looks like I'm in the market for a welder

Grumpy

Grumpy

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.
Staff member
post off a different website

I need new fenders on my utility trailer. and id like to put on a few D-rings put on.
and fab up a bracket for the ramps.
my local fab shop wants $600 bucks for this work.
I am thinking to just buy a welder and do it myself. i have welded many yrs ago but feel confident enough to do it myself.
i am looking for a wire fed Gas welder that i can competently weld 1/4" plate.
what are your recomendations? if you can attach links or pictures with specs i should look for.
was thinking at least a 140. and something affordable that handle all of what i may need. i don't want to spend much more than a grand. $600 range would be great
not sure. but only want to buy it once..and be done.
what should i be looking for. and whats the best source..? Ive read a few post about buying a refab from a vendor? whats the best way for me to go
Click to expand...

I don,t know how anyone in this hobby can get along without access to a decent, MIG, or TIG, or GAS welder, the fact is they constantly are a useful tool you need ,having owned three 110 volt and at least 5 230 volt welders over the last 25 years I can be reasonably sure that telling you that a decent 230 volt 180 amp or larger rated mig will do a better job than most 110 volt 140 amp migs could ever do!
your virtually being forced to spend a minimum of $600 for that you get NOTHING but the one job done, your far better off buying a decent welder and spending that $600 plus a bit more in vested in a quality tool, at this time makes a lot of sense.
you can look at used welders but you obviously take a chance that, its worn out or damaged, is far lower than buying new.
while the price makes the purchase of a smaller 120 volt welder like these , first ones posted very attractive, a 120 volt MIG is going to be stretched too close, to its limits welding 1/4" steel, (it will work but a 180 amp will work much better)
so Id strongly consider stepping up to a 230 volt feed 180-230 amp MIG.
obviously you'll make the choice based on needs and budget but your very unlikely to regret spending a bit more and getting a 180 amp 230 volt welder in the long term.
keep in mind you'll need a tank of shield gas regulator wire, darkening face shield, gloves etc. along with the welder so the total price will be a bit higher than just the welder and buying a well known brand tends to insure you'll have repair parts available for awhile while the imported stuff may be un-repairable in a year or two.

READ THE LINKS
http://www.welders-direct.com/mm5/m..._Code=WD&Product_Code=907612&Category_Code=MW

http://www.welders-direct.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=MW

http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500554-Handler-Wire-Welder/dp/B005CNOVZU/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1459013069&sr=1-2&keywords=hobart 190&tag=viglink22192-20

http://www.welders-direct.com/mm5/m...Code=WD&Product_Code=K2473-2&Category_Code=MW

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200479230_200479230?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Welding > MIG + Flux Core Welding&utm_campaign=Hobart&utm_content=20860&ci_src=17588969&ci_sku=20860&cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=google_PLA&utm_medium=Welding+-+SC&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&mkwid=sCUGeeTnk&pcrid=39155627516&mtype=&devicetype=c&gclid=CNmqyJDD5MsCFQEJaQodExUE_g

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welders-175-amp-mig-welder-w-spool-gun.html

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-250.html

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.c...-211-mig-welder-with-advanced-auto-set-907614
THIS MILLER 211 IS VERY POPULAR AMONG MY FRIENDS

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/most-versital-shop-welder.1594/

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-t-do-stupid-stuff-get-decent-equipment.1669/

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.c...2-mig-welder-complete-package-907321?___SID=U
after trying well over a dozen different mig welders, and several brands, I got a bit frustrated and said to myself, stop being cheap and get a really good one!
well it took me over a year to save up doing local brake job's, tune ups, etc
but I spent $2270 on sale and bought a miller 252, MIG, you may not need to spend that much or need that much capacity but I don,t regret it a minute!
 
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I have a shop back-up welder/genorator thats worked flawlessly for 12 years so far
http://www.weldingoutfitter.com/pro...=23379359878&gclid=COqy8aGaxs8CFQ0DaQoduoYI6g
https://weldingsupply.com/cgi-bin/einstein.pl?PNUM::1:UNDEF:X:K2266-1
http://www.mig-welders-tig-welder.com/tig-welder/tig-welding-conversion-kits.htm

this is a GREAT EXCUSE, you can use with the wife to justify spending cash on an emergency generator, most wives are not big fans of camping without power for a week, to buy a decent shop welder/generator, the welders can generally be converted to TIG from ARC if you buy a conversion KIT from the manufacturer
k2857-1.jpg
 
miller252.jpg

I purchased a miller 252 MIG simply because I was damn frustrated at dealing with absurdly low duty cycles when using a freinds old mig welder and at the time I had a few extra bucks after selling a car, and dropped by the miller dealer and asaked a good deal of questions, the end result was I purchased a bit larger and more expensive welder than I need for 90% of what I do, but I don,t regret that money that was very well spent
http://store.cyberweld.com/mil251witmet.html?gclid=CNLngJKNi9ACFUdbhgodqasLaw

Ive used a friends miller 212 mig on several occastions and while its duty cycle is a bit less than my miller 252 its certainly able to easily handle most auto related mig welding chores
https://www.eastwood.com/tig200acdc.html
p20565.jpg

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-as-a-parts-chaser-transport.2638/#post-70658

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https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc....cpc&utm_content=1371&utm_campaign=product-ads
mil212.png


one of my neighbors bought this hobart welder and for the price its certainly a bargain,
it lacks a few features but on most sheet metal and body work it more than adequate'

