welder choice

[Johnydoe]

I'm going to say what others already did - are you really really really really sure your welder is no good? Or that it can't be repaired?

I can make half decent DC welds. I've never been able to get AC to even strike without sticking. (though, I don't have my own machine, and when I do get to weld, I just do what I know I can, instead of waisting my limited time with a machine)

well its a 295 amp stick welder thats ac only, so it wont burn half my rods, actually it only burns the 7014 and 7024...everything else is stick stick stick...so maybe its not broke, just a ****** ac welder lol

 

[Tcounty]

First post. Been lurking on and off for years.

I have a little Northern Tool 135 mig that does a good job. Also just bought a Lincoln AC 225 buzz box off Craigslist for $65. I got it all hooked up last night and welds good to me. Haven't arc welded since 1993.

I would like to get something to be able to weld 1/4 aluminum. A buddy of mine keeps pushing me to a tig, which I really like. He has a Miller that does a good job on aluminum boats. I'm torn between a mig with a spool gun or a tig. The mig IMO would be much more useful, but there's just something about a tigs finish work. Mostly what I'd be doing aluminum wise is repair fishing boats on the side. Any opinions on welding thin aluminum mig vs tig?


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[ttpete]

First post. Been lurking on and off for years.

I have a little Northern Tool 135 mig that does a good job. Also just bought a Lincoln AC 225 buzz box off Craigslist for $65. I got it all hooked up last night and welds good to me. Haven't arc welded since 1993.

I would like to get something to be able to weld 1/4 aluminum. A buddy of mine keeps pushing me to a tig, which I really like. He has a Miller that does a good job on aluminum boats. I'm torn between a mig with a spool gun or a tig. The mig IMO would be much more useful, but there's just something about a tigs finish work. Mostly what I'd be doing aluminum wise is repair fishing boats on the side. Any opinions on welding thin aluminum mig vs tig?


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Tig is a lot more controllable and cleaner. I'd look for a machine that has good arc stability and control at low amperage. Miller Aerowave if you can afford it.

 

[rocklobster]

i cant strike a steady arc using 6011 and with machine cranked up to max power..couldt rin a bead, it would just spark and sputter....and stick a whole lot..rods are good they are from school and i got a few different kinds(7014, 7018dc, 6011..) all same result


thx for the info and advice

Are you getting proper voltage output?

I picked up an old buzzbox (fourney) on kijiji for $50 but could not get it to strike an arc for the life of me, I checked out the power input connection at the switch and somebody had wired it wrong, it was only getting 120v input instead of 240v. I wired it correct and bam off to the races, best $50 welder investment.

On machine choice I would recommend sticking with the big blue/red/creamsickle brands. Welders can last a lifetime, you really need support/parts/consumables! I have the canadian tire lincoln 175 amp mig with Argon/Co2 gas, it is an incredible mig for the money, I had a problem with the machine once so I called the lincoln hotline and an english speaking welder tech picked up the phone and helped me fix the problem in a minute by saying "try this", turns out it was my own operator error, I did not have the voltage adjustment dial properly engaged on the contact point. Amazing customer service.

Like I said this is most likely a lifetime purchase, seek advise, check out a local welding shop, figure out your needs, and cry once.