Teach Me About Welding

[xbeatles4x]

Ok so I know absolutely nothing about welding, but I am very eager to learn. I don't particularly want to spend more than $200 to begin with and my thought process was buying a used welder for $200 would be a better product than a new welder for $200.

My plan is in the next year or so to get a project car and it will most likely have rust issues. Even if the project car idea never happens I still want to learn. To my understanding it is generally easier to learn on a MIG machine. I know that Lincoln and Miller are suppose to be good brands but that would be like saying I want to spend $10 on a ratchet and I heard that the snap on dual 80 is good.

Is there anything out there that is typically considered a bargain that I should keep my eye out for? I do have access to a 240 volt outlet in my garage but I would probably prefer to go with 120 volt for the time being.

I will also need to look into getting an angle grinder.

I do know that at the bare basics that harbor freight has a pretty ok wedding mask and ok ish gloves to begin with.

 

[Askme42]

Hobart 140. It'll do anything you need it to on a project car. You're gonna need to up your budget a little though. Even for a used one.

I've also heard good things about the Eastwood 135?

 

[Lx460]

$200 is going to be tough for a mig setup. You could pick up an AC arc welder for that much but don't forget you will also minimally need a helmet and gloves as well. $500 is more realistic to get in the door unless you find a great deal on CL.

Do you have any friends with welders to learn from?

I'd be more than happy to show you the ropes but you're 5 hours away...

 

[xbeatles4x]

I am in no particular hurry then. Just so I know what would be a mig welder within the realm of that price that I can keep an eye out if I ever find it for an awesome deal?

From what I have read online in my research it seems as though mig would be easier to do, but I could be wrong with my lack of experience.

Also for simplicity sake I think mig would be easier by just plugging it into the wall than dealing with gas tanks.

 

[GTA Matt]

You can practice with flux core, but you're going to want to step up to solid wire and gas. The gas and bottle will drive your budget up.

 

[Askme42]

You can practice with flux core, but you're going to want to step up to solid wire and gas. The gas and bottle will drive your budget up.

Yep. If you're doing body work on a car you are most certainly going to want gas.

 

[Cypherian]

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

 

[xbeatles4x]

Actually I feel rather confused. I just said mig because I have read that typically that is easier to learn but I really don't know what I want then or what the benefits of any of them are. I do know that tig is predominantly good for aluminum.

 

[xbeatles4x]

You know what let me re phrase my initial question. I want to begin learning how to weld and just want a good beginner set up. Eventually when I get good and want to apply it to bigger projects such as a car I will upgrade, but for the moment what would be an ok set up?

 

[GTA Matt]

Mig is just fine for what you want to do, and a good bit cheaper and far easier to learn then tig. With mig, you can get flux core wire, which has the shielding agents to protect the weld inside the wire, or a solid wire using external shielding gas. Flux core is very 'messy' in appearance, but a good, cheap way to learn then to go through a few bottles of gas. There is a bit of difference in machine settings between flux and gas, plenty of good info online for that. That welding tips and tricks link that was posted, and his youtube videos will be of great help to you. Also check out ChuckE2009 on youtube as well. He does great, down to earth videos that beginning welders can relate to.

 

[Askme42]

Actually I feel rather confused. I just said mig because I have read that typically that is easier to learn but I really don't know what I want then or what the benefits of any of them are. I do know that tig is predominantly good for aluminum.

You want mig but you can do mig with flux core(no gas) or solid wire with gas.

Flux core is a very easy have you welding in under 30 minutes type deal but you will need gas to make prettier welds on body panels.

 

[xbeatles4x]

Ok so if I understand correct it is infact mig that I want and to start it would be flux core, but eventually when I actually get my project I want to up it to solid wire if necessary. Am I understanding this correct.

Lets assume I am understanding this correct, back to another question of mine. What is considered a good/decent mig welder that I can pick up second hand to learn on.

Is there such a thing as a craftsman hand tool quality from the 80s type of mig welder out there. Pretty basic but can get the job done with minimal fuss? Easy to...

 

[GTA Matt]

Yes, you are spot on in your understanding. I would suggest any of the Lincoln/miller/hobart 130 to 140 machines for a beginner. Maybe others too that some guys will chime in with.

 

[Askme42]

Here's the thing if you can afford a project car you must be willing to spend the money on the proper tools.

