Cheap welder recommendations for brackets and exhaust?

[Drewski23]

Hope i don't get too banged up for posting this here, this section gets much more traffic and im sure alot of guys do their own fab work.. or they may be interested in attempting it.

Do you have any recommendations for a cheap welder? From the bit of research ive done i hear a tig welder would be good for things like brackets and exhaust work. I know there is alot more to welding than meets the eye and i am willing to learn but im trying to see how feasible getting one of these rigs would be.

[hugger6933]

I would suggest mig instead, but if you have your heart set on a tig rig, look into AVORTEC. I bought a machine from this guy off E-Bay a couple of years ago, a plasma cutter but it also does stick welding as well as a tig setup. That machine set me back like $700. I haven't cut anything thick with it but it will cut sheet metal at like 15 feet per min. The spec says it will cut up to I think 1/2 inch but I have cut thicker and talked to others with the same one and they have cut way thicker too. The guy that builds them says he under specs them so nobody will be disappointed when it performs more than he says it will. It also came with a really cool auto shade helmet[with variable shade] and gloves.
Now back to the mig, you can get one of those under a $1000 bucks. It is true you can get one of those plug into the outlet type that have the shoulder strap and are about the size of a ladies purse, but those will work only in a pinch or if that is the best you can do or need. I had one in my shop to use a spare to use when my big welder was either down or being used on another job and it did not weld pretty at all due to the lack of inert gasses. that also makes it more trouble to grind. So if you can what you buy should need the 75% 25% Argon CO2 mix gas bottle hook up for it. If you need to wait a little longer to save up a little more to buy the better one than buy one that don't do what you want then have to go back and buy the better one anyway that is really going backwards. Jim

[Drewski23]

Originally Posted by hugger6933

I would suggest mig instead, but if you have your heart set on a tig rig, look into AVORTEC. I bought a machine from this guy off E-Bay a couple of years ago, a plasma cutter but it also does stick welding as well as a tig setup. That machine set me back like $700.
Now back to the mig, you can get one of those under a $1000 bucks. It is true you can get one of those plug into the outlet type that have the shoulder strap and are about the size of a ladies purse, but those will work only in a pinch or if that is the best you can do or need. I had one in my shop to use a spare to use when my big welder was either down or being used on another job and it did not weld pretty at all due to the lack of inert gasses. that also makes it more trouble to grind. So if you can what you buy should need the 75% 25% Argon CO2 mix gas bottle hook up for it. If you need to wait a little longer to save up a little more to buy the better one than buy one that don't do what you want then have to go back and buy the better one anyway that is really going backwards. Jim

I dont have my heart set on anything in particular, from the tiny bit of google searching i did i saw a few people mention tigs are good for these types of things. Your set up is actually a plasma cutter but it has the capability to tig and stick weld? Can they all be used that way? having something that can also be used as a plasma cutter also seems pretty sweet.

Your right about that last part..Even though i dont have experience welding i dont want to throw away 3-400 bucks on a junk one.

heres a search for MIG welders in my area..anything pop out at you? http://stlouis.craigslist.org/search...der&catAbb=sss

and tigs http://stlouis.craigslist.org/search...xAsk=&sort=rel

[Roostboy102]

I have a 110 flux core mig and it actually works really well for what I spent. Ive also used a 110 mig with gas and couldn't get it dialed to save my life. I use quality welders at work but couldn't justify it for at home. "for brackets and exhaust" I would definitely say there's nothing wrong with a little mig. Happy welding!

[Roostboy102]

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/for/4195697208.html

This one. Give him $80 looks like it comes with a cart. If you can't stand it you can get $80 again...

[Drewski23]

Originally Posted by Roostboy102

http://stlouis.craigslist.org/for/4195697208.html

This one. Give him $80 looks like it comes with a cart. If you can't stand it you can get $80 again...

i know i can use the flux wire without the gas but how thick of steel could i weld with that particular one?

[bbcmudtruck]

Originally Posted by Drewski23

i know i can use the flux wire without the gas but how thick of steel could i weld with that particular one?

I absolutely hate flux and wont use it on anything. However to each their own.

