Mig welder to learn how to weld
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Dirtybird103
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Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
I bought one of the lincoln 140 mig welders from home depot and really like it. Just make sure you buy one that has a gas hookup.
I bought one of the lincoln 140 mig welders from home depot and really like it. Just make sure you buy one that has a gas hookup.
Dirtybird103
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2013
- Messages
- 47
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
The lincoln 140 is $524 at home depot. It is more versatile than one that just runs flux wire. With the 140 you can run flux wire without gas or run sold wire with gas and have cleaner welds. It comes with flux wire, solid wire, tips and gas hookups- if you wanted gas you would just have buy the tank and gas.
The lincoln 140 is $524 at home depot. It is more versatile than one that just runs flux wire. With the 140 you can run flux wire without gas or run sold wire with gas and have cleaner welds. It comes with flux wire, solid wire, tips and gas hookups- if you wanted gas you would just have buy the tank and gas.
alwaysFlOoReD
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/
http://www.weldreality.com/
Also check out the miller and lincoln websites.
I would suggest taking a nightschool course if there is one near you. That will cut the learning curve down drastically as well as giving you some knowledge to help you buy a welder suited to you.
If you know someone with an oxy-acetylene outfit, get them to show you how to use it. That will really help in learning puddle control.
Good luck,
Richard
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/
http://www.weldreality.com/
Also check out the miller and lincoln websites.
I would suggest taking a nightschool course if there is one near you. That will cut the learning curve down drastically as well as giving you some knowledge to help you buy a welder suited to you.
If you know someone with an oxy-acetylene outfit, get them to show you how to use it. That will really help in learning puddle control.
Good luck,
Richard
rsanter
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
Where are you
I have a couple of mig welder I am going to sell. I want to buy a bigger one
Bob
Where are you
I have a couple of mig welder I am going to sell. I want to buy a bigger one
Bob
bamajoe
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
I am learning to weld also and I bought this;
it's cheap and has gas hookups, and will weld anything I need to.
I am learning to weld also and I bought this;
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
I would suggest buying a name brand.. Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, Thermal Arc..
Right now Hobarts pricing is hard to beat and they are very good quality machines.. I would also suggest buying at least a 220volt machine, which would be at least 180amp rated output mig welder.
You could buy an inexpensive no name unit, but they are like rolling the dice if you get a good one, then the warranty issues will come into play. Then if you decide to sell it later on you wont get anything out of it as far as resell value goes..
I would go as far to suggest the Hobart 210mvp and dont look back... I know it spricey, but its also a very good price for that much machine..
I would suggest buying a name brand.. Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, Thermal Arc..
Right now Hobarts pricing is hard to beat and they are very good quality machines.. I would also suggest buying at least a 220volt machine, which would be at least 180amp rated output mig welder.
You could buy an inexpensive no name unit, but they are like rolling the dice if you get a good one, then the warranty issues will come into play. Then if you decide to sell it later on you wont get anything out of it as far as resell value goes..
I would go as far to suggest the Hobart 210mvp and dont look back... I know it spricey, but its also a very good price for that much machine..
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
+ 1 !!!
Nice unit, but to use it at any setting above 100A, you will need a 20A circuit. Older home garages probably only have 15A.
+ 1 !!!
Nice unit, but to use it at any setting above 100A, you will need a 20A circuit. Older home garages probably only have 15A.
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
Check your local craigslist. I picked up a like new Lincoln 100 for $100 and it's been a great little learning machine and seems to be ok on my 15a circuit. As stated, it's limited to thinner material but it's a nice toy to learn on.
Check your local craigslist. I picked up a like new Lincoln 100 for $100 and it's been a great little learning machine and seems to be ok on my 15a circuit. As stated, it's limited to thinner material but it's a nice toy to learn on.
Aquaticbob
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
I got one of these for christmas to learn to MIG weld with: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QFNZ74/?tag=atomicindus08-20
So far it's been great to learn with, obviously will need to step up later on but it's been pretty good so far. I'd second everyone who says get a hobart unit. A Hobart 130 or 140 both would be good
I got one of these for christmas to learn to MIG weld with: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QFNZ74/?tag=atomicindus08-20
So far it's been great to learn with, obviously will need to step up later on but it's been pretty good so far. I'd second everyone who says get a hobart unit. A Hobart 130 or 140 both would be good
sberry
Banned
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
You can do this cheap and not every tool pays its way for everyone but,,, get a 240v 175-200 class machine up front and be done with it. Its worth the extra cheese, its an extra 300 when its all done with bigger bottle but its twice the machine. You don't even need to spend double for twice,, its a bargain. I am a huge Hobart fan but the Home Depot red ones are super good too.
