Recommend a welder for me

[soloz2]

I think I'm going to go with the Lincoln 210MP. The Miller 220 would be nice, but is about double the price putting it past my budget at the moment. The 215 has some nice features, but not sure I can justify the additional cost over the Lincoln either.
Just need to decide on which helmet to choose. I've been reading and I think getting one with clear vision and 1-1-1-1 clarity is a priority. I know I'm no pro and won't be wearing all day, but my eyes bother me and can cause migraines if I'm not too careful so vision is important to me. I did see Baker gas has good prices on the Lincoln Viking helmets so I might do that instead of local. I also think getting a cart would be good as it may be a bit before I'm competent enough to build one so I'm thinking harbor freight for that. Just need to decide between the $30 or the $90 Vulcan. Thanks for the help so far!

 

[48548]

I went with a Chicago electric cart and like it, did put better rollers on the front.... just got the optrel today haven't used it yet.....

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[swavescatter]

For the helmet I went with the harbor freight Vulcan top of the line hood. It's basically a viking copy but as far as I can tell has no compromises. I love it.

 

[soloz2]

I went with a Chicago electric cart and like it, did put better rollers on the front.... just got the optrel today haven't used it yet.....

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How do you like that cart? That one I think is $150 after coupon. I can see the benefit to drawers, but it's a pretty big step up from the $80 Vulcan cart with coupon or $30 basic cart.

Also, curious if you like the 210mp and would recommend it or buy again.

 

[soloz2]

For the helmet I went with the harbor freight Vulcan top of the line hood. It's basically a viking copy but as far as I can tell has no compromises. I love it.

I've thought about it and I'm somewhat tempted to try it at $135 or $120, but am somewhat uncertain. I'm not sure I really trust HF with important things. They sell so much junk and always inflait specs, but there are tons of positive reviews that it's hard to ignore.

 

[swavescatter]

I've thought about it and I'm somewhat tempted to try it at $135 or $120, but am somewhat uncertain. I'm not sure I really trust HF with important things. They sell so much junk and always inflait specs, but there are tons of positive reviews that it's hard to ignore.

Do some more research. This one specifically is legit. I have their cheaper one and it *****.

I'd be willing to bet that most negative reviews you might find are vague, "can't trust China with safety" type opinions, not actual people experiencing failures.

 

[Aaron_W]

I've thought about it and I'm somewhat tempted to try it at $135 or $120, but am somewhat uncertain. I'm not sure I really trust HF with important things. They sell so much junk and always inflait specs, but there are tons of positive reviews that it's hard to ignore.

The Lincoln 3350 helmets seem to be very good for the price, you can find them on sale for about $220.

I have a generic "Washington Alloy" helmet that I got for around $120. It is a decent helmet and probably the same as most of the ones in that price range. I'd love one of the Optrel helmets but just can't justify spending $450 on a helmet for my hobby welding, $220 is easier for me to consider. If I didn't already have a helmet that works, it would be a lot easier for me to go and get one of the Lincoln helmets.

 

[48548]

I spent my Christmas on the optel... but I still love my lincoln helmet. Haven't tried the optel yet.

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[48548]

How do you like that cart? That one I think is $150 after coupon. I can see the benefit to drawers, but it's a pretty big step up from the $80 Vulcan cart with coupon or $30 basic cart.

Also, curious if you like the 210mp and would recommend it or buy again.

I am not a guru... but love my machine... works but would buy it again especially at the price.

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[GeoBruin]

Using mine as we speak to make a gate...

 

[soloz2]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for a Lincoln helmet. Vision is very important to me as my eyes are pretty messed up and even having to wear safety glasses over my glasses for extended periods gives me a migraine. I don't know how much difference there is between a 1-1-1-1 and a 1-1-1-2 helmet, but if there's less distortion on the better one Kyle probably worth the added cost for me. Just need to decide which one. The 1840 has Al the features I think I need at about $15x, but the 2450 is $190 and 3350 is $200 right now so minimal cost increase for bigger viewing area. Again, not sure that is truly needed, even if it would be nice.