[Spartan]

TIG- if you are in a clean shop/garage etc
MIG- good outside w/flux cored wire. Faster and way less skill required
Stick- more forgiving than either but takes more skill than mig.
I'd go MIG. Get one with gas capabilities. The bigger the better welding.
110 circuits can only put out so much energy and thick metal likes more.
I like miller or Lincoln. That's just my tastes and what I like tho

[Drewski23]

Originally Posted by Spartan

TIG- if you are in a clean shop/garage etc
MIG- good outside w/flux cored wire. Faster and way less skill required
Stick- more forgiving than either but takes more skill than mig.
I'd go MIG. Get one with gas capabilities. The bigger the better welding.
110 circuits can only put out so much energy and thick metal likes more.
I like miller or Lincoln. That's just my tastes and what I like tho

How thick are we talking? honestly i dont know the thickness of the metals id be using. id just guess nothing more than a half inch. I want to make a battery box and some brackets for a frame mount booster for starters

[Spartan]

Originally Posted by Drewski23

How thick are we talking? honestly i dont know the thickness of the metals id be using. id just guess nothing more than a half inch. I want to make a battery box and some brackets for a frame mount booster for starters

MIG is super easy. You'll be finding other projects before you know it and soon the machine will be your only limiting factor. as mentioned above take a look at the miller 211. Its decent quality, ok price, and I think they are still made in the USA. I will add that I have the Hobart 140 (with gas and/or flux core) and I weld 1/4" without much problem. Its drawback is it comes with a short lead but thats what extension cord are for...and its a 110V unit.

Flux core is good for welding outdoors i windy conditions.

2%

[bbcmudtruck]

This would be perfect for what your wanting to do and would also be great for sheet metal repair. http://stlouis.craigslist.org/tls/4156598831.html If your going to weld on anything very thick, you can always pick up a good stick welder for cheap. I learned on a stick 20 years ago. I used to weld for a living on a pipe fencing crew and also at a fab shop. I've had the pleasure of using some very nice equipment including the hobart 140. Ideally if you want to buy one and be done, look into the millermatic 211. A complete setup will cost you around 1200 bucks, however it will handle anything you throw at it. If your not going to be welding on everything you can find, I'd say that hobart would be hard to beat. Plus its fully outfitted. A bottle and hood can cost you anywhere from 150-500!

[PanelDeland]

Don't go TIG.If you aren't already a weldor and even if you are one that's not real accomplished,the learning curve on a TIG isn't something you want to deal with for a Hobby.A decent MIG with gas can be had for under $1000 and will be all the welder you need unless you go to production work or want to do high end fab work.There are several threads on welders in the tools section of the BB.NT sells the Hobarts for around $500 so with it a bottle and cart,maybe even hood and accessories,you're in for less than a grand.With a MIG,there's a good chance that 10-15 welds in,you'll be making decent to nice welds.
When you buy,get your best deal off the internet and go to the LWS(local welding supply).Most will match price and you have local service and parts.I got a deal on a bottle and free fill of gas along with a price match on my Miller.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by Drewski23

Hope i don't get too banged up for posting this here, this section gets much more traffic and im sure alot of guys do their own fab work.. or they may be interested in attempting it.

Do you have any recommendations for a cheap welder? From the bit of research ive done i hear a tig welder would be good for things like brackets and exhaust work. I know there is alot more to welding than meets the eye and i am willing to learn but im trying to see how feasible getting one of these rigs would be.

A TIG is the toughest welder to learn to use because you need to work both hands and one foot all at the same time. No doubt it will do finer, more delicate work than a MIG but the MIG is a great deal easier to use.

Not sure what you mean by "cheap". A friend bought a Lincoln then, when it simply did not work he bought a miller. Total investment $1700.00 1100 for a MIG that worked plus 600 for a MIG that didn't. In my experience if you buy cheap you buy twice, spend more and really get the Wife angry!

[GearsFC3S]

I've been looking into getting a MIG welder to learn welding myself. I have very projects that will be easier once I learn to weld. Looking around different forums, I've learned a few things.

1.) Apparently there's a big difference in performance from a quality units and the cheapo harbor freight/china welders. To the point were some of the guys thought they were doing something wrong because of the bad results they were getting.

2.) Flux core works okay, but using a gas shield produces a nicer weld. So if you can get one with a regulator or one that can be upgraded to one.