You can do this cheap and not every tool pays its way for everyone but,,, get a 240v 175-200 class machine up front and be done with it. Its worth the extra cheese, its an extra 300 when its all done with bigger bottle but its twice the machine. You don't even need to spend double for twice,, its a bargain. I am a huge Hobart fan but the Home Depot red ones are super good too.
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
Im am here in Colorado. Its cold here. I also only have only a 110volt going to the garage on a 15amp breaker. I don't own the house or i would have 220 in garage.
Im Just looking for a good welder to learn on and also wont be breaking as soon as i get it. I have looked at Lincoln and Hobart they are great brands. I am looking for a best deal so if you know were i can get one at on a good quality welder. I will go look right away. I will bee looking at more post and more welders thanks.
Im am here in Colorado. Its cold here. I also only have only a 110volt going to the garage on a 15amp breaker. I don't own the house or i would have 220 in garage.
Im Just looking for a good welder to learn on and also wont be breaking as soon as i get it. I have looked at Lincoln and Hobart they are great brands. I am looking for a best deal so if you know were i can get one at on a good quality welder. I will go look right away. I will bee looking at more post and more welders thanks.
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
look the dual voltage units.. such as the Hobart 210mvp and Thermal Arc 211i, you wont be sorry if you purchase more machine than you need right now.. Trust me when I was young I thought the same thing, buy something cheap to start with, well it doesnt actually work that way with welding equipment..
for example, say you move next year and get 220v in your new garage, then you'll just want to buy a bigger machine anyhow.. Do it now and be done with it.. Trust me you wont be sorry..
look the dual voltage units.. such as the Hobart 210mvp and Thermal Arc 211i, you wont be sorry if you purchase more machine than you need right now.. Trust me when I was young I thought the same thing, buy something cheap to start with, well it doesnt actually work that way with welding equipment..
for example, say you move next year and get 220v in your new garage, then you'll just want to buy a bigger machine anyhow.. Do it now and be done with it.. Trust me you wont be sorry..
Last edited:
jmlcolorado
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
Have you welded before?
I'm in highlands ranch. If you have welded before and KNOW your gonna keep on welding, get yourself a welder that'll last.
I have a (and I'll get slammed for saying this) old harbor freight 220 volt welder.
It has served me okay for what it is BUT parts are impossible to find.
I am sticking it out for the Miller 211. You can run 120 volt and once your ready to move up, just get 220 into the machine.
Make sure you get a gas welder. Don't bother with flux core. I tried it and instantly went out and bought a gas cylinder.
I've got a small cylinder I'll sell if you want a small tank to get started on.
I'm half tempted to offer to have you come by and weld up some stuff to see if its something your interested in before you go spend a bunch of money on something you might not use.
Have you welded before?
I'm in highlands ranch. If you have welded before and KNOW your gonna keep on welding, get yourself a welder that'll last.
I have a (and I'll get slammed for saying this) old harbor freight 220 volt welder.
It has served me okay for what it is BUT parts are impossible to find.
I am sticking it out for the Miller 211. You can run 120 volt and once your ready to move up, just get 220 into the machine.
Make sure you get a gas welder. Don't bother with flux core. I tried it and instantly went out and bought a gas cylinder.
I've got a small cylinder I'll sell if you want a small tank to get started on.
I'm half tempted to offer to have you come by and weld up some stuff to see if its something your interested in before you go spend a bunch of money on something you might not use.
Hghgrad
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
I bought a Lincoln 140 a few years back. Been a great machine for home and general auto use. Built plenty of stuff over the years to justify having it, and just bought a new 220v machine that welds aluminum with a spool gun.
The Lincoln 140 is a great machine. I'd reccomend it. You can find them used, and I'm currently selling mine for $350...which is about what I've seen them for before around here. Check around and you can pick up a used one and have money for a bottle and spend the same as you would be buying new.
I bought a Lincoln 140 a few years back. Been a great machine for home and general auto use. Built plenty of stuff over the years to justify having it, and just bought a new 220v machine that welds aluminum with a spool gun.
The Lincoln 140 is a great machine. I'd reccomend it. You can find them used, and I'm currently selling mine for $350...which is about what I've seen them for before around here. Check around and you can pick up a used one and have money for a bottle and spend the same as you would be buying new.
BD1
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
Like stated, MILLER 211 , LINCOLN , or Hobart models that are 120/230 volt.
