What kind of welder should I buy?

[MJPetersen]

Mike, is the 1297 capable of welding 1/2 " plate, enough penetration?

If you can get to both sides it will easily weld 1/2 inch, or with a slight bevel and 2 passes for a but joint. You can weld almost anything that you could ever need to weld with the Lincoln. Miller and Hobart also make excellent welders. The thing to watch when making any welder choice is the duty cycle. That indicates how much time that you can spend welding and how much must be allowed for cooling. Figure what amp that you will need most of the time and see what the percentage is at that amp rating. For most tractor fabrication and repair i would think that 90 amps at 70-80% would be adequate. (I am anticipating someone disagreeing with me, but each person kind of sets their own standard based on what they do.)

I checked the 1297 quickly and they do not publish the full duty cycle that I can see. The only figure that they give is the 20% at 225 amps. Of course that figure will rise as you lower the amps. Just a guess, but that welder probably hits 100% around 100 amps. No one can stick weld 100% of the time. When you figure in the fitting time and the chipping slag time, you are not going to weld more than about 50% of the time you are "welding." Again just a guess, but that machine will probably be able to weld at 170-180 amps at 50%.

I know a long answer for a simple, Yes it can.

Mike

 

[mopacman]

Our old tombstone had a number on the dial that had a red circule around it. I think it was 70 amps. I was told that was 100% and was used to thaw out pipes.........Larry

 

[ninefinger]

Good info, thank you all.

 

[Matt_Jr]

Not meaning to hi-jack a thread, but does anyone know about the Snap-On Muscle Migs? I just ordered one from my dealer about a week ago. It is a 110v MIG/TIG welder that will weld 3/8 inch plate at 100% duty cycle. It also comes with a spool gun for aluminum. A bit pricey, but from what I heard a very good machine. I've been welding with a Miller for a few years now at work and would like something good for at home. I'm just hoping I made a good decision. I'll mostly use it for exhaust work, welding frames, tractor mods, and planning a home-made wood furnace. Thanks.