Another Which Welder Would I Want, Question...

rdinatal

rdinatal

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I have a few things that need patching throughout the year. Not a lot but just enough to make me think about learning to weld and invest in a welder. There is a budget limit as I know how we all like to spend others money.

This is what I'm looking at (or similar): https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/jobsmart-125-amp-fluxcore-welder?cm_vc=-10005

Material would normally about 1/8" thick steel. I would like to work with 3/8" as long as I can build up the weld.

Would this work or am I just setting myself up for disappointment?

-R
 
What is your budget limit?
What welding processes do you know and which do you want to learn?
 
ronn47 said:
What is your budget limit?
Click to expand...

The budget is $200.

ronn47 said:
What welding processes do you know and which do you want to learn?
Click to expand...

Oh, I know JB Weld! :cool:

I want to learn simple MIG or stick. The welder needs to be small and portable. Just something that makes strong welds and runs off 120V@20A. Not concerned about the duty cycle as the welding is for me and I have the time.

-R
 
Last edited:
Lawless said:
200 = used stick welder....maybe

A cheap welder will make you hate welding
Click to expand...

I was just looking at my dad's old welder that I haven't used once since he died in 2003. And that's mostly because it requires a bigger circuit than I have available (220V/60A).

Is there any such thing as a 110v stick welder that doesn't suck?
 
rdinatal said:
I have a few things that need patching throughout the year. Not a lot but just enough to make me think about learning to weld and invest in a welder. There is a budget limit as I know how we all like to spend others money.

This is what I'm looking at (or similar): https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/jobsmart-125-amp-fluxcore-welder?cm_vc=-10005

Material would normally about 1/8" thick steel. I would like to work with 3/8" as long as I can build up the weld.

Would this work or am I just setting myself up for disappointment?

-R
Click to expand...

IMO you're setting yourself up for disappointment. You would be better off finding a good, used higher quality welding machine. For 1/8" - 3/8" material I would suggest your basic crackerbox stick welding machine, instead of a 120V MIG.

This one would work fine for your needs:

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/6081320793.html

or this one:

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/6081320793.html

Or if you really want a 120V MIG, get this one:

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/6087651136.html
 
Catfish said:
I was just looking at my dad's old welder that I haven't used once since he died in 2003. And that's mostly because it requires a bigger circuit than I have available (220V/60A).

Is there any such thing as a 110v stick welder that doesn't suck?
Click to expand...
Not really. I have a 140A 110V Hobart mig here and an industrial welder at my In-law's. I can weld 1/4" plate with .035 wire pretty easily and do a much prettier job than a 110V stick welder would. You just do not have enough energy with a 110V stick machine. Using flux core wire in a MIG machine is pretty frustrating for new welders too. I usually tell people to save their money and keep looking for a good deal on a nice MIG with regulator. It will make you a better welder sooner because it is more simple to master.
 
Scsmith42 said:
IMO you're setting yourself up for disappointment. You would be better off finding a good, used higher quality welding machine.
Click to expand...

You're probably right. My own inexperience on this and the "advertising" got me to thinking incorrectly. Thanks.

I'll pay someone who has the experience and equipment so I don't waste my $. There's only so many things one can be good at.

-R
 
Buy once, cry once. Or pay someone else. My welders are indispensable pieces of equipment...

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 
I've been using one smiler to this in the shop for about 15 years I think mine is a model 100 110 or something like that. It has been flawless and was affordable at the time and runs off 120 volts. I would suggest that you don't run one of these off of a long dropcord best to bring the work to the welder. Though I have ran mine off a generator when working in the field and I didn't want to drag out a portable/gas powered welder.

If you opt for the one from T.S. find somebody that knows how to use it to check it out for you and make sure it will weld before you try to learn and get frustrated with it.
Once you get the hang of it you will kick yerself in the but for not getting one sooner.
And yes flux core is the way to go especially if theres a breeze.


https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...d=0ahUKEwjl_vbf1q3TAhXIMyYKHfcHCsgQ8wIInQMwAA
shopping
 
Try to at least find a way to step up to a 230-240v machine you will be much happier and have much better options in long run.
 
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