I ordered the cart in the Napa flier this month for $55. It looks similar to the cheap HF cart, but has a handle the cheap one is lacking and I'm hoping a bit thicker sheet metal. I didn't want to spend too much on a cart as I think eventually I'll mod or build one, but want to have a safe place to keep the welder and gas in the meantime.

I also saw a two pack of Dewalt angle grinders for $100 I might snag. I just have one of the $10 HF specials that has worked for me, but I know it won't hold up to more regular grinding, and why spend $60-90 for one when you can get two for 100? [emoji2371]

I downloaded the 210MP manual and it calls for a 40amp breaker and minimum 12awg wire. That seems small for a 240v line to me. I was thinking 10awg minimum, but I'm no electrician and 8awg would probably be safer. IDK, I'll need to decide exactly where I want the outlet. I think I want it on the other side of my garage from the box. I'll have to try and get some pricing. Tough thing is I'm trying to avoid going into stores if possible, especially if they are busy as the COVID positivity rate is spiking near me.

 

[soloz2]

Using mine as we speak to make a gate...

Looking good! I hope to be able to build things like this someday.

 

[MJK]

Spend more on the Lincoln 4C helmet vs HF. Trust me. I have both (and others).

HF Gloves, carts, etc are fine. But I vote for DIYing a cart, mostly for the practice.

 

[GeoBruin]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for a Lincoln helmet. Vision is very important to me as my eyes are pretty messed up and even having to wear safety glasses over my glasses for extended periods gives me a migraine. I don't know how much difference there is between a 1-1-1-1 and a 1-1-1-2 helmet, but if there's less distortion on the better one Kyle probably worth the added cost for me. Just need to decide which one. The 1840 has Al the features I think I need at about $15x, but the 2450 is $190 and 3350 is $200 right now so minimal cost increase for bigger viewing area. Again, not sure that is truly needed, even if it would be nice.

I ordered the cart in the Napa flier this month for $55. It looks similar to the cheap HF cart, but has a handle the cheap one is lacking and I'm hoping a bit thicker sheet metal. I didn't want to spend too much on a cart as I think eventually I'll mod or build one, but want to have a safe place to keep the welder and gas in the meantime.

I also saw a two pack of Dewalt angle grinders for $100 I might snag. I just have one of the $10 HF specials that has worked for me, but I know it won't hold up to more regular grinding, and why spend $60-90 for one when you can get two for 100? [emoji2371]

I downloaded the 210MP manual and it calls for a 40amp breaker and minimum 12awg wire. That seems small for a 240v line to me. I was thinking 10awg minimum, but I'm no electrician and 8awg would probably be safer. IDK, I'll need to decide exactly where I want the outlet. I think I want it on the other side of my garage from the box. I'll have to try and get some pricing. Tough thing is I'm trying to avoid going into stores if possible, especially if they are busy as the COVID positivity rate is spiking near me.

Spring for the nice helmet. It's worth it. Also, go for the two grinder deal. I run three and wish I had a 4th.

 

[GeoBruin]

Spend more on the Lincoln 4C helmet vs HF. Trust me. I have both (and others).

HF Gloves, carts, etc are fine. But I vote for DIYing a cart, mostly for the practice.

Cart was the first thing I ever really welded. There's evidence of just about every kind of mistake one can make on that cart. Every time I pull it out it reminds me how far I have come and how much I still have to learn. Seems like making a cart should be a rite of passage.

 

[soloz2]

Spend more on the Lincoln 4C helmet vs HF. Trust me. I have both (and others).

HF Gloves, carts, etc are fine. But I vote for DIYing a cart, mostly for the practice.

I'm thinking about getting a 26" tool chest or a side cabinet and fabbing a base to support a gas tank or two. This won't be any time soon as I just can't swing a chest right now with getting the welder and associated equipment.

