Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Welders

I'm thinking about trying to learn a new skill set. Do any of you experienced welders have any recommendations on a mig welder for a beginner that won't break the bank?
Thanks!

...laffin...

Let me go drink about four fingers of rot gut and I'll get back with you....

Depends on what you are planning on welding. If you are planning on welding light metals and assemblies of metal 1/4" and thinner, you could probably get by with one of the Millermatic 140, Hobart 140, or Lincoln 140 units for quite awhile. Get a 75/25 tank of gas to go with it.
The best thing about them is that they will not only work quite well, are easy to learn and adjust- but they are also portable since they are usually 110V machines. So, you can take it anywhere 110V power is available and go to work.

If you have an adult learning center or community college avaiable you should be able to take some welding classes in the evenings to help you get started.

Bob

Time out whilst I go pop some popcorns


Mike

I can't even begin to call myself a welder, but this would be my first choice in your shoes;

HOBART 190

Ed

I have no idea. Look forward to the replies.

I'm not looking at doing any heavy duty stuff for a while. I'm just looking for a good welder to use around the house on hobbies and what not.

I see your from east tn. You must be one of those 2 buck limit supporters from another site. Lol!

GOOD GRIEF - There are 2 threads running on the 24hour index page right now !!!

Don't think we really need another one.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...812533/Need_info_on_welders#Post10812533

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/9957428/1

Myron

Whoa there Mister... You don't just go out and buy a MIG welder with the Campfire Welding Apprenticeship Program watching over you!

First you will need to pass a 3" Schedule 80 6G pipe destructive test using Oxy Acet and RG 45 filler... If you can't do this, no going on to MIG!

Also, you did not mention if you plan on renting or buying your shielding gas bottles. If you don't answer this correctly you will fail.

Seriously, Good luck.... You're gonna need it after 20 plus pages of advice here.

I don't ever go to the other site, they don't seem to like me in their little play ground.

Here read on this, There could be some useful info in this thread that might actually relate to the inquiry your making,...and a whole schitt load of stuff that don't.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...812533/Need_info_on_welders#Post10812533

Sorry didn't relize the topic had already been brought up.

Thanks! If you you ever want to join another local hunting forum that's not as uptight as that bunch just let me know.

yea, buy a smaw (stick) rig that will do AC/DC 50lbs of 3/32 7018, and burn that first 50lbs up making bead pads, come back after your done for more instruction

Ya I'll check it out, Thanks
...you'd be better off to PM the link to me tho....

Is it alright if I bring my girlfriend when I visit?

Buy the Lincoln 140 or Hobart Handler (140) and run it with flux core. Those are both 120 volt machines, but a considerable step up from the lowest end stuff. .035" flux core wire is heavy enough to build small trailers and similar projects. 240 volt stuff is nicer of course and something like a low end stick welder can be gotten cheaper and will handle heavier tasks, but it doesn't get much easier than a basic wire feed welder. And learning without gas apparatus makes things very simple indeed. Many of these smaller welders come with the regulator and stuff you need when you're ready to switch to gas too. I paid right around $450 for a "used" (damaged box) Hobart unit from Amazon this fall; built a nice 8x10 snow machine trailer with it. 3/16" tube and angle were no trouble at all. As with just about any 120 volt machine, the duty cycle rating is not very good, but I've run close to 10 pounds of wire without ever exceeding the machine's built-in protection system. Sure I like heavier welders better, but these little machines serve their purpose with decent versatility.

BTW, it's alright to have an additional thread. I think those others were taken over by the pros.