Welding 101
 

I want to start doing my own custom work. I decided to buy a welder and just dive into it and giver.

I want to buy a basic welder you can get in a local hardware store. Like Princess Auto, Lordco, Canadian Tire. Sorry to my American friends if these places are not in the US. and make no sense.

I don't know where to start? Any advice would be a huge help.

I'm thinking stick welder as it can get into tight spaces...

Amps? Volts? Portables?

Me too. I went with a Hobart Handler 140 MIG welder. Not cheap, but not expensive as far as welders go. I want to be able to weld stuff and not have to ask to borrow one. Not looking to do major fab work.

Hobart?
 

what about a 115Volt HOBART mig welder?

is this good enoough to weld on Gussets, rock sliders.. excetera?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpMEtZz2uYU&feature=fvw

as you where posting this i was watching a video on this exact welder.. ;)

i might have to go with a different brand due to whats available in my area..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpMEtZz2uYU&feature=fvw

I watched those videos also. I cant wait to start practicing. I'll have to find a cheap tank and a shield, gloves. I have access to steel all day long.
I looked for classes to learn from, but zero. except for City. I'll learn though.

what did you pay for that welder?

minimum 220
 

3 friends have responded to me over the past few hours. all of them are journymen welders with over 10 years expereince..

example they told me: To weld the EVO gussets on the Dayna 44's and rock sliders ontpo the frame you should be using a 220V mig welder to achive a solid no hassle weld.. they all recommended the miller 211 or 212.. if thats not available they said go to Lincoln 216... they are so expensive... i dont think i can afford to do this.. i may have to look at renting

yea its not exactly cheap to jump right into

it would be best to use a 240 volt unit as they put out better results

some will say you can get a lot done with a 110 unit but the people who can get the best results with them are pro welders to begin with so i say the 240 to help cover the newbie in you.

it would be best to be a brand whore in this case mainly because of the availability of replacement parts.
so think of a lincoln, hobart, or miller
i think millers are made in Canada so if you want to keep the money home that would be an idea.
im using a miller 180, its a 240v mig and it does a fine job. on its highest setting it can burn thru 5/8" plate so you know it has the power.
and once you start getting further into your abilities you will end up buying more tools to complete your shop

oh and the one thing millers have is infinite adjustable power settings

Very good choice, and you will ber very suprised at the amount of stuff you CAN weld with this welder!

Dude, you can weld the EVO gussets with the 110 Hobart. I do it all the time and it's a very solid weld. Look at it like this..when you ask this type of question you are going to get ALOT of peoples opinions on what THEY like best. If you ask a mechanic that has been doing the job for a while on his choice of the best tool for the job he will most likely tell you the BEST of the BEST tool to get it done. Thats because he has tried all the others and has settled on that type of tool. Now, if you ask him what is the cheapest tool to get it done then you will get a much different answer. The Hobart 135/140 110V welder will do exactly what you are wanting it to. We used this welder in an industrial setting for repairs on things that can not break down and it did just fine. I will completly disagree with anyone that says you need 220V to get the job done. Is it better-Yes, can you get the same results with 110V Mig with gas-Yes...good luck with your choice bro.