 

[48548]

I'm pretty sure I'm going to go for a Lincoln helmet. Vision is very important to me as my eyes are pretty messed up and even having to wear safety glasses over my glasses for extended periods gives me a migraine. I don't know how much difference there is between a 1-1-1-1 and a 1-1-1-2 helmet, but if there's less distortion on the better one Kyle probably worth the added cost for me. Just need to decide which one. The 1840 has Al the features I think I need at about $15x, but the 2450 is $190 and 3350 is $200 right now so minimal cost increase for bigger viewing area. Again, not sure that is truly needed, even if it would be nice.

I ordered the cart in the Napa flier this month for $55. It looks similar to the cheap HF cart, but has a handle the cheap one is lacking and I'm hoping a bit thicker sheet metal. I didn't want to spend too much on a cart as I think eventually I'll mod or build one, but want to have a safe place to keep the welder and gas in the meantime.

I also saw a two pack of Dewalt angle grinders for $100 I might snag. I just have one of the $10 HF specials that has worked for me, but I know it won't hold up to more regular grinding, and why spend $60-90 for one when you can get two for 100? [emoji2371]

I downloaded the 210MP manual and it calls for a 40amp breaker and minimum 12awg wire. That seems small for a 240v line to me. I was thinking 10awg minimum, but I'm no electrician and 8awg would probably be safer. IDK, I'll need to decide exactly where I want the outlet. I think I want it on the other side of my garage from the box. I'll have to try and get some pricing. Tough thing is I'm trying to avoid going into stores if possible, especially if they are busy as the COVID positivity rate is spiking near me.

I ran 4 gauge wire and a 50 amp breaker. Also bought a couple of extension cords. I was lazy and just installed a box under my panel for outside work and conduit for in the garage. So I have 2 outlets. I think the extension cords are 8 gauge wire. I also have 6-7 grinders... mainly use dewalt 13amp ones and have a couple of bosch 13amp... a smaller 8.5 metabo. I just like the dewalts. Work awesome.

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[48548]

What i did..... thinking of replacing the 90 and put in a box over there for the outlet and not use an extension cord outside.

 

[48548]

I am not an electrician but did the power with a friend for the condiut other by myself.

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[GaryM909]

I'm thinking about getting a 26" tool chest or a side cabinet and fabbing a base to support a gas tank or two. This won't be any time soon as I just can't swing a chest right now with getting the welder and associated equipment.

I just did the same thing. I had an old Snapon box with 4 drawers I bought new over 40 years ago. It has been sitting unused in my shed for about 10 years. I unbolted the wheels and built an angle iron frame that holds the box and 2 bottles. I welded the wheels to the angle.

 

[American Locomotive]

My only suggestion with the Lincoln helmet is get a couple of spare batteries. My friend's only lasted a little over a year with mild use.

 

[48548]

My only suggestion with the Lincoln helmet is get a couple of spare batteries. My friend's only lasted a little over a year with mild use.

No comment about that... I was using it with a dead battery the other day.. got flashed and thought it was odd... not cool. That was when I bought the optrel

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[GeoBruin]

I ran 4 3 wire from the panel to a surface mounted box so I can install a Nema 50 plug for an eventual electric car (the panel is right in the driveway). It's a 60 amp breaker only because that's what I had on hand. I should install a 50 amp. I have a 25 foot 8 3 STW extension cord I use to get to my shop but I could use another. I want to put a sub-panel in my shop with a 220 plug but it's a detached garage so I think I would have to trench. I may be able to fish large enough wire through the existing conduit but I'd have to pull all the existing out and that scares me.

 

[48548]

I ran 4 3 wire from the panel to a surface mounted box so I can install a Nema 50 plug for an eventual electric car (the panel is right in the driveway). It's a 60 amp breaker only because that's what I had on hand. I should install a 50 amp. I have a 25 foot 8 3 STW extension cord I use to get to my shop but I could use another. I want to put a sub-panel in my shop with a 220 plug but it's a detached garage so I think I would have to trench. I may be able to fish large enough wire through the existing conduit but I'd have to pull all the existing out and that scares me.

Looks good to me.

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[48548]

Note, get the largest bottle much cheaper in the long run.... I bought use ones on Craigslist and traded them in, was a win win.

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[soloz2]

Note, get the largest bottle much cheaper in the long run.... I bought use ones on Craigslist and traded them in, was a win win.

