Need Welder Recommendation
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
From: Union Ontario
Re: Need Welder Recommendation (70BBvert)
I have a C-H 110v mig/ flux core welder. Good all around household unit. But as said before, A 220V unit is better, read, more versatile but for the most part is not required for home fabrication.
After being in be for two days with Arc flash.... Get a good autodimming helmet. It is one of the most painful experiences in my life. It feels like 80 grit sandpaper on your eyes every time you move your eyes or eyelids.
After being in be for two days with Arc flash.... Get a good autodimming helmet. It is one of the most painful experiences in my life. It feels like 80 grit sandpaper on your eyes every time you move your eyes or eyelids.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Re: Need Welder Recommendation (Noel Carboni)
Note of grounding rods. They don't have to be 8 foot rods driven into the ground. They now have plates that have a ground attachment on them. The rod had to be 8 feet to get the surface area but these new plates are buryed in the ground a few feet and have the area.
Found out about this after driving 2 rods in the ground.
Found out about this after driving 2 rods in the ground.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
From: Union Ontario
Re: Need Welder Recommendation (norvalwilhelm)
I've seen those grounding plates, they look a hell of a lot easier than a 8'grounding rod....... Ever have to remove one of those rods? it sucks unless you have access to a backhoe.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Need Welder Recommendation (Noel Carboni)
Noel, I bought a Craftsman 110v stick welder and have no problems at all. I have welded alot with it including a 10' X 6' trailer made out of 2-1/2" X 1/4" tubing. Just for home garage usage I think it does everything I need.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Bluffdale Utah
Re: Need Welder Recommendation (Noel Carboni)
Noel,
I think you'd be just as happy with the MIG as most of the the responses to your question. I graduated with a welding degree from a Tech school about 20 yrs ago. A 110v MIG would likely satisfy 95% of everything the common handiman would encounter. On the other hand, if you have a weld requirement on anything more than approx. 3/16" plate, I wouldn't recommend it. These small welders just don't burn hot enough to penetrate thicker plate satisfactorily. I'd personally recommend a Lincoln or a Miller. I've had great luck with both. Be sure to get a bottle with your MIG also.
As far as self dimming helmets, I wouldn't spend my money here. A standard helmet from your local welding supply would be best. (I never liked what came with my welders) Training? Get with someone that has a welding background to teach you the basics. To create anything worthwhile weldment you'll want practical experience that you can't get from a book. Weldings not difficult to do if you have someone show you what to look and listen for. Good Luck :cool: :cool:
I think you'd be just as happy with the MIG as most of the the responses to your question. I graduated with a welding degree from a Tech school about 20 yrs ago. A 110v MIG would likely satisfy 95% of everything the common handiman would encounter. On the other hand, if you have a weld requirement on anything more than approx. 3/16" plate, I wouldn't recommend it. These small welders just don't burn hot enough to penetrate thicker plate satisfactorily. I'd personally recommend a Lincoln or a Miller. I've had great luck with both. Be sure to get a bottle with your MIG also.
As far as self dimming helmets, I wouldn't spend my money here. A standard helmet from your local welding supply would be best. (I never liked what came with my welders) Training? Get with someone that has a welding background to teach you the basics. To create anything worthwhile weldment you'll want practical experience that you can't get from a book. Weldings not difficult to do if you have someone show you what to look and listen for. Good Luck :cool: :cool:
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: FL
Re: Need Welder Recommendation (One GM A Tech)
Wow. WOW! :eek: What a lot of GREAT responses! :cool:
Thank you all for your advice. I'm going to have to print this thread and read it again.
Thanks again! :D
-Noel
Thank you all for your advice. I'm going to have to print this thread and read it again.
Thanks again! :D
-Noel
