powerweld minimig 130E

[bmxdukie]

Hey folks!
I just got a powerweld minimig 130e from my wife for my birthday today..
Always wanted a welder. But dont know how to weld and I want something to learn on.
I am very handy, and I learn quick.
Just wanting something to hobby work with Ie: workbench etc. And maybe a light duty trailer for my atv as I get better.
It will weld up to 3/16 material and a little bigger if I bevel the welding surfaces.
Any thoughts on this?

 

[805gregg]

You will quickly outgrow that one, I started with a Lincoln 125 mig, tell your wife next time you want Red or Blue

 

[bmxdukie]

She said I could take it back and exchange it...
When you say quickly outgrow what time line are you meaning?
And how much more would I, or should I spend on the miller or lincon?
Thanks

 

[Iron-Iceberg]

See if a local school has a night welding class. It will help you improve much faster and take out a lot of the frustration of trying to learn on your own.
It will make it fun.

 

[rsanter]

You outgrowing it is all based on how much you will use it and what you want to do with it.
To me that one rates as little more than a toy...sorry
If it was say $250 or less then it may be worth it for the learning and if you will only use it occasionally.
If you really want some welding projects and plan to use it a bunch you will outgrow it with your first ' larger' project
Before you use it do a search on the web for how people like them

Bob

 

[Slonaker]

A cart to roll your welder around on or a welding table are good projects to start with. They are both basic and useful, and if you make a bad weld, no one dies as a result. I believe the miller website has a section for beginner level projects.

Slonaker

EDIT: http://www.millerwelds.com/interests/projects/we-build/home/in-the-shop/

 

[bd8134]

As Iron-Iceberg recommended, see if colleges are offering classes. Great way to pick up tricks and tips, ie welding upside down or rusty metal / thin metal.
The more expensive units have an easier way to set the amperage and speed of wire according to the thickness of the wire, but you still sometimes have to change those values. As long as the mig has a non-live gun and you dont want to weld 3/4" steel or maybe aluminum, this unit should be good.
I used a live-gun 90A mig for 20 years for many car repairs which finally bit the dust. When I did upgrade to a new Miller mig it was great, but expensive.
Great a good welding helmet is also key.
Your wife is certainly looking out for you.

 

[bmxdukie]

Thanks for all the great replies.
I am hoping to get into a class soon.
For sure, I am going to get a good auto dark helmet. I think it will be easier to learn with that style.
Going to build a basic weld bench first I believe.