Bought a new welder!

[dngrmse]

I'd like to learn to weld, and from what I've read I figured I'd pick up a cheap mig welder to learn on. I work in IT, so this is just for DIY/Hobby purposes. Anyway, I was at my local Sears hometown store today which is finally closing up after many many years. I'm going to miss them, It has been super convenient and only a couple miles from my house. So while I was looking at all the stuff being marked down and packed up, I spotted a MiG welder that was already wrapped on a pallet ready to be shipped to corporate. I didn't plan on buying it, cause I usually research stuff before I buy, but in this case I figured I could take a chance since the price seemed right, at $250 and I can return it if I change my mind.

So is anyone familiar with this welder? Is it a good one, or at least decent? I know someone may want to know what I'll be using it for, so I'll give you an example. I recently picked up a bucketful of old perfect handle screwdrivers. I'd like to cut the tips off some of them, and weld ball peen hammer heads onto them; maybe make little people and sculptures out of old nuts and bolts, or maybe quit my dayjob and become a welder full time. I mean how hard could it be? What would the learning curve be? 2 months tops? Stupid stuff like that.

Thanks for any input guys. And yes, that last part was meant to be funny, so don't get all bent out of shape, you know who you are.
It's this unit here:
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-mig-...elder/p-00951265000P?intcmp=crft-pdp-buy-cta#

 

[Bobcat753]

For $250 you did pretty good. For a starter welder that should suit you fine. Looks similar to some of the lower grade Lincolns. Make sure you buy decent wire, they sell lincoln wire at Home Depot and Lowes, get some .025 wire and start practicing! Also make sure you have a wall outlet that is on its own 20amp breaker if possible.
As for the learning it is all based on how patient and steady you are. Watch some YouTube videos and then try yourself. For mig you should have it down in month or less.

 

[marinusdees]

Welding is not rocket science, regardless of what the welding snobs say. Practice on scrap metal or pipe. Better not galvanized because it produces noxious fumes. I'm sure this will bring out the welding police, but it doesn't require a genius IQ to weld. If it did, a lot of welders would be out of a job. JMO

 

[Sycan]

Welding is not rocket science, regardless of what the welding snobs say. Practice on scrap metal or pipe. Better not galvanized because it produces noxious fumes. I'm sure this will bring out the welding police, but it doesn't require a genius IQ to weld. If it did, a lot of welders would be out of a job. JMO

show us on the doll where the bad welder touched you,,,,,,

 

[zkling]

Welding is not rocket science, regardless of what the welding snobs say. Practice on scrap metal or pipe. Better not galvanized because it produces noxious fumes. I'm sure this will bring out the welding police, but it doesn't require a genius IQ to weld. If it did, a lot of welders would be out of a job. JMO

It's as complicated as you want it to be. 3rd grade addition and college differential equations are both math classes.

 

[FigureItOut]

Congrats. I did some welding with a similar machine and was able to do what I needed most of the time, but if you can find a course I highly recommend it. It really boosted my enjoyment of it, and of course the results. I took 3 hours a week for six weeks, or something like that.

 

[ToddW]

Congrats on the new welder.

I learned on a crappy welder (maybe a really old harbor freight) many years ago, and boy did it **** and have problems but it welded

But, you know what?
Being new I wasn't really aware of the problems, or how much it sucked until I replaced it.

You got a 135, new, it should last a very long time and as others said KEEP IT when you decide you need/want bigger. I've had my Powermig 255 for over 15 years now and every few months wish I had a 2nd smaller portable 120v or dual voltage machine for projects I just don't want to/can't move this beast of a welder around to.

Watch videos of professional welders, learn the proper techniques and PREPARE your metal.

Also don't start with structural projects LOL

 

[Superbec]

show us on the doll where the bad welder touched you,,,,,,

hey, show some compassion , he's been thru enough

 

[ovrrdrive]

show us on the doll where the bad welder touched you,,,,,,

That's freaking hilarious... Thanks for the laugh.

OP, check out Jody (Welding tips and tricks) on youtube for some great tips. Everything from beginning to advanced. He's great. Also Chuckie2009 isn't too bad either.

Welding is fun. It can get expensive really quick though depending on what direction you go after you get a taste. It's all good.

 

[trackwelder]

That's not a bad little machine to play with. Run it on a 20 amp circuit and a heavy extension cord.

 

[trackwelder]

Welding is not rocket science, regardless of what the welding snobs say. Practice on scrap metal or pipe. Better not galvanized because it produces noxious fumes. I'm sure this will bring out the welding police, but it doesn't require a genius IQ to weld. If it did, a lot of welders would be out of a job. JMO

And you know this from your vast knowledge and experience. That statement sounds like another internet trained hot glue gun operator. Your not one of them are you?��

 

[Bobcat753]

show us on the doll where the bad welder touched you,,,,,,

LOL!

That made me spit out some coffee!

 

[dngrmse]

Thanks for the solid advice everyone, really much appreciated. I'll be sure to check out those resources and post up some pics of my projects as I go along. Merry Christmas!

 

[Zeke]

That's a rebadged Lincoln 4-step tapped machine. I've welded on 4 Porsche restorations with the same machine and had no problems. Use good wire and use the correct liners and tips.

 

[bczygan]

Our best welder for aircraft air-frames, was an alcoholic.

So to run really smooth beads, I recommend that you get all sauced up first!

 

[Fordman7795]

Our best welder for aircraft air-frames, was an alcoholic.

So to run really smooth beads, I recommend that you get all sauced up first!

Sounds about right for around here. In order to get an interview with the local, you had to know someone in already and be an alcoholic.

 

[Major Ramifications]

show us on the doll where the bad welder touched you,,,,,,

Dude, that's damn funny right there! I mean, sure you misspelled weldor but who cares? You need to post more often.

 

[RivennHewn]

I've had a similar Craftsman welder for about 10 years. No problems other than user error.

Truth be told, between me and the welder I'm the weakest link.