WELDING

[johnpaulgolf]

just starting my research on welding.... I am going to learn how to weld.... would like to start off with an inexpensive but useable welder... any and all coments are appreciated... thaks for your time in advance.

[cuz1]

I am looking for my first welder as well. Any advice is good.

[66gasgrill]

I would probably go with this for my first .

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/...0_autoset/


Miller makes great products. You could go with one of the 110v versions which do well for smaller stuff sheet metal ect. But the won't perform like you want when you start weling thicker materials. I have a millermatic 200 that I've had for about 15 years that still works as good as the first day. This is the next one I hope to get.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/tig/econotig/

HTH

[broncomatt]

I am no means a pro welder. That said, I will say this much. Buy a decent one. Back before I went to auto tech school, I started in the welding program. I decided it wasnt for me, but I did learn how to use the stick, mig and tig systems. For most auto repair a mig is best. Afordible, easy to use and faster. Here is the catch, a cheap 120v mig is realy only meant for body repair. If you need to use it for cage, bumper or structual welding it may not be enough. I burned out my first cheap 120vmig, and tried to use one from harbor freight. It never even worked! Stick with a name brand, miller,lincon. I get mine from snap-on(miller makes them). Had it 5-6years and still works great. I plan on picking up a larger 220v unit later this year. Mostly since I am redoing the frame/cage on my rig.
Just my 2c. 8)
Broncomatt

[johnpaulgolf]

thanks yall... I really need enough for bumbers/cages

All-in-one wire welding package welds 24 gauge - 5/16 in (0.8 - 7.9 mm) mild steel.

will this one work?

[blazinchuck]

thanks yall... I really need enough for bumbers/cages

All-in-one wire welding package welds 24 gauge - 5/16 in (0.8 - 7.9 mm) mild steel.

will this one work?

I always look at it like this.. get a little more than what you need. I dont mean get something that will weld 1/2"...but I would consider a Hobart 140 also. They will do 1/4" and thin sheet metal. I know...I had one. Super smooth. Mine was really a 135, but they updated it to a 140 and I think i paid around $425. Get a name brand..Miller,Hobart,esab...that way all parts and service are available. Good luck,Chuck

I have a L-Tec(ESAB's original name) MigMaster 250

[trkbilder]

I have a small Miller 110 v. unit, no gas, that does everything I need in making knives. I have welded 1/4" plate but had to slow it down for a good penetration. Like everyone says, get a name brand and practice, practice, practice!!!

[66bronco]

thanks yall... I really need enough for bumbers/cages

All-in-one wire welding package welds 24 gauge - 5/16 in (0.8 - 7.9 mm) mild steel.

will this one work?

I always look at it like this.. get a little more than what you need. I dont mean get something that will weld 1/2"...but I would consider a Hobart 140 also. They will do 1/4" and thin sheet metal. I know...I had one. Super smooth. Mine was really a 135, but they updated it to a 140 and I think i paid around $425. Get a name brand..Miller,Hobart,esab...that way all parts and service are available. Good luck,Chuck

i agree with chuck the hobart 140 is a great welder.put a gas bottle on it and it will weld everything you want.as far as welding say half inch material, it will do it, you just have to turn up heat and burn it in.a few small welds are stronger than one big weld.
bryan

I have a L-Tec(ESAB's original name) MigMaster 250

[SC74]

I've been using a Hobart 140(actually 744x4's welder) and have been very pleased. It has done everything on my project truck thus far. It's a 110 V so it's easy to take back and forth between houses. We've used it to build bumpers, roll cages, suspension links, etc.

Good Luck on the welding - you're about to open a whole new can of worms in the Bronco world You'll next be getting a grinder, some clamps, big vice grips, and magnets, etc. The sky is the limit when it comes to fabrication.

[JunKeBluB2]

Then you can throw in a chop saw, band saw, plasma cutter, milling machine, & a lathe and you'll be really set