I have a rusted out shell of a 65 mustang that's been blasted and primered so far that's it. I probably have 5k in it already just for blasting primer tools and parts. The car was free.

 

[catch2otwo]

Dont buy anything yet. Take your 200 dollar budget, go to your local community college and sign up for a welding class. Weld and learn for a semester and then decide what you want to buy. Buying a welder with zero first hand knowledge of the different processes is rather silly. You can ask about welding all day long on the internet, but without experiencing it, you are just rolling the dice.

With that said, I have a hobart 140 solid wire gas setup for my quick and dirty work, and a thermal arc 140 scratch start tig unit for the more fun stuff. I am just a hobbyist working on my own projects.

Other costs that you dont really ever thing about comes from other equipment. With welding, material fitup is very important, the better the fitup, the nicer the welds. What are you going to cut material with? Band saw? Abrasives? That all costs money.

How will you hold your work? Clamps? vice? welding area? Do you have a table capable of being welded on? No one needs any of these things to weld, but it will be a cost as you go. Just some things to think about. Good luck!

 

[pi_guy]

Take a class, that uses good equipment.
This way you will see what works and have some hands on understanding of a proper weld.
Often 200$ equipment you make compromises if you can even get a decent weld.
If the used equipment has issues you will have a basic understanding of what should be happening. Otherwise you will frustrate your self with a lack of progression and wasted time and materials.

I would suggest a gas welding course this way you learn hand motion and can actually watch a molten puddle and see the penetration you get.

 

[xbeatles4x]

While taking a class on it at a community college does sound like a good idea, I am currently a full time student at college (my university does not offer welding) and I also work part time.

 

[Fender1325]

I was in a very similar position as the OP about a month or two ago. I bought the $100 harbor freight flux welder. The wire feed was so unstable and made of plastic, and after 3 days of frustration I returned it. Then after researching for a week I decided on the hobart handler 140. It costs about $500 - but its made in america, has an all metal wire feed, does either flux or gas mig, welds i think 24 gauge up to 1/4", and gets excellent reviews.

The only other machine I considered was something similar from eastwood. Its made overseas but got good reviews.

Im happy with the hobart. You'll find yourself quickly ready for more machine with a cheap unit. Save and get something good up front. It really seemed like most machines below the 4-500 dollar range were a waste of money.

Unfortunately getting into welding the cheap way is nothing but frustrating and a waste. Take your time, save your money, and research.

 

[catch2otwo]

While taking a class on it at a community college does sound like a good idea, I am currently a full time student at college (my university does not offer welding) and I also work part time.

If you don't think you have time to go to a class once or twice a week, how will you learn how to weld on your own? Learning on your own is all well and good, but with something like welding, its a lot of wasted time and material which translates to wasted money. Go take a class, then buy a welder.

 

[erty67]

I was in a very similar position as the OP about a month or two ago. I bought the $100 harbor freight flux welder. The wire feed was so unstable and made of plastic, and after 3 days of frustration I returned it. Then after researching for a week I decided on the hobart handler 140. It costs about $500 - but its made in america, has an all metal wire feed, does either flux or gas mig, welds i think 24 gauge up to 1/4", and gets excellent reviews.

The only other machine I considered was something similar from eastwood. Its made overseas but got good reviews.

Im happy with the hobart. You'll find yourself quickly ready for more machine with a cheap unit. Save and get something good up front. It really seemed like most machines below the 4-500 dollar range were a waste of money.

Unfortunately getting into welding the cheap way is nothing but frustrating and a waste. Take your time, save your money, and research.

before finding this site, I also made the mistake of buying a $100 HF welder thinking it'd be a cheap way to learn. I just wanted a toy. Well, that was frustrating and a waste of time and money. After years of sitting on it, I traded it off for a heavy vise and soon after found a used Lincoln 100 wire feed welder. Still doing Flux core but this machine is so much easier to work with and learn on. I paid $100 for it. If you just want to play around, you might get lucky finding a used welder on craigslist. When you're ready to get serious, you can easily get most of your money back and put it towards a better welder.

 

[taumac]

I had a off brand welder and after a while getting parts became a hassle. I would try to find a brand name welder that down the road getting parts shouldnt be a issue. Trust me on that. Now I have a basic Lincoln 140 from HD. I believe that a basic 110v unit is very capable of welding many things. I would hold out for a CL ad for save up for a decent welder which Lincoln's go for about $500 then the add the tank. I say this that the Lincoln vs say a off brand is like night and day.