The big three brands seem to be Miller, Hobart and Chicago Electric. I was looking at getting a MIG like the Millermatic 140 or a Hobart Handler 140. Miller's supposed to be the best, but its $900 new. The Hobart seems comparable at half the price.

I'm looking for something used first but, might just bite the bullet and get one new.

[Drewski23]

Originally Posted by GearsFC3S

Looking around different forums, I've learned a few things.

2.) Flux core works okay, but using a gas shield produces a nicer weld. So if you can get one with a regulator or one that can be upgraded to one.
Hobart Handler 140. Miller's supposed to be the best, but its $900 new. The Hobart seems comparable at half the price.

I'm looking for something used first but, might just bite the bullet and get one new.

MIG seems to be the way to go. I was looking at the hobart 140 also...says it can weld 1/4"...seems sufficient..just trying to think if there is anything thicker that i might need to weld.

[BugzC10]

Subscribed..leaning to weld is on my "to-do" list and there is some good information on this tread.

[truckster]

Originally Posted by GearsFC3S

I've been looking into getting a MIG welder to learn welding myself. I have very projects that will be easier once I learn to weld. Looking around different forums, I've learned a few things.

1.) Apparently there's a big difference in performance from a quality units and the cheapo harbor freight/china welders....

The big three brands seem to be Miller, Hobart and Chicago Electric.

Chicago Electric is the Harbor Freight brand. Made in China.

[Jdubs71]

I wouldn't throw my money away on a cheap welder such as Chicago Electric. It is actually not one of the top 3 brands. Miller and Lincoln are the two most popular and it comes down to personal preference. Following behind them is Hobart. I have used both miller and lincoln and have had likes and dislikes with both. I like the millermatic mig welders, but would rather arc weld with my lincoln ranger over a miller bobcat or trailblazer. I've heard of Lincoln selling an off brand that is a good cheap welder. Not sure of the name so you may want to research it. As far as metal thickness i'm sure you will rarely weld anything more than a half inch. It doesn't seem like much but it really is thick and more than you will ever need for most jobs. In the end you get what you pay for, good luck.

[GearsFC3S]

Originally Posted by truckster

Chicago Electric is the Harbor Freight brand. Made in China.

Sorry. I meant Lincoln Electric. I'll go edit that.

[Fitz]

Originally Posted by GearsFC3S

I've been looking into getting a MIG welder to learn welding myself. I have very projects that will be easier once I learn to weld. Looking around different forums, I've learned a few things.

1.) Apparently there's a big difference in performance from a quality units and the cheapo harbor freight/china welders. To the point were some of the guys thought they were doing something wrong because of the bad results they were getting.

2.) Flux core works okay, but using a gas shield produces a nicer weld. So if you can get one with a regulator or one that can be upgraded to one.

The big three brands seem to be Miller, Hobart and Chicago Electric. I was looking at getting a MIG like the Millermatic 140 or a Hobart Handler 140. Miller's supposed to be the best, but its $900 new. The Hobart seems comparable at half the price.

I'm looking for something used first but, might just bite the bullet and get one new.

Now this is beginning to get interesting. Miller bought out Hobart several years ago so the internals of a Hobart welder are the same as a Miller without all of the frills. I own a Hobart TIGMATE and a Miller Autoset 210 MIG. I have used the Hobart Handler 140 and with the exception of the feed setup, it works as well as my Autoset 210 when I run it on 110 volts.

The 210 is sometimes on sale...check Cyberweld. They also sell Hobarts and every once in a while the shipping is free!

The Hobart 140 machine is, in my opinion a very good buy. Stay away from Chicago Electric...made in China.

[GearsFC3S]

Originally Posted by Fitz

Now this is beginning to get interesting. Miller bought out Hobart several years ago so the internals of a Hobart welder are the same as a Miller without all of the frills. I own a Hobart TIGMATE and a Miller Autoset 210 MIG. I have used the Hobart Handler 140 and with the exception of the feed setup, it works as well as my Autoset 210 when I run it on 110 volts.

The 210 is sometimes on sale...check Cyberweld. They also sell Hobarts and every once in a while the shipping is free!

