First welder

[Albiemanmike]

I have been wanting a welder for quite a while and have kept my eyes open. I have read tons of stuff here on the subject and know what I should be looking for. I was at the local Homey Depot the other day and they have one Lincoln 140HD unit marked down to $340 and was wondering if this would be a sufficient machine to get me started welding around the garage doing miscellaneous stuff? I realize it isn't a 220 machine and is limited with what can be welded but if this is a really good deal for a brand new machine to get me started welding and learning how to weld?

 

[readhead]

Does it come with a gas valve built in?

 

[theoldwizard1]

It will pull 20A at 120V. Do you have the proper wiring and breaker for that ?

Does it have gas capability or just flux core ?

Expect to buy a decent helmet and gloves and a chipping hammer/brush. These will run you at least another $100. Frequently you can buy a similar machine to this on CL with the accessories I mentioned for less money.

 

[Orange65]

Even with just flux core wire, that ought to weld up to 3/16" steel- if that is what you want to weld. I would think it is ok to get started. If it does not come with the regulator, you can always add that later when you convert to full MIG. I started with a 125 Amp Miller Cricket back 25 years ago- welded lots of stuff with it.

 

[BD1]

Here's the home depo site for the 140HD. That's worth it if this is the one.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-Electric-Weld-Pak-140-HD-Wire-Feed-Welder-K2514-1/100670934

 

[Gamble]

The 140 will do flux and solid, the 125 is flux core only. Great machine to get started on, I had one for awhile.

 

[Albiemanmike]

Here's the home depo site for the 140HD. That's worth it if this is the one.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-Electric-Weld-Pak-140-HD-Wire-Feed-Welder-K2514-1/100670934

Yes that is the machine exactly. Now I have to figure out how to come up with the extra cash as our damn water heater just went out today........damn it!

 

[erty67]

That's a good deal for that welder. It's almost $200 off the normal price. Grab it!

 

[gearhead1]

It'll be fine, I'd recommend getting the kit to put the bottle on it though, you'll be much happier with it in the long run.

 

[erty67]

It'll be fine, I'd recommend getting the kit to put the bottle on it though, you'll be much happier with it in the long run.

The 140 comes mig ready. (It has "the kit")

 

[Will S.]

I have been wanting a welder for quite a while and have kept my eyes open. I have read tons of stuff here on the subject and know what I should be looking for. I was at the local Homey Depot the other day and they have one Lincoln 140HD unit marked down to $340 and was wondering if this would be a sufficient machine to get me started welding around the garage doing miscellaneous stuff? I realize it isn't a 220 machine and is limited with what can be welded but if this is a really good deal for a brand new machine to get me started welding and learning how to weld?

That's a decent machine, and a nice price. As far as capability? Just look at some of the projects built here on GJ with that or similar model. Check out "Stevo's" build thread on his work bench. If memory serves me correctly, (not always the case !!), he is using that same welder, and turns out some beautiful work.