Have a good one Gerard

 

[Dajn]

If you really need one that will work and is cheap, Campbell hausfeld has a decent little wire feed for around $200. I have had mine for a few years, but have only used it a few times. Works well. It's definitely better to get higher quality and spend more money, but you could get by with this one. I have only used flux core but it can be converted to use gas. I got mine at menards.

 

[madcrisis]

Last year I was in the same boat as you. College student and everything who wanted to weld. I picked up a Longevity 140 Mig. Ithink its the same as the eastwood 135(?) I think. Ive only used flux core in it and it feeds wire nicely and is decent quality. Its perfect to be able to take it anywhere with power to weld since its 110. I think the eastwood goes on flash sale for 199.99 every now and then but look it up. I think the chinese company who makes it for eastwood and Longevity make it for a couple others.

Do not forget you will need a welding helmet and gloves. Plus clamps and maybe magnets. Not sure what you already have.

I'd scour craigslist (None came up that were worth it when I wanted it.) or wait for a decent sale in your price range. The chinese 130-140 welders re pretty nice. I love my longevity if you wanna check them out. But i think theyre welder is closer to 300 but with a 5 year warranty.

 

[crewchief888]

miller/hobart/lincoln 130-140 size machines will do everything you want to do.

i have some limited experience with a cebora ( italian made, sold under many other names, including daytona mig).
it was a good machine for many years, until i needed parts, they were always on backorder/not available

as suggested, since you have ZERO experience welding,
i'd say you have 2 choices, a welding class,
or making friends with someone who knows how to weld and has access to the equipment you need to get started.

it's really not that difficult, i had my 18 year old stepdaughter (who had no idea what anything in the garage was for except a broom) running beads in 20 minutes.


i'd expect you'll spend more than your $200 budget getting started....

 

[xbeatles4x]

I see that I do in fact need to up my budget. Ill look into a miller/hobart/lincoln 130-140 and I will of course need some other things such as mask, gloves, magnets, clamps...

Hopefully as a general hobbyist that should be enough of a welder for me. My plan is in about a year or so to buy said project car and fix it up and go camping out of it. I will probably need some welding ability to weld up floors and what not.

 

[JKennedy]

Welding can be very dangerous if you do not know what you're doing. I agree to the comment about going to a community college and taking a basic course. It's nearly impossible to just figure out how to weld. There is so much to know. (Temperatures, types of metals, polarity, types of grooves and bevels, metallurgy, and knowing when to use particular wire size or stick size based on what kind of metal you're working with) and it goes on.... There is SO much more then striking an arc on 2 random pieces of steel.
Yes, some of it is just tons of practice but a large majority comes from understanding the science behind it all. This especially can be dangerous if you start using solid wire with a gas bottle or an oxygen acetylene torch. One late reaction and you are FUBAR.

 

[JKennedy]

Also you need a grinder it's equally important as a hood.

 

[Dajn]

I will 100 percent quarentee that you will fail at the project, but that is how you learn.

 

[f575gtc]

I have both a Hobart 140 and a Eastwood 175mig and the quality of the east wood is on par with the Hobart in terms of welds. I just don't know how long the Eastwood will last for.

 

[cheechi]

Some good suggestions but based on your current situation what is it that needs to be welded? Put your current budget towards paying someone to do the job and revisit it when you have more time to set aside to learn it.

I own a welder but I am far from being a welder. Learning from someone is priceless. There are good resources on the web and in books but there are some things you need a teacher.

 

[Fender1325]

Ive got to say guys - I dont think its really that hard. OP doesnt HAVE to take a college course on it. Ive only been welding a little over a month and have already made several sheet metal boxes and a chair, with good results. All the info you want is free online. Whats important actually is buying different gauges of metal and starting with smaller projects - and - failing. Its a great learning tool. It is not rocket science. Now, id want some certifications under my belt if I was making a boat trailer, hitches, suspension components, etc.

A lot of it is feel, trial and error, and learning how to set the machine. You cant weld aluminum with these machines generally, so youre going to be dealing with mainly mild steel.

