"Bob" wrote in message
...
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts
not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob



I have welded 31 years.

Some simple observations:

1. Buy a quality machine no matter what brand. Miller or Lincoln are the
best. You will be able to get it serviced, buy consumables, and they are
just a better machine than the cheapos. Even if you are not going to use it
much, buy a good one.

2. Anticipate your future needs. Already you are thinking about bigger
materials. Once you get bitten by the welding bug (and your friends,
relatives, inlaws, and neighbors find out), you will have all sorts of
things to build. If you buy too small, you will be limited.

3. A lot depends on budget, but this is definitely a tool that you can make
money with, even at a hobby level.

4. Your power supply has a lot to do with it, too. Some machines are 110,
some 220. If you have a 110, you can plug it in most anywhere, or run it
off a generator in the back of a truck in the middle of a cow pasture. A
220 takes more power, but will do thicker work.

5. BE AWARE OF THE DUTY CYCLE! Caps intentional. Duty cycle is what
percent of the time you can actually weld before the machine has to cool
down. You may start off fixing lawnmower handles, and not need a big duty
cycle, like 20%. But if you start making gates or fence, you're going to
drink a lot of coffee and smoke a lot of cigarettes while waiting, and
you'll always have your machine heated to its max, and I don't think that's
good.

6. Consider used. Buy a used Miller or Lincoln for half of what it costs
new, and you will save a lot. If you got the cash, though, new is the way
to go.

7. Buy only bottles that are owned by the user. They will NOT have a
company name stamped on the thick collar. Otherwise, the first time you
take it for a refill, they will thank you for bringing back their bottle,
and that's all you get. Get a signed receipt and ID, or the price you will
pay goes down.

8. Buy only a machine that is capable of using gas. That way you can weld
thick and thin. Gas MIG welding for thin stuff, and gasless flux core for
thicker stuff. You won't be limited, and mark my words, if you get into
welding at all, you will hit your limitations if you buy a flux core only
machine, or a light one with a light duty cycle.

9. What you want is about $700. I have a Lincoln 175SP+. Google it up.
Beautiful machine. Reliable as a mule. A bottle will cost you under $100.
To buy everything of good quality will cost you about a grand. But you will
be buying a Cadillac that won't leave you broke down somewhere. If you
decide to sell, the resale is better than Long Dong Chang brands.

10. Consider an autodark hood, if even a Harbor Freight cheapo. Shortens
the learning curve. If you've got the money, the NexGen EQC is good. I
have that one and love it.

11. Buy and use good safety equipment. Gloves are cheap, and cheap gloves
can be good. Use good safety glasses, and they aren't expensive. Cover up
your skin, as the rays can give you skin cancer VERY easily. I like
Wrangler khaki shirts for their ease of putting on and off, and their
thickness. If you are going to weld under cars and such, invest in a
leather jacket. They can be had on ebay cheap. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS
wear earplugs, as one red hot BB in the ear will ruin the next year of your
life! I like the half circle spring clip ones that are easy to put on, and
hang on your neck when you're not welding. I can't overstress the earplug
thing, and have known a couple of welders who had very serious career ending
incidents from one tiny red hot BB.

Lastly, take a welding class. For well spent bucks, they will let you use
several different machines, you will get a lot of practice, and you will
have hands on experience with which to make a decision.

HTH

Sorry for being long winded, but if you're going to part with a grand, get
your money's worth, and don't be regretting it a month down the line because
you didn't buy the deluxe model.

Steve

the lincoln welders at home depot are pretty decent. your gonna have
to spend alot to get a mig that welds heavy stuff , and go 220.

http://www.minibite.com/america/malone.htm

I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob

You probably won't find one that will go 3/8" properly on 110V. What you do
need to look for though is
a. a copper wound transformer
b. 80+% duty cycle.

what duty cycle means is how much you can use the welder in a 10 minute time
frame. If it's 20%, then you weld for 2 minutes then wait 8. It DOES NOT
mean weld 4 minutes and wait 16. Therefore, it's imperative if you plan any
serious welding at all that the duty cycle be at least 80%. My Hobart is
100%. This means you can pull the trigger and weld for 27 hours or until
the roll of wire or gas bottle runs out. Another thing to consider is the
fact that you'll have to run that 85A unit wide open to do the 3/16" or
possibly 1/4" steel. It's not going to last very long running wide open,
they just won't take it. If you're really serious about MIG welding, then
shell out a few bucks and get a 200-250A unit that runs on 220v. You'll
love it. Check out the units from Hobart, Miller, and Esab. Even the
Lincoln MIG unit is not bad. They had one the last place I worked.