The Hobart 140 machine is, in my opinion a very good buy. Stay away from Chicago Electric...made in China.

Thanks. Now I'm leaning toward the Hobart 140 even more. And yeah, I meant to say Lincoln Electric. The names are so close I just switched them (which is exactly what CE was trying for when they chose that name )

[mrein3]

There is a lot of information in this thread. Not all of it is good.
MIG stands for metal inert gas. You need to shield the weld puddle from the atmosphere or it will oxidize which leads to pourous welds which leads to a bad weld.

You can NOT use the MIG process outside as the wind will blow your gas away, leave your puddle exposed, and screw up your work.

Flux core is just what it sounds like. There is flux in the inside of the consumable wire. This flux vaporizes in the weld puddle and creates the shield you need to protect the puddle. Similar to the flux on the outside of the rods you use with a stick welder.

For the best all around machine I would get one that runs on 220 from Lincoln or Miller. I would make sure it comes ready to use gas. When you are inside in your shop, use the solid wire and gas. Outside switch the machine over to use flux core. Note that you can't just change the wire. You have to change the wire and swap the leads inside the machine. The Miller I own is quite clear on which post "+" or "-" you want your stinger and your grounding clamp depending on which process you want to use.

I keep a big spool of thin, solid wire for body work (I think it is 0.023"), a small spool of larger solid (I think that one is 0.030" or 0.035") for inside, thicker work, and a small spool of large, flux core for outside. Most of the outside work I do is on rusty boat docks and boat lifts.

The best thing I did for this hobby is take a community ed class. It was only about $100 and I learned a lot. It was so informative I took it a second time. I highly recommend a class like this if one is available in your area. If anything you can get some time on somebody else's machine and pointers from somebody who probably does this for a living - the welding instructor.

[Drewski23]

Originally Posted by mrein3

There is a lot of information in this thread. Not all of it is good.
MIG stands for metal inert gas. You need to shield the weld puddle from the atmosphere or it will oxidize which leads to pourous welds which leads to a bad weld.

You can NOT use the MIG process outside as the wind will blow your gas away, leave your puddle exposed, and screw up your work.

Flux core is just what it sounds like. There is flux in the inside of the consumable wire. This flux vaporizes in the weld puddle and creates the shield you need to protect the puddle. Similar to the flux on the outside of the rods you use with a stick welder.

For the best all around machine I would get one that runs on 220 from Lincoln or Miller. I would make sure it comes ready to use gas. When you are inside in your shop, use the solid wire and gas. Outside switch the machine over to use flux core. Note that you can't just change the wire. You have to change the wire and swap the leads inside the machine. The Miller I own is quite clear on which post "+" or "-" you want your stinger and your grounding clamp depending on which process you want to use.

I keep a big spool of thin, solid wire for body work (I think it is 0.023"), a small spool of larger solid (I think that one is 0.030" or 0.035") for inside, thicker work, and a small spool of large, flux core for outside. Most of the outside work I do is on rusty boat docks and boat lifts.

The best thing I did for this hobby is take a community ed class. It was only about $100 and I learned a lot. It was so informative I took it a second time. I highly recommend a class like this if one is available in your area. If anything you can get some time on somebody else's machine and pointers from somebody who probably does this for a living - the welding instructor.

thanks for the techincal information

[cg285]

i agree with a class or buy a book on the subject and read it.
i believe anyone should start by learning to gas weld and control the puddle.
i've see a lot of first timers pick up a mig and think they are a pro but the welds are terrible.

as far as the op (cheap welder for brkts...) the 120v flux core machine would work well for that
i have several machines but i use a flux core for quick small jobs, portable stuff....

[PanelDeland]

I will also add that I see the HF welders for sale on CL all the time.I occasionally see the Hobarts.The only Millers I see for sale used on CL are "Bobcats" and they tend to be for sale by pros who are upgrading.Around here the Lincoln AC welders are on there but most want new price for them.
BTW The Miller 211 isted above is a 110/220 unit that only requires a plug and play change to go from one to the other.I love mine.It will do any work on these trucks I want and handle most light fab work of any kind.

BTW Don't forget to budget for hood,gloves,wire brushes,grinder,and MIG Pliers.You'll also need cutting tools to fab some things.