On 19 May 2005 07:56:52 -0700, "John" wrote:

Steel - Lincoln or Miller MIG welders. Small units will struggle with
3/8" stock, but do-able with multiple passes.
Steel and Aluminum - Lincoln or Miller TIG welders.
3/8" stock - Medium-bigger units of either MIG or TIG.

You probably need to decide how important aluminum is. TIG will handle
it easily, MIG also, but more hassle with teflon liners, pull-guns,
etc.

You also need to decide your learning ability. MIG is very easy to
begin with, TIG is more difficult to learn, but nothing extreme if you
have average eye/hand coordination and are willing to practice.

You may find most of the welders at the auction are bigger industrial
units. Depending on your willingness to take a chance on
repairs-needed, you might want to pass and buy a new, small Lincoln or
Miller MIG welder. Good luck.

Read the Data Plate on each welder carefully. You may be able to buy
a very nice big industrial welder for very little money..only to find
it runs on 3ph only.

Gunner

"Pax Americana is a philosophy. Hardly an empire.
Making sure other people play nice and dont kill each other (and us)
off in job lots is hardly empire building, particularly when you give
them self determination under "play nice" rules.

Think of it as having your older brother knock the **** out of you
for torturing the cat." Gunner