessons, my welding never looks to good, good thing there are 4" disc grinders.
I think a oxy/act torch outfit is as important as the welder for steel fabrication, heating, bending and cutting etc.
And forget about the Tig, it is the hardest to learn, more for the pros, my friend has one and took awhile to get good with it, once you learn you can do some incredible work with it.

 

[Ken_CT]

There's another option that is often overlooked, Oxy/Acetylene. It is a lot slower to gas weld, but the advantages are you can weld thin & thick metal, braze, heat up metal to bend it, and especially, cutting. I have a 110 mig welder and 2 oxy/ actytelene set ups, each with advantages & disadvantages. The small portable unit that can be carried around is very handy, and of course, you don't need electricity. Most Vo-Tech schools offer inexpensive evening adult ed. courses in welding if you would like to take one.

 

[Pete Milley]

Loogie:
As a welder/fabricator for many years, I agree with all the responses you have received. I was happy to see Ken CT's response about oxy/acetylene welding. This is almost a lost art in today's high tech world, but as Ken points out, it is probably the most versatile. Not to mention portable. However, as a novice with the intent to work only on light material, which you stated, I would recommend the 110 MIG with gas. It is a "stupid simple" machine to learn and will weld up to 1/4" with great results. Some folks prefer shielded wire instead of gas. My personal preference is the SP series from Lincoln. Stay away from their WeldPak welder sold at most Home Improvement centers or Discount Tool stores (very light duty cycle and consumables are hard to find). Go to a welding supply store and check out all the brands they carry. Be sure they have the consumables in stock as daily inventory. If your welding supplier is a flagship distributor for any of the major brands then he will most likely have the after sale support you require (except for their lowball unit). Steer clear of any "Clearance" or "Discontinued" models for reasons stated above. Remember, dependability and peace of mind are worth a few extra bucks.

 

[bigdad]

I have a little 110V Lincoln Wire Welder as well as a Miller AC/DC stick welder. I paralleled Mother's electric stove breaker to run the Miller. (Can't stick weld when there is something in the oven....which isn't very often anymore. Ha!)

I have always had an Oxy/Acetylene setup and can braze if I have to. Sure don't like buying that gas though! But like the other gents said, if you are going to do much fabbing you just about have to have gas. I'm just stingy with it.

I am by means a pro, but with these three, there isn't much that I can't "stick" together.

Watch the sales, good luck, and then have some fun!!

 

[zzvyb6]

I also grew up on a$99 Sears AC welde. Took a night class at the local High School adult ed. Got really good on machine repair; even cadt iron; same machine. Bought a used Miller AC/DC just recently. Still miss the AC deal.

The 220 outlet is mandatory. Put several in. They will feed a decent generator someday, too. 110v / 20 amps just isn't enough juice to do manly welding.