OT: Looking for welder advice...again

[5NSlezWI]

I posted a question a while back about what kind of arc welder to buy for some occasional implement welding. I want something that is able to weld steel up to 3/8" thick. The responses came back with the general info being that I should look for something at least 225 amp, Lincoln, etc. Great info and I appreciate the responses, but I"ve had no luck finding a used one around here which would help keep the cost down.

If I would decide to purchase a wire feed welder, what would I look for as far as amperage or anything else. I do not have any intention of spending $500 or more on something because I just won"t use it enough. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[Tim, MI]

you can find the basic Licoln AC225 (buzz box) most big orange or blue home improvement stores for about $250. I got one on clearence a few years back at HD for under $100. Look around on places like ebay, craigslist, local welding supply stores, you can usually find some good deals. Stay away from off brands like Chicago electric cheap but will cause you a lot of head aches! You also need to have enough available power, the lincoln AC225 requires about a 50 amp 220 single phase service. You can find cheap gassless mig welders (which is just a wire fed arc welder) but your limited on thickness. the AC225 is great for welding heavy guage stuff but requires some skill to do thin guage. If you have any other questions let me know. I'm not a pro by any means but I do have a licoln AC/DC 225 and a lincoln gas/mig welder.

 

[benny2]

If you have $500 to spend, go get yourself a NEW miller Thunder Bolt AC/DC stick a Great machine. 20 ft leads. Those cheapie wire feeds are not worth beans. Now if you are not a skilled welder dont ever get the Idea that a wire feed will make up for that.
I bought a Sears/Century 250 AC/DC off Craigs list local with 15 lbs rod, leads, Jackson helmet. for $50. It hasnt been used much before looked like out of the box and I welded 1" plate without a problem and runs smooth as a kitten purring.

 

[jjamna]

Don't get a wire feed unless you are planning on welding every day all day long then spend the money and get a good one. For occasional welding on the farm, get a lincoln that is all you need

 

[old]

Shoot if your willing to spend $500 on a welder you can buy a new lincoln AC/DC machine for less then that at a farm and home supply place etc.
Hobby farm

 

[Ken(Ark)]

Call the local pawn shops but DO NOT tell them how much you are willing to spend . You should be able to find a Lincoln or Miller arc welder with some old beat up leads for under $100 more like $75 if you can bargain a little . Make sure the cooling fan works . Or you can post a wanted ad at your local hardware / welding supply store - Ken(Ark)

 

[9NJoe]

I personally like Miller. For what you describe, get a stick welder, AC/DC is nice and will just about weld anything except sheet metal or aluminum. Maybe you should also think about an oxy/acetylene rig, they are cheap and portable, dont require power and will weld and cut. It is pretty messy cutting with an arc welder so you will get more bang for your buck with a small gas setup.

Joe

 

[Hobo,NC]

Coat hanger, 12V battery, and jumper cables. Mcgiver can weld with this set up you can 2.

 

[Hank AB AB]

I agree with the majority.
Get an AC/DC - with DC current, you can use any electrode (rod) made.
I bought an old Lincoln AC/DC 250 (1961 model!) at a Government auction. It works like a charm.

The wire feed is OK for light gauge material - but it will never REPLACE a stick welder. Remember too, the gasless wire (flux cored) is VERY expensive.

As some say, just my 2 cents!

 

[JMOR]

"Those cheapie wire feeds are not worth beans."

I'll second that!!!!

I have Miller 2E, Miller AC (220v) buzz box, Lincoln MIG (225), and grew up on Lincoln SA200 DC machine. so I do have a little experience & when I first tried MIG wire feed, I was a cheapie & except for the fact that I had friends with GOOD Miller & Lincoln wire feed units, I would have taken the cheapie junk back and been a "stick-forever" kind of welder. They have their applications, but they need to be good quality. So, what's new? We all know we get what we pay for.

 

[keithr]

also keep in mind when buying a welder there is a diference in the lowes,sears and other stores are commercial welders then you have the ones that you buy at the welding supplies company thos are industrial welders they look the same but the parts inside are built better..but if you not going to use it much the ones at sears or lowes will work for you

 

[5NSlezWI]

Thanks to all for the great feedback!