Ive wanted a welder at home ever since my first MIG experience in junior high shop class. Took a few welding classes awhile back and that renewed my interest. Cost or space constraints have always made having a welder out of reach until a year or so ago when I began collecting tools by following sale prices. For better or for worse, I decided to add up my expenses to date. Thought it may be helpful for someone starting out.
These were the choices that I made and I'm not claiming they were the smartest by any means. Everything was purchased new, one could likely do better by shopping used equipment. Tubing roller was a luxury that I need for a project. I plan on picking up a 2nd grinder to keep from switching from grinding wheels to wire brush and building a small welding table, figure that will be another $100.00
Craftsman Welder $270.00 Sears
Gloves $25.00 Arc3
Helmet $45.00 HF
Clamps $15.00 Northern
40lb Argon $140.00 Arc3
Cart $26.00 HF
Ground Clamp $19.00 Northern
Wirebrushes, magnets, etc $25.00 HF
New regulator $89.00 Northern
Wire $14.00 HD
Grinder $32.00 Lowes
Portaband $75.00 HF
Tubing Roller $179.00 HF
Total $954.00
These were the choices that I made and I'm not claiming they were the smartest by any means. Everything was purchased new, one could likely do better by shopping used equipment. Tubing roller was a luxury that I need for a project. I plan on picking up a 2nd grinder to keep from switching from grinding wheels to wire brush and building a small welding table, figure that will be another $100.00
Craftsman Welder $270.00 Sears
Gloves $25.00 Arc3
Helmet $45.00 HF
Clamps $15.00 Northern
40lb Argon $140.00 Arc3
Cart $26.00 HF
Ground Clamp $19.00 Northern
Wirebrushes, magnets, etc $25.00 HF
New regulator $89.00 Northern
Wire $14.00 HD
Grinder $32.00 Lowes
Portaband $75.00 HF
Tubing Roller $179.00 HF
Total $954.00