I think I'm going to get a welder...

[Legacy777]

I've been wanting one for a while now, and just haven't gotten one. Took an intro one day class that gave a breif overview.

I've talked with my uncle who has been welding for who knows how long and said they have a lincoln SP-100 they use for small stuff.

So I'm looking now at the Lincoln Sp-140C & Miller 140 (autoset or without autoset).

They work on 110. I don't anticipate using it a lot, and would primarily use it for brackets & other such stuff. I want to fab up a bracket for my AWIC pump....which is why I want to get one now.