--
Steve Barker




"Bob" wrote in message
...
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts
not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob

On Mon, 12 Mar 2007 16:31:02 -0600, "Bob"
wrote:

I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob

I had the same feeling as you and when I had a broken lever on my
clutch, I went to Sam's club and picked up the $180 110v wire welder I
had been drooling over. It was fun welding that thing back together
again and I got immediate satisfaction from my purchase.

That was 6 years ago and I've used it about 10 times. Last week I
filled in the crack in my exhaust manifold with it.

It has always been way too small for the tasks I used it for, but if
you weld smart, you can make it work.

You guys provided some really good info to consider. Much appreciated.

Bob

"Bob" wrote in message
...
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob

"Bob" wrote in message
...
You guys provided some really good info to consider. Much appreciated.

Bob

WARNING! Welding is addictive.

Steve

On Tue, 13 Mar 2007 03:57:57 -0500, Deke wrote:

On Mon, 12 Mar 2007 16:31:02 -0600, "Bob"
wrote:

I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob

I had the same feeling as you and when I had a broken lever on my

I had the same feeling as you did, and when the hinge on my car door
was breking loose, I was so much in a hurry to get it fixed, before it
broke the other one and the door fell off, I didn't even remember my
plans to buy a welder.

I paid 85 dollars for a recommended guy to weld it back on. After
making an appointment, he did it while I waited, and it took less than
an hour. And he did a good job. He also had an air powered brush,
(cup style?) with which he cleaned the work first.

I don't have air, but I could have, later did, buy a similar brush for
my electric drill.

All in all I'm not sure if I should have bought something like the 180
one below or not.

I know how to cut with gas, but should I be learning to electric weld
on something as important as a car door?

Would it matter that it was a fairly contrcted space? It didn't seem
to bother the guy.

Would I have needed more power because the big hinge and car door and
car frame would soak up so much heat, or is the advantage of electric
that there isn't time for the heat to disburse?

I guess this doesn't help you much, even as questions for yourself,
because your projects will probably be very different.

Oh, yeah. I also have a SolidOx "welder" which uses propane or mapp,
and pellets that give off excess oxygen somehow when they burn. I
used it to braise a chain permanently in place once, but it went
through the pellets quickly. And another little gas welder that uses
propane or mapp and a can of oxygen, both the size of a small hand
torch.

For a little humor: My friend gave me a cutter/welder that is about 3
inches tall and uses two "tanks" 3/4" in diameter. He extolled it
that it got 3000 degrees hot, but I haven't used it. Anything it
would cut, I could probably cut better with scissors, and anything it
would weld I could probably do better with glue. Do these things
actually have a use? I just mention it for fun. The one you are
considering is 1000 times as big as that.

clutch, I went to Sam's club and picked up the $180 110v wire welder I
had been drooling over. It was fun welding that thing back together
again and I got immediate satisfaction from my purchase.

That was 6 years ago and I've used it about 10 times. Last week I
filled in the crack in my exhaust manifold with it.

It has always been way too small for the tasks I used it for, but if
you weld smart, you can make it work.

Well, while you're still in the quewtion stage, it's time to do
some online research. Have you checked www.harborfreight.com and
see if they have welders? They are Chinese made, and less
expensive than most of what's out there. I doubt the sales clerks
know much, even if you asked them quewtions. The online
information is scanty at best. Not sure if they answer quewetions
by email. Maybe....

My experience with Harbor Freight stuff, some is OK and much of
it is real junk. their quality has improved over the years, I
think. Wish I could buy American, but I quewtion if much is made
here any more.

--

Christopher A. Young
You can't shout down a troll.
You have to starve them.
..

"Bob" wrote in message
...
: I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed
type. I looked
: at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input
which is what I
: want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest
problem I see
: is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch.
Tha'ts not
: very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.
:
: I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for
in a wire
: welder.
:
: BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of
those things I
: want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.
:
: Your thoughts please.
:
: Bob
:
:

"Bob" wrote in message
...
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I
looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts
not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

If you want to learn about welding try sci.engr.joining.welding newsgroup.
It's fun browsing.

Bob

On Mar 12, 5:31 pm, "Bob" wrote:
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob

Bob, asking about welder advice in a home repair forum is like asking
for home repair advice in a welder forum.

"Tater" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Mar 12, 5:31 pm, "Bob" wrote:
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I
looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what
I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I
see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts
not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things
I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob

Bob, asking about welder advice in a home repair forum is like asking
for home repair advice in a welder forum.


Wow, aren't we politically correct today?

There are lots of people here who have welding experience to go along with
their home repair experience. Me, ferinstance. I'm happy to help people,
and they don't have to belong to any little clique. I guess you haven't
been here long. We gets lots of questions about welding and metal repairs
here.

