Air Compressor or Welder?!

[sberry]

This guy is a poster child for a 200 class mig. He wants results, so much work like this is light sheet and a MIG was invented for this type of work.

 

[moneypit_k5]

I am running a full service shop. My compressor runs my plasma cutters, tire machine, and a die grinder. also airs up tires. every now and then I use an impact gun, but primarily use cordless.

IMO air tools are clunky. in this day and age, cordless technology has incredible power.

My Vote is for a welder. doesnt cost much money to buy a cheesy compressor for tire duty.

 

[JohnnyK8]

I use the compressor much more than my welders. I have the two stage HF 60 and it rips! My tools have come to life since upgrading from a 21 gallon.

You'll need both but man I would go with a compressor first. Then welder .... then plasma cutter.... then 2 post hoist!


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[JohnnyK8]

fordaholic


Are you on FSBronco.com ? You pictures look familiar. I'm rebuilding a 84 FSB myself.


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[Marcm157]

After seeing those pics of the airborn Bronco .....I change my answer to: DEFINITELY THE WELDER!

That's exactly what I was thinking...

 

[SimplyMikeC]

In your case I see a welder being much more useful than a Air Compressor. I foresee many things breaking that could require a Welding machine.

 

[crewchief888]

AC stick welders on Craig's List go for $100 or less every day in my area, see what's available in yours. Do that and then at least you have both tools for minimal investment. Upgrade the one you want most when a good deal comes along later.

AC lincoln tombstones are listed for $200 ad up around here...

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I would go with a good welder, much more useful. I was in this same position a few years ago, and I've never regretted it. I've got a little Craftsman compressor just for filling tires and nail guns around the house.

Corded and cordless electric tools have come a long way. I've got a cordless impact wrench and angle grinders, and they've done everything I would've expected air tools to do.

 

[fordaholic495]

Well the guy that had the Hobart 190 for sale ended up just having the polarity backwards. I fixed it for him, had a beer with him, and left. Too nice of a guy to screw over. So instead of scoring that one for $400, i went online and bought a 190 for $650. Decided that since I have the little compressor for stuff, the welder will be more useful at the moment. Plus, I already have like 3 projects I need a welder for!

fordaholic


Are you on FSBronco.com ? You pictures look familiar. I'm rebuilding a 84 FSB myself.


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Yes sir I am. I will have to check out your build thread if you have one!

 

[sonoronos]

welder x 10

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[sberry]

Well the guy that had the Hobart 190 for sale ended up just having the polarity backwards. I fixed it for him,

I figured something was wrong, I never seen one that didn't work flawless.

 

[ASHMAN_AZ]

220V Mig welder and truss those axles before you bend them....

We do the same type of 4wd projects. Our Welder is used most weekends.
I bought my big 5HP air compressor first but back then I wanted to run all my air tools. Now I rarely use air tools, now they are all battery powered. I only need the air for tires, plasma cutting and painting. You don't need a big compressor for just tires.