Now you can use it on 120 volt and when you get 230 volt you are all set. Sure, it's gonna cost more but, you will only do it once.
If you want 120 volt machine, check craig's list. There are many by me. You will find that those selling MILLER'S like the 135 or 140 autoset are trying to get '' NEW '' prices for them. There was one 140 auto, 3 years old asking $600.00, no tank.I got a price for NEW from local supplier for $ 720.00. New comes with a warranty.
You can start with a used 120 volt machine and upgrade later . Then either keep it or sell it for about what you paid for it.
If you see a deal on craig's list buy it. Don't ask if it's a deal. By the time you get a answer someone else will be welding with it. Start looking now to see prices. Some sell machine only, others sell complete setup even with table and vise. It's a pain in the a$$ sometimes searching , but deals are there. CASH IS THE ANSWER ! Show them those hundred dollar bills !
Like stated, MILLER 211 , LINCOLN , or Hobart models that are 120/230 volt.
Now you can use it on 120 volt and when you get 230 volt you are all set. Sure, it's gonna cost more but, you will only do it once.
If you want 120 volt machine, check craig's list. There are many by me. You will find that those selling MILLER'S like the 135 or 140 autoset are trying to get '' NEW '' prices for them. There was one 140 auto, 3 years old asking $600.00, no tank.I got a price for NEW from local supplier for $ 720.00. New comes with a warranty.
You can start with a used 120 volt machine and upgrade later . Then either keep it or sell it for about what you paid for it.
If you see a deal on craig's list buy it. Don't ask if it's a deal. By the time you get a answer someone else will be welding with it. Start looking now to see prices. Some sell machine only, others sell complete setup even with table and vise. It's a pain in the a$$ sometimes searching , but deals are there. CASH IS THE ANSWER ! Show them those hundred dollar bills !
1SlowFormula
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
I taught myself to weld on an cheepo Campbell Hausfeld welder bought at to the local tractor supply place. It was a decent welder to learn on because it was cheep and limited to thinner sheet, whih was also cheep. It paid for itself with a couple exhaust welds that it could handle, but broke in about 1 year or more use where the wire speed control was no longer adjustable and just pushed out at the fastest wire speed. I recently replaced it with a Miller 211 and couldn't be happier with that purchase.
I taught myself to weld on an cheepo Campbell Hausfeld welder bought at to the local tractor supply place. It was a decent welder to learn on because it was cheep and limited to thinner sheet, whih was also cheep. It paid for itself with a couple exhaust welds that it could handle, but broke in about 1 year or more use where the wire speed control was no longer adjustable and just pushed out at the fastest wire speed. I recently replaced it with a Miller 211 and couldn't be happier with that purchase.
Askme42
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
I just bought a hobart 140. I looked at used Lincoln and millers but they still cost more than the new hobart. Brother inlaw welded some 1/4"
With it and it did just fine. I really don't see myself doin anything thicker than that for a Lon while. I recommend it highly.
I just bought a hobart 140. I looked at used Lincoln and millers but they still cost more than the new hobart. Brother inlaw welded some 1/4"
With it and it did just fine. I really don't see myself doin anything thicker than that for a Lon while. I recommend it highly.
sberry
Banned
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
A 15A circuit isn't meant for welding, you will be disappointed before you get started.
A 15A circuit isn't meant for welding, you will be disappointed before you get started.
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
+1 for the miller 211. I did the same thing you are trying to do a few years ago; found an old snap-on systematics unit for $400. Yes I learned how to weld a bead, but I was always struggling to get the right wire speed and heat. With Miller's unit, you just tell it the wire size and the thickness of the metal and it automatically sets the right settings. Magazine write ups I saw suggested only the best welders could beat the automatic settings--making this the perfect hobbyist welder. And as the others are saying, when you get access to 220 later, you'll never use 110 again. I don't even use 110 for thin stuff, the welder seems smoother on startup (no pop) w/220.
Doesn't your place have 220 with a clothes dryer? I made myself a long extension cord initially, before I had a place where I could put 220 in the garage.
+1 for the miller 211. I did the same thing you are trying to do a few years ago; found an old snap-on systematics unit for $400. Yes I learned how to weld a bead, but I was always struggling to get the right wire speed and heat. With Miller's unit, you just tell it the wire size and the thickness of the metal and it automatically sets the right settings. Magazine write ups I saw suggested only the best welders could beat the automatic settings--making this the perfect hobbyist welder. And as the others are saying, when you get access to 220 later, you'll never use 110 again. I don't even use 110 for thin stuff, the welder seems smoother on startup (no pop) w/220.
