Namebrand Welder

[black70cs]

If you decide to go mig, just make sure it has a gas solenoid, alot of guys will go to a place like tractor supply or something and see a "mig" for 199 bucks and get it home and all you can use is fluxcore wire. The bigger names have them. just my .02
Charlie

[mrung0wa]

FYI: When it comes to arc welding you really can't settle for something mediocre/half ass.

1) It doesn't have to be a Lincoln or a Miller (But it should be) as long as not a "Forced Labor Camp Special" from overseas.
Basically just do to the fact that if you have a problem with it you'll need to speak to somebody that speaks English/American English.

2) Make sure that you can use gas (Argon) with it.

3) 120 volt machines are okay in a pinch but you really should have a 240 volt one (they're more economical to operate too!) as long as you have a 240 volt 30-50 amp source.

4) Obtain good thick leather gloves and a real welding helmet not those hokey shields.

Lawrence

[adam138]

I picked up a wirefeed welder today at Sears,It is a Craftsman.I got that since it was 350 bucks and came with tools,and a cart and a craftsman 33 gallon air compressor any ways the welder has a hookup for gas but dont havea bottle.Does it run better with gas?

[trukcrazy]

Adam, what's the model number of the one you have?

[mrung0wa]

I picked up a wirefeed welder today at Sears,It is a Craftsman.I got that since it was 350 bucks and came with tools,and a cart and a craftsman 33 gallon air compressor any ways the welder has a hookup for gas but dont havea bottle.Does it run better with gas?

You bet your sweet Bippie it does!

What the Argon gas does (wether its mixed with 20% CO2 or all Argon) is keep the area were the arc is happening cool and stable. It gets real hot which changes your environment that you want to weld the argon maintains the temp This results in a far more consistant/stronger and for that matter better looking weld. With a flux core wire set up its the flux that tries to cool the area with what appears to be a nice weld (and it will do the job) but there is no comparison between the two.

Lawrence

[adam138]

Umm the model number on mine is: 196.205690
Its a Craftsman
did you have the same one or somethin?

[Faithful Old Road Dog]

I thought the co2 or argon shields the arc and wire from outside elements making a cleaniner weld.

[mrung0wa]

UH?
Isn't that what I just said My Brother?
Outside elements in this case being ExtremelyHigh Temperature verses The ambient temperature ( the temperture around you).
That's why exhaust manifold leaks are Bad (you can crack an exhaust valve if the cold air from outside enters the exhaust port in the cylinder head).

Hows that for an anology!

Lawrence

[trukcrazy]

I don't have one yet. I am going to look at them when I get home in Feb. Just curious as to what others are buying and using. This topic comes up frequently.

[mrung0wa]

Hey John!

Remember, before you go and buy one make sure that it's a welder that we approved by at least a few of our Brothers first!

I got my MIG from sears.com and Brother let me tell you, did I score! It a closeout sale on a Century 240v 175 amp (w/gas of course!) for $179 and it came w/a Lincoln warranty (Lincoln bought the welding division from century) the regular price was over $450! I should of bought a couple more of 'em. I had borrowed a buddy's 120v lincoln (No gas) wire feed welder so I decided to have a contest between the two. With both rigs using the same .035 flux core wire. It was no contest my Century/Lincoln had cleaner better looking beads and was even a little quicker than the 120v Lincoln.

The awesome deals are still out there. You just gotta do your homework!

Lawrence

[mrung0wa]

Oh yeah John I almost forgot !

I also picked up a cool looking (w/an eagle spreading it's wings on it!) Hobart auto-darkening helmet for $70 a couple of weeks later also from sears.com.
You wouldn't normally think that sears could have such great deals but, lo and behold they did!

Lawrence

[mrung0wa]

But wait there's still more!

A few months later I scored on a Red skull auto-darkening helmet for $80 w/free shipping and I had a $10 off coupon which brought it down to $70.
I got that from Sportsman.com and it works great (Like Butter!). No worries mate!

Lawrence

[trukcrazy]

Good information there Lawrence. I will have to keep checking Sears for their sales and clearances. If I remember correctly, a 240V rig is much better than a 120V, right? Miller, Lincoln(Century), Hobart are the top brands? Mig with gas is the most versatile and easiest for novices? An auto-darkening hood with a skull or eagle on it is the best ? Does that sum it up about right?

[mrung0wa]

FYI: I use the eagle one on weekends and patriotic holidays. The Red Skull Helmet is my everyday of the week one.

John, just don't do something foolish and buy a Sluggo brand special!

Lawrence

[trukcrazy]

Thanks, no Sluggo products for me anymore.