Steve

Steve B wrote:
"Tater" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Mar 12, 5:31 pm, "Bob" wrote:
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I
looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is
what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest
problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts
not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a
wire welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those
things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob

Bob, asking about welder advice in a home repair forum is like asking
for home repair advice in a welder forum.


Wow, aren't we politically correct today?

There are lots of people here who have welding experience to go along
with their home repair experience. Me, ferinstance. I'm happy to
help people, and they don't have to belong to any little clique. I
guess you haven't been here long. We gets lots of questions about
welding and metal repairs here.

Well, I imagine the OP would love to hear your thoughts, then.

--
Dave
www.davebbq.com

"Dave Bugg" wrote in message
...
Steve B wrote:
"Tater" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Mar 12, 5:31 pm, "Bob" wrote:
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I
looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is
what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest
problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts
not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a
wire welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those
things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob

Bob, asking about welder advice in a home repair forum is like asking
for home repair advice in a welder forum.


Wow, aren't we politically correct today?

There are lots of people here who have welding experience to go along
with their home repair experience. Me, ferinstance. I'm happy to
help people, and they don't have to belong to any little clique. I
guess you haven't been here long. We gets lots of questions about
welding and metal repairs here.

Well, I imagine the OP would love to hear your thoughts, then.

--
Dave
www.davebbq.com





I already posted a lengthy post on welding machine tips.

New here, are you?

Steve

"Dave Bugg" wrote

Well, I imagine the OP would love to hear your thoughts, then.

--
Dave
www.davebbq.com

Please do try to keep up ..........................


"Bob" wrote in message
...
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts
not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob



I have welded 31 years.

Some simple observations:

1. Buy a quality machine no matter what brand. Miller or Lincoln are the
best. You will be able to get it serviced, buy consumables, and they are
just a better machine than the cheapos. Even if you are not going to use it
much, buy a good one.

2. Anticipate your future needs. Already you are thinking about bigger
materials. Once you get bitten by the welding bug (and your friends,
relatives, inlaws, and neighbors find out), you will have all sorts of
things to build. If you buy too small, you will be limited.

3. A lot depends on budget, but this is definitely a tool that you can make
money with, even at a hobby level.

4. Your power supply has a lot to do with it, too. Some machines are 110,
some 220. If you have a 110, you can plug it in most anywhere, or run it
off a generator in the back of a truck in the middle of a cow pasture. A
220 takes more power, but will do thicker work.

5. BE AWARE OF THE DUTY CYCLE! Caps intentional. Duty cycle is what
percent of the time you can actually weld before the machine has to cool
down. You may start off fixing lawnmower handles, and not need a big duty
cycle, like 20%. But if you start making gates or fence, you're going to
drink a lot of coffee and smoke a lot of cigarettes while waiting, and
you'll always have your machine heated to its max, and I don't think that's
good.

6. Consider used. Buy a used Miller or Lincoln for half of what it costs
new, and you will save a lot. If you got the cash, though, new is the way
to go.

7. Buy only bottles that are owned by the user. They will NOT have a
company name stamped on the thick collar. Otherwise, the first time you
take it for a refill, they will thank you for bringing back their bottle,
and that's all you get. Get a signed receipt and ID, or the price you will
pay goes down.

8. Buy only a machine that is capable of using gas. That way you can weld
thick and thin. Gas MIG welding for thin stuff, and gasless flux core for
thicker stuff. You won't be limited, and mark my words, if you get into
welding at all, you will hit your limitations if you buy a flux core only
machine, or a light one with a light duty cycle.

9. What you want is about $700. I have a Lincoln 175SP+. Google it up.
Beautiful machine. Reliable as a mule. A bottle will cost you under $100.
To buy everything of good quality will cost you about a grand. But you will
be buying a Cadillac that won't leave you broke down somewhere. If you
decide to sell, the resale is better than Long Dong Chang brands.

10. Consider an autodark hood, if even a Harbor Freight cheapo. Shortens
the learning curve. If you've got the money, the NexGen EQC is good. I
have that one and love it.

11. Buy and use good safety equipment. Gloves are cheap, and cheap gloves
can be good. Use good safety glasses, and they aren't expensive. Cover up
your skin, as the rays can give you skin cancer VERY easily. I like
Wrangler khaki shirts for their ease of putting on and off, and their
thickness. If you are going to weld under cars and such, invest in a
leather jacket. They can be had on ebay cheap. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS
wear earplugs, as one red hot BB in the ear will ruin the next year of your
life! I like the half circle spring clip ones that are easy to put on, and
hang on your neck when you're not welding. I can't overstress the earplug
thing, and have known a couple of welders who had very serious career ending
incidents from one tiny red hot BB.

