looking for welder
- Thread starter minibikekid16
- Start date
- Tags welder
Buy Cheap, Buy Twice.....
Some of the guys on this site are die hard stick welders, and thats cool... But if you consider the learning curve, a Mig will be a good choice. One thing that all of us old timers can agree on is: Buy cheep, and buy twice. If you are on a slim budget, take your time to look around for a deal on a used quality machine. Miller, Lincoln, or ESAB, its just a matter of choice, but if you start with a quality machine you will only buy once and the machine will last for years. The Harbor Freight machines look tempting but its a problem if they brake. No product support means No parts ! I have a Miller machine in the shop i bought 20 + years ago and it works as well today as the day i bought it. I also agree that a Gas machine is the way to go. Much cleaner welds. If you dont have a hood yet, consider an AUTO Darkening one. Perhaps if you asked your teacher he may know somebody with a used machine, or start watching your local papers, Craigs List, etc. Harbor Freight is ok for gloves, wire brushes, grinding wheels, etc... but spend your money on a good machine. :grind: Good Luck ! :thumbsup:
Some of the guys on this site are die hard stick welders, and thats cool... But if you consider the learning curve, a Mig will be a good choice. One thing that all of us old timers can agree on is: Buy cheep, and buy twice. If you are on a slim budget, take your time to look around for a deal on a used quality machine. Miller, Lincoln, or ESAB, its just a matter of choice, but if you start with a quality machine you will only buy once and the machine will last for years. The Harbor Freight machines look tempting but its a problem if they brake. No product support means No parts ! I have a Miller machine in the shop i bought 20 + years ago and it works as well today as the day i bought it. I also agree that a Gas machine is the way to go. Much cleaner welds. If you dont have a hood yet, consider an AUTO Darkening one. Perhaps if you asked your teacher he may know somebody with a used machine, or start watching your local papers, Craigs List, etc. Harbor Freight is ok for gloves, wire brushes, grinding wheels, etc... but spend your money on a good machine. :grind: Good Luck ! :thumbsup:
I have this one Tractor Supply Company - Hobart Handler 125 EZ Welder and like it alot , I have built many things with it as it is very easy to use , I think I paid about this price for it , I like this one better than the Lincoln I have that was a 100amp , this model is still 110 volt good enough for the home projects , BUt I agree with the other posts if you can afford more than do so ,, buy once :weld: I will add that I also the Harbor Frieght automatic welding helmet and again I love it , it is adjustable and so much easier to use tham flipping your helmet up and down ,, My two cents , shoeman
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