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I was thinking about asking instead of just going with the recommended 60cf bottle. Realistically I'm not sure how often I'll weld. I know come warmer weather I'll be outside felling trees again. I was cleaning up the yard yesterday and one of my neighbors stopped by and asked if I was going to take more down this year or not, and another stopped by to let me know they were planning to get a new 4 wheeler and wanted to offer me first dibs. IDK, lots to do at my house. But yes, I get your point on the bigger bottle the less frequently it needs to be filled or replaced. I should really ask the welding supply how they do that. Since they quoted to buy a bottle I just figured they would refill and not swap, but I've seen lots of comments about swapping.

 

[48548]

They larger is more upfront but the fills are less per size. I traded in a really small oxy bottle and paid not too much more for the largest I could get. I don't remember the price but it was a deal. Thought it was fair. Oxy was half the size or less than the green one... most of the times they just trade them out

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[48548]

I got this one when I traded... not a guru, but still vts victor dual stage regulators on both setups... propylene on the one dual stage lpg vts regulator. I am just learning got 3k worth of stuff for half on ebay and Craigslist... have tons of spare tips and regulators plus mixing chambers all victor.

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[Deadsquiggles]

So when I bought my tank in April, I bought the 80 cf as that was the largest tank that the welding supply shops around me sell, anything bigger is rental only. I thought I paid $240 for the bottle and fill, and anytime I need more, I can trade it at any welding supply shop for the cost of a fill. From what I’ve seen, the shops don’t necessarily have a fill station on site, they just keep a **** ton of bottles on hand.

 

[48548]

Next c25 tank will be as large as the oxy.. cheaper in the long run.. I am just learning to weld 2 semesters in a community College

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[MJK]

I'm thinking about getting a 26" tool chest or a side cabinet and fabbing a base to support a gas tank or two. This won't be any time soon as I just can't swing a chest right now with getting the welder and associated equipment.

You don't need a tool chest to have a nice cart and storage. I have a plasma, a miller 215, 2x 40cu ft bottles and a large 'milk crate' in a very small cart that rolls under my work bench when not in use. It cost <$100. With a little organization everything welder related (except the helmet) fits in the milk crate. I have a different crate for grinding, sanding, paint, etc at $8/ea. They all fit on a shelf or on pallet racking above my work/welding table.

There are lots of good ideas around here that do not require big money. Poke around a little and get inspired.

 

[soloz2]

Update time:
I placed some orders to get the supplies needed to add 220v outlet across my garage and I've got some ideas on organization for grinders and such. I also ordered some flap discs/grinding wheels/cutoff wheels from HF. At some point I'll probably replace with better, but I'll see what I use more of and go from there. I also snagged the 2 pack of Dewalt angle grinders for $100 from TSC and a Lincoln 3350 helmet. I was going to go with the 1840, but a friend talked me into the 3350. I emailed the salesman/manager at the local shop and he said he would have everything ready for me if I gave him a couple days notice and would plan to give me my first lesson when I pick it up. Unfortunately, my schedule is pretty crazy over the next couple weeks so the earliest I could get there is one week, but it'll more likely be a couple weeks.

Thanks again for the help thus far. I'll post when I have more updates and I'm sure I'll have more questions along the way. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving!

 

[soloz2]

Today was the first day off I've had in a bit so I headed over to the welding supply. Manager had a 210MP all set up and gave me my first lesson. I spent about an hour and a half there and was able to learn some basics of the machine and practice a bit. The first weld was extremely poor looking, but I got better as I went.


Second attempt was much better and right above the first try.



Still need to work on straight welds, and practice more. Before I left I welded two pieces of scrap together.



It's really cool to begin to see how the metal actually melts and fuses together. I plan to stop at a metal supply this week on a lunch break and get some scrap to practice on.

I still need to add the 230v line in my garage, and I got all the components needed, but I haven't had a chance to run the line just yet. I did get some pegboard setup, added another 110v outlet on the other side of my bench and cut out the back of my bench so I could push it closer to the wall. I need to add a coat of paint next. Just lots to do! For now I've got a welder and can practice. Thanks to all who have helped!