Lastly, take a welding class. For well spent bucks, they will let you use
several different machines, you will get a lot of practice, and you will
have hands on experience with which to make a decision.

HTH

Sorry for being long winded, but if you're going to part with a grand, get
your money's worth, and don't be regretting it a month down the line because
you didn't buy the deluxe model.

Steve

Long winded nothing. Your post was very informative and answered many
questions I had in mind. Thanks for taking the time

Claude
"Steve B" wrote in message
...

"Dave Bugg" wrote

Well, I imagine the OP would love to hear your thoughts, then.

--
Dave
www.davebbq.com

Please do try to keep up ..........................


"Bob" wrote in message
...
I have the hankering to buy a welder, probably a wire feed type. I
looked
at one on sale at "The Tractor Store". It was 110V input which is what
I
want. 85 Amp output. Uses .030, 035, or 040 wire. Biggest problem I
see
is that the instruction book said for metal up to 3/16'th inch. Tha'ts
not
very thick, I'D prefer maybe up to 3/8'th inch, or more.

I'd really appreciate some of the features I need to look for in a wire
welder.

BTW: I don't really have a need for one, it is just one of those things
I
want. I might be better off to forget it altogether.

Your thoughts please.

Bob



I have welded 31 years.

Some simple observations:

1. Buy a quality machine no matter what brand. Miller or Lincoln are the
best. You will be able to get it serviced, buy consumables, and they are
just a better machine than the cheapos. Even if you are not going to use
it
much, buy a good one.

2. Anticipate your future needs. Already you are thinking about bigger
materials. Once you get bitten by the welding bug (and your friends,
relatives, inlaws, and neighbors find out), you will have all sorts of
things to build. If you buy too small, you will be limited.

3. A lot depends on budget, but this is definitely a tool that you can
make
money with, even at a hobby level.

4. Your power supply has a lot to do with it, too. Some machines are
110,
some 220. If you have a 110, you can plug it in most anywhere, or run it
off a generator in the back of a truck in the middle of a cow pasture. A
220 takes more power, but will do thicker work.

5. BE AWARE OF THE DUTY CYCLE! Caps intentional. Duty cycle is what
percent of the time you can actually weld before the machine has to cool
down. You may start off fixing lawnmower handles, and not need a big duty
cycle, like 20%. But if you start making gates or fence, you're going to
drink a lot of coffee and smoke a lot of cigarettes while waiting, and
you'll always have your machine heated to its max, and I don't think
that's
good.

6. Consider used. Buy a used Miller or Lincoln for half of what it costs
new, and you will save a lot. If you got the cash, though, new is the way
to go.

7. Buy only bottles that are owned by the user. They will NOT have a
company name stamped on the thick collar. Otherwise, the first time you
take it for a refill, they will thank you for bringing back their bottle,
and that's all you get. Get a signed receipt and ID, or the price you
will
pay goes down.

8. Buy only a machine that is capable of using gas. That way you can
weld
thick and thin. Gas MIG welding for thin stuff, and gasless flux core for
thicker stuff. You won't be limited, and mark my words, if you get into
welding at all, you will hit your limitations if you buy a flux core only
machine, or a light one with a light duty cycle.

9. What you want is about $700. I have a Lincoln 175SP+. Google it up.
Beautiful machine. Reliable as a mule. A bottle will cost you under
$100.
To buy everything of good quality will cost you about a grand. But you
will
be buying a Cadillac that won't leave you broke down somewhere. If you
decide to sell, the resale is better than Long Dong Chang brands.

10. Consider an autodark hood, if even a Harbor Freight cheapo. Shortens
the learning curve. If you've got the money, the NexGen EQC is good. I
have that one and love it.

11. Buy and use good safety equipment. Gloves are cheap, and cheap
gloves
can be good. Use good safety glasses, and they aren't expensive. Cover
up
your skin, as the rays can give you skin cancer VERY easily. I like
Wrangler khaki shirts for their ease of putting on and off, and their
thickness. If you are going to weld under cars and such, invest in a
leather jacket. They can be had on ebay cheap. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS
wear earplugs, as one red hot BB in the ear will ruin the next year of
your
life! I like the half circle spring clip ones that are easy to put on,
and
hang on your neck when you're not welding. I can't overstress the earplug
thing, and have known a couple of welders who had very serious career
ending
incidents from one tiny red hot BB.

Lastly, take a welding class. For well spent bucks, they will let you use
several different machines, you will get a lot of practice, and you will
have hands on experience with which to make a decision.

HTH

Sorry for being long winded, but if you're going to part with a grand, get
your money's worth, and don't be regretting it a month down the line
because
you didn't buy the deluxe model.

Steve