The course will absolutely enhance your ability and lower the learning curve, but its not a show stopper if you cant take one. Buy a quality machine and dive right in. Building things is pretty similar to wood working if you have experience with that. A lot of measuring, cutting and prepping. The actual welding is the quickest easiest part in my opinion

 

[bill wallace]

I want to learn to fly . Can you suggest an airplane I could by. I have about 300 dollars & the nearest airport is 100 miles away. Ok quit answering these ? about getting a cheap wire feed welder & learning to weld. Its just bad advice. IF you are serious about welding it will cost a lot of money to buy welding equipment weather you take a course or not. Welding is serious & for those that think cheap machines or processe's are ok you are giving bad advice.

 

[xbeatles4x]

Some good suggestions but based on your current situation what is it that needs to be welded? Put your current budget towards paying someone to do the job and revisit it when you have more time to set aside to learn it.

I own a welder but I am far from being a welder. Learning from someone is priceless. There are good resources on the web and in books but there are some things you need a teacher.

My current situation on is that I want to learn how to weld. I don't actually have any projects on hand. I want to learn so when the time comes when I do need to weld I will have the tools and the know how.

I have no problem spending a day on YouTube and just learning as much as I can about mig welding. In Fact that is what I plan to do next weekend. I also found out today that a friend of mine is pretty good at welding and said he would show me more or less welding tig specifically with titanium.

 

[xbeatles4x]

I want to learn to fly . Can you suggest an airplane I could by. I have about 300 dollars & the nearest airport is 100 miles away. Ok quit answering these ? about getting a cheap wire feed welder & learning to weld. Its just bad advice. IF you are serious about welding it will cost a lot of money to buy welding equipment weather you take a course or not. Welding is serious & for those that think cheap machines or processe's are ok you are giving bad advice.

Ultralight airplane. Search craigslist.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Another, completely serious suggestion.

Don't buy a rusty FL car.

There are way too many solid cars from places that are far from the ocean, and where salt is not used on the road.

I have lived in salted road land. And I have lived in desert. Investing in hours of driving and some extra $ for the car will pay back in triplicate vs. fixing a rusty POS.

And yes, raise your budget and skip the HF unit.

 

[RivennHewn]

I really don't know **** about welding.

So much so that I bought a Craftsman welder.

Hasn't really stopped me from doing any welding even though I know what I don't know could fill some books.

Point being that everybody starts somewhere, and there's no time like now to jump in and get started.

Have fun with it!

 

[Fender1325]

^prime example. Its not rocket science. Being great is a different story but you can Absolutely get some experience tinkering on your own.

 

[crewchief888]

eastwood opened a retail store a little ways away from here.
seems like i saw they have some one day basic welding classes available at that location, for a nominal fee.

 

[David Paul]

I really don't know **** about welding.

So much so that I bought a Craftsman welder.

Hasn't really stopped me from doing any welding even though I know what I don't know could fill some books.

Point being that everybody starts somewhere, and there's no time like now to jump in and get started.

Have fun with it!

Now that was funny. I'm in the same boat as the OP wanting to get into welding. From this site, I think I've narrowed my search down to the Hobart 190.
Thanks all.....

 

[brownbagg]

mig is not one of the easiest way to weld, i find it one of the hardest, especially with these cheap home depot/ lowes lincol welders. Lincoln are good welder just anything run off 110 is underpowered for anything but sheetmetal.

want cheap, 200 dollar. find a garage sale cracker box. most time $50

community college, I don't agree with them for welding except if you going be a full time welder, for weekend stuff, you got take too many classes before they teach you to weld. most time the college are downtown at night, if you hold a day job. the nearest community college to me is 63 miles away

cheap, that the question here, buy a cracker box, some 6011 or 6013 rods and catch yourself on fire


on a mig welder, you got to have a bottle or if you go flux core, a spool of wire $50, then all the metal have to be spotless, so grinder, flap wheels.

on a cracker box, a small box of rod are $7 and if you work construction you can pick up rods free laying on ground. cracker box will out weld a mig unless you get into the high dollar machine. But we are talking cheap here, you can start welding cracker box, about $100 dollars, Mig be about $700 to start.

now i know you want to weld mig, because mig is cool. but if you going fight me on anything i said, at least believe one thing. Don't mess with any mig that not a Lincoln, Miller, hobart, or century

now if i was looking for a mig, tractor supply has a nice hobart 190, I would not touch anything under 220v. so that right at the edge of 140. I have a miller 140 and its very limited only good for sheetmetal