Doesn't your place have 220 with a clothes dryer? I made myself a long extension cord initially, before I had a place where I could put 220 in the garage.
Whiskeymike
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
How high in amps does a 240v circuit need to be for these better welders need to be. I have 20 amp circuits now at 240v, but I plan to add another circuit a couple feet outside the box for the welder.
How high in amps does a 240v circuit need to be for these better welders need to be. I have 20 amp circuits now at 240v, but I plan to add another circuit a couple feet outside the box for the welder.
jmlcolorado
Well-known member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
I really love the idea for the auto set. The only think I could think of that's negative is that you don't truely learn that way. Yes, you can learn to weld very well once your used to the machine, but it's just that.
Your stuck with that machine forever since you won't get a close and personal feeling for what you want your heat and speed to be at. I'm sure if you were forced to jump onto another machine, you could figure it out pretty easily with some trial welds before the real welds take place, but if you were to learn on a non-auto, this time would be minimized.
I've heard the auto-set feature trans to burn a little hot? Anyone have experience with this? I can imagin how frustrating it would be to be learning with the auto-set feature on, and blasting through sheet metal consistently.
I really love the idea for the auto set. The only think I could think of that's negative is that you don't truely learn that way. Yes, you can learn to weld very well once your used to the machine, but it's just that.
Your stuck with that machine forever since you won't get a close and personal feeling for what you want your heat and speed to be at. I'm sure if you were forced to jump onto another machine, you could figure it out pretty easily with some trial welds before the real welds take place, but if you were to learn on a non-auto, this time would be minimized.
I've heard the auto-set feature trans to burn a little hot? Anyone have experience with this? I can imagin how frustrating it would be to be learning with the auto-set feature on, and blasting through sheet metal consistently.
sberry
Banned
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
It will run from a 20, You can make it draw a pinch more but have seen a couple on it and never tripped. An ideal home circuit for these is a 12 or better wire and a 30A breaker, we usually put a piece of 10 on it as I have it and if there was an outside chance would want to use a buzzer on it could breaker it to 50.
It will run from a 20, You can make it draw a pinch more but have seen a couple on it and never tripped. An ideal home circuit for these is a 12 or better wire and a 30A breaker, we usually put a piece of 10 on it as I have it and if there was an outside chance would want to use a buzzer on it could breaker it to 50.
I bought a Lincoln WeldPak 100 for about $330 from Lowes many years ago. It was a flux core machine, meaning no bottle required. It got me by. A few years later, I picked up the gas conversion kit on clearance for $25 and what a difference gas makeso nt he weld. I'd recommend getting one that uses the gas (the C02/Argon bottle). The welds are so much better. I traded it to a friend for a demolition derby car and parts and some other stuff. I bought a miller 180 (with a spool gun for aluminum) for about $800 new in 2008 and couldn't be happier.
I bought a cheapo Arc welder from Northern Tool (to have something to take to the track) and I must say it is not like my Miller Thunderbolt 225 or Lincoln 'buzz box'. I say that because I agree with everyone else that the cheapo ones aren't the best. It is very difficult to use. I know that's not info on a MIG, but I'd bet it is representative on quality and ease of use. I much prefer Miller - personal opinion.
What all do you do want to do in the future? If you have all kinds of projects you'd like to do, but just don't have the experience yet, then consider getting (like others have mentioned) a little bit bigger welder like a 180 amp that takes a bottle. Mine is only 240v, not dual with 110v, but not a problem for me. It is worth setting up the 240v in the shop and running a bigger welder if you plan on doing stuff in the future.
Another option might be to find someone local and have them let you try theirs. I've taught several people to weld and let a couple neighborhood teenagers try. I'd be more than happy to have you come over and let you try it if you were closer. You just have to find the right gearhead.
I bought a cheapo Arc welder from Northern Tool (to have something to take to the track) and I must say it is not like my Miller Thunderbolt 225 or Lincoln 'buzz box'. I say that because I agree with everyone else that the cheapo ones aren't the best. It is very difficult to use. I know that's not info on a MIG, but I'd bet it is representative on quality and ease of use. I much prefer Miller - personal opinion.
What all do you do want to do in the future? If you have all kinds of projects you'd like to do, but just don't have the experience yet, then consider getting (like others have mentioned) a little bit bigger welder like a 180 amp that takes a bottle. Mine is only 240v, not dual with 110v, but not a problem for me. It is worth setting up the 240v in the shop and running a bigger welder if you plan on doing stuff in the future.