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005CGZNMM/ezmigwelders-20
hob190.jpg


thats one great reason , on an endless list of reasons to own,
and know how to use a a decent quality MIG or TIG welder,
I don,t see how anyone in this hobby can function,
without a decent welder , drill press and a decent tool chest

we have a whole welding section
http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?forums/welding-tips-and-welders.60/

http://www.htpweld.com/products/tig_welders/tig201.html

https://www.eastwood.com/welders/mig-welders.html

https://store.cyberweld.com/millerw...MI5IS68_L23QIVHbjACh3lSA4REAAYASAAEgI64_D_BwE

https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/equipment/Pages/welders.aspx

https://www.weldersupply.com/C/42/TigMachines
 
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I wonder how many of you gentlemen keep looking for a deal on a used MIG OR TIG welder?
Ive let most of my friends know Im always looking for deals on tools and car parts.
Jack a friend of mine who seldom even works on cars and has no idea how to weld called me up,
and asked me several questions about a miller tig welder he had seen for sale at a yard sale that was in his area.\
he said he found a guy who is moving, after closing his auto repair shop,
that had a miller dynasty 210 TIG welder for sale,
he says it looks to be in very good condition
it has a liquid cool tig torch and coolant pump, foot petal etc.
and several accessories
the guy said he wanted $2000 for it used,
and swore it works fine and offered to demo it..
If I was not broke Id have jumped on that deal........
.well, I may not be in position to buy it..... but if its what he said it is its a damn good deal...
SO I called a buddy and hes now on the way over to look at the welder for his shop... I hope he gets the deal.

One reason you always try to keep in peoples good graces and help out,
where you can is it occasionally results in them pointing out deals,
in used parts and tools and equipment, they may have no use for.
but they will remember you helping them out and while it may cost them zip...
they can still help you out with info on deals,
as they might feel a bit of debt to you, and take the effort to help you out in return.

Miller Dynasty 210 Complete With Wireless Foot Control

https://store.cyberweld.com/midy210cowiw.html

if you got a decent tax refund, these options might interest you

https://www.amazon.com/Everlast-Pow...ss/dp/B072RDF888?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_11479840011

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mp250i-multi-process-250-amp-welder.html

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/tig-gtaw/dynasty-210-tig-welders-m30020

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welders/mig-gmaw/millermatic-212-auto-set-mig-welder-m00456

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mig-250-250-amp-welder-plasma-cut-60-and-cart.html

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-mp250i-multi-process-250-amp-welder.html

http://www.welders-direct.com/precision-tig-225-wcart.html

https://store.cyberweld.com/midy210dxtig.html
 
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Grumpy said:
I wonder how many of you gentlemen keep looking for a deal on a used MIG OR TIG welder?
Ive let most of my friends know Im always looking for deals on tools and car parts.
Jack a friend of mine who seldom even works on cars and has no idea how to weld called me up,
and asked me several questions about a miller tig welder he had seen for sale at a yard sale that was in his area.\
he said he found a guy who is moving, after closing his auto repair shop,
that had a miller dynasty 210 TIG welder for sale,
he says it looks to be in very good condition
it has a liquid cool tig torch and coolant pump, foot petal etc.
and several accessories
the guy said he wanted $2000 for it used,
and swore it works fine and offered to demo it..
If I was not broke Id have jumped on that deal........
.well, I may not be in position to buy it..... but if its what he said it is its a damn good deal...
SO I called a buddy and hes now on the way over to look at the welder for his shop... I hope he gets the deal.

One reason you always try to keep in peoples good graces and help out,
where you can is it occasionally results in them pointing out deals,
in used parts and tools and equipment, they may have no use for.
but they will remember you helping them out and while it may cost them zip...
they can still help you out with info on deals,
as they might feel a bit of debt to you, and take the effort to help you out in return.

Miller Dynasty 210 Complete With Wireless Foot Control

https://store.cyberweld.com/midy210cowiw.html
Click to expand...
Be Nice to Have Grumpy.
 
 
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Grumpy said:
a couple interesting options

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everlas...F-Lift-TIG-Start-240V-PowerMTS-250S/205350927

https://www.everlastgenerators.com/product/tig-stick/powertig-250ex

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everlas...Lift-TIG-Start-240V-PowerTIG-325EXT/205350914
this seems
impressive



https://www.everlastgenerators.com/...products/6c40c2a1456c5a7f0f7183f336a3bf82.pdf

https://www.everlastgenerators.com/catalog-multiprocess-migtigstick

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015K3W6YY/ref=psdc_13400561_t4_B072KTFFNZ

https://www.amazon.com/Everlast-Pow...546281224&sr=1-6&keywords=everlast+tig+welder

https://www.amazon.com/Everlast-Pow...46281224&sr=1-19&keywords=everlast+tig+welder
Click to expand...
Looking Grumpy.
Looks like an interesting option for me .
All in 1 machine. TIG, MIG, & STICK.
Starter TIG for me.

Really like to have a TIG.
Do so much more.
Earn extra $ on the side.
 
I downloaded the spec file Grumpy.
Using high current input.
44.9 amps @ 240 AC.
33.6 amps @ 240 VAC.

252 STi & 221 STi respective.
Not sure the Farmhouse breaker box can handle.

Diesel Gen Set !
 
before anyone buys any welder , new or used,
you should call and talk too both the manufactures reps, the TECH and sales and repair dept. guys,
and find someone local thats owned and used one for at least several months,
Ideally you'll want to get a local dealer to point out the welders strong vs weak points,
and perhaps let you either try one out or point you to a local shop,
that will be willing to let you try a few welds and show you how too use the welder for a few buck$
slipping some guy $50 -$60 bucks for 20-30 minutes instruction on a similar machine,
before you buy one,
is going to be a great financial investment, and it could save you from making the wrong decision.
if the TIG welder your looking at does not have AC/DC and pulse frequency, options,
and rated at at least 180 amps, its not going to be ideal for welding aluminum.
 
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