 

[GeoBruin]

Today was the first day off I've had in a bit so I headed over to the welding supply. Manager had a 210MP all set up and gave me my first lesson. I spent about an hour and a half there and was able to learn some basics of the machine and practice a bit. The first weld was extremely poor looking, but I got better as I went.


Second attempt was much better and right above the first try.



Still need to work on straight welds, and practice more. Before I left I welded two pieces of scrap together.



It's really cool to begin to see how the metal actually melts and fuses together. I plan to stop at a metal supply this week on a lunch break and get some scrap to practice on.

I still need to add the 230v line in my garage, and I got all the components needed, but I haven't had a chance to run the line just yet. I did get some pegboard setup, added another 110v outlet on the other side of my bench and cut out the back of my bench so I could push it closer to the wall. I need to add a coat of paint next. Just lots to do! For now I've got a welder and can practice. Thanks to all who have helped!

Congrats!

 

[Aaron_W]

Today was the first day off I've had in a bit so I headed over to the welding supply. Manager had a 210MP all set up and gave me my first lesson. I spent about an hour and a half there and was able to learn some basics of the machine and practice a bit. The first weld was extremely poor looking, but I got better as I went.


Second attempt was much better and right above the first try.



Still need to work on straight welds, and practice more. Before I left I welded two pieces of scrap together.



It's really cool to begin to see how the metal actually melts and fuses together. I plan to stop at a metal supply this week on a lunch break and get some scrap to practice on.

I still need to add the 230v line in my garage, and I got all the components needed, but I haven't had a chance to run the line just yet. I did get some pegboard setup, added another 110v outlet on the other side of my bench and cut out the back of my bench so I could push it closer to the wall. I need to add a coat of paint next. Just lots to do! For now I've got a welder and can practice. Thanks to all who have helped!

Tell me about it, I've done more work to my shop, than I've done work in my shop the past 2 years. Its like whoops made a clean spot, might as well throw up some sheet rock, or it will be easier to do the flooring before I bring a lathe in here.
Most of my welding has been making shelves for the shop or a wheeled dolly for a machine, a cart for the welder etc. Still fun, but it doesn't seem like it counts as making stuff when it is for the shop.

On the welds, the grinder is your friend. As long as you get good penetration so it holds together, the grinder will pretty up ugly welds. I'm getting better, but I'm still grinding off about half the metal I put on.

 

[48548]

Looks good for a first time... I got these done this past weekend... 2 to give away....

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[soloz2]

Tell me about it, I've done more work to my shop, than I've done work in my shop the past 2 years. Its like whoops made a clean spot, might as well throw up some sheet rock, or it will be easier to do the flooring before I bring a lathe in here.
Most of my welding has been making shelves for the shop or a wheeled dolly for a machine, a cart for the welder etc. Still fun, but it doesn't seem like it counts as making stuff when it is for the shop.

On the welds, the grinder is your friend. As long as you get good penetration so it holds together, the grinder will pretty up ugly welds. I'm getting better, but I'm still grinding off about half the metal I put on.

yeah, I have lived here two and a half years and the PO didn't do much of anything. The furnace doesn't work, bathroom was a mess, wood doors rotted, the list goes on. So far, I've replaced the two main garage doors, redone the garage bathroom, added some tool storage, updated the pegboard that was there, and added lighting. I need to insulate and add lights upstairs and insulate the attached FL room. I'd like to add a functional furnace and haul away the giant old furnace currently taking up space. All will come with time. I do think it'll be nice to be able to fab my own supports for things moving forward!

On of my first projects will be making a simple rack to hold my grinders on the wall.

 

[soloz2]

Looks good for a first time... I got these done this past weekend... 2 to give away....

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I really like those trees! They look simple and yet regal.

 

[48548]

I really like those trees! They look simple and yet regal.

Practice with everything... torch to cut the base lots of grinding and chop saw and mig welder.... made this last year

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[GeoBruin]

Yes grinding and paint will cover anything

Here's the latest manefestation of my gate project.