Another option might be to find someone local and have them let you try theirs. I've taught several people to weld and let a couple neighborhood teenagers try. I'd be more than happy to have you come over and let you try it if you were closer. You just have to find the right gearhead.
jmlcolorado
Well-known member
I think I forgot to mention in my first post, about not having 220 in your garage since your renting.
Talk to your landlord about it. When I rented my 1st house, I asked the guy if I could wire in (pay an electrician to) a 220 outlet. He said as long as it's to code, he was cool with it.
Yes, it's more money to throw into the mix, but as you see from the posts above, a 220 volt welder is worth the extra expense.
I got my welder as a gift for Christmas from the family, and honestly, I never expected to be where I'm at today with the projects I do.
It has lead to some serious hobbies and now, because of that first big tool, I'm looking for a bridgeport mill, and a lathe.
Talk to your landlord about it. When I rented my 1st house, I asked the guy if I could wire in (pay an electrician to) a 220 outlet. He said as long as it's to code, he was cool with it.
Yes, it's more money to throw into the mix, but as you see from the posts above, a 220 volt welder is worth the extra expense.
I got my welder as a gift for Christmas from the family, and honestly, I never expected to be where I'm at today with the projects I do.
It has lead to some serious hobbies and now, because of that first big tool, I'm looking for a bridgeport mill, and a lathe.
Hi there!
I bought a Miller Millermatic 175 several years ago. It was their smallest dedicated 220V machine at the time. It's fantastic. I don't weld as much as stick things together, but it has made my ham-fisted work turn out to be servicible. I can't imagine what it would do in the hands of someone capable of welding
Assuming reasonable access and room in the service panel for another circuit, it shouldn't cost much to have a 220V 20A breaker/wire/outlet installed. That also opens you up to being able to power a bigger air compressor
I bought a Miller Millermatic 175 several years ago. It was their smallest dedicated 220V machine at the time. It's fantastic. I don't weld as much as stick things together, but it has made my ham-fisted work turn out to be servicible. I can't imagine what it would do in the hands of someone capable of welding
Assuming reasonable access and room in the service panel for another circuit, it shouldn't cost much to have a 220V 20A breaker/wire/outlet installed. That also opens you up to being able to power a bigger air compressor
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
turn the auto set off and and and it is fully adjustable for wire speed and amperage like any other welder. if you want to manually tune it, it is fully capable.
if the weld is a little too hot or cold the auto set is not a stepped switch. it can also be fine tuned.
this is not exactly correct
turn the auto set off and and and it is fully adjustable for wire speed and amperage like any other welder. if you want to manually tune it, it is fully capable.
if the weld is a little too hot or cold the auto set is not a stepped switch. it can also be fine tuned.
Daddyoneleg
Active member
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
THIS ^^^^^ I have a Miller 211 and on 120v it is a joke.When you turn it up a little, 15A breaker goes click.
THIS ^^^^^ I have a Miller 211 and on 120v it is a joke.When you turn it up a little, 15A breaker goes click.
Re: Mig welder to learnon how to weld
yes, its true
my apartment has 50 Amp service.......for the shop, I opened the panel and went to the back of the meter....and ran it to a 2nd panel with #4 wire
100 Amps rocks
my old Lincoln 300/300 will pull 109 Amps on the big end (375 Amps output) but you can't TIG at that level unless you have asbestos hands.....
yes, its true
my apartment has 50 Amp service.......for the shop, I opened the panel and went to the back of the meter....and ran it to a 2nd panel with #4 wire
100 Amps rocks
my old Lincoln 300/300 will pull 109 Amps on the big end (375 Amps output) but you can't TIG at that level unless you have asbestos hands.....
Hobart 140 or 190 if you don't have 220 volts.
Hobart 187 or 190 if you have 220 volts.
(Hobart 190 is dual voltage and will also take a spool gun for light aluminum work.)
For a beginning weldor, all of the above produce an excellent arc out of the box. Consumables are plentiful and inexpensive (and interchangeable with low-end Miller units). If you decide welding is not for you, these hold their value on the resale market.
Remember to factor in the cost of renting or buying a gas bottle when considering your purchase. Flux-core welding can be frustrating for a beginner.
Hobart 187 or 190 if you have 220 volts.
(Hobart 190 is dual voltage and will also take a spool gun for light aluminum work.)
For a beginning weldor, all of the above produce an excellent arc out of the box. Consumables are plentiful and inexpensive (and interchangeable with low-end Miller units). If you decide welding is not for you, these hold their value on the resale market.
Remember to factor in the cost of renting or buying a gas bottle when considering your purchase. Flux-core welding can be frustrating for a beginner.