Looking at welders

[SlushboxTeggy]

Ok, I know very little about welders but I want to change that. I want to get one and learn to weld. My question is about which one to get. I want to be able to do basic stuff with it, body work, maybe a manifold/ic piping, and just random project stuff. What should I be looking at?

 

[reikoshea]

what kinda budget are you going to working within?

Arc is the easiest to learn, its how i started. Mig/Tig welding are next easiest, and they are the most useful (i think). Finally there is oxy. As far as oxy is concerned, there have been a few times ive needed an oxy torch. Basically the only thing i have used oxy for is to heat sheet metal and make it easier to shape. I know it is good for more than that, but ive been able to use the tig and mig for all WELDING apps.

 

[PLA5151]

IMO, you will get the most use out of a MIG welder, and they are very easy to use, pretty much just point and pull the trigger. I don't know what you guys have on the east coast but I would check Lowe's or a store like that for a cheapie unit

 

[93civicsir]

make sure you get one that has gas option. you dont want to use flux core, it burns hotter and leaves a crappy weld.

 

[TurboMirage]

$480 after taxes, get a miller hd3200. home depot. rocks. gas option.

 

[reckedracing]

i got a lincoln at home depot
best investment ever made

also has gas option

 

[TurboMirage]

yeah thats it. lincoln. oops!

 

[SlushboxTeggy]

Cool, I can't wait to start playing around with one. Now I just need the cash, hopefully by school.

 

[becoming]

Definatey get a machine that will tig, but it also has to have the correct frequency to weld aluiminum...and they can get pricey!

 

[reckedracing]

i believe my lincoln was approx 500 or 525 with tax
it came with the hoses and gauges, all you need is a tank ful of gas

most welding is ok with flux core wire, gas will help out a lot, but its really not required unless you're doing sheetmetal/bodywork, then its almost necessary to prevent warping of the metal

if you're on a real tight budget you could look into getting one in the 100-200 dollar range, they won't be great but if you're just trying to learn and aren't sure if its something you'll be moving forward with then this might be a good practice welder to get the feel of things
i can give you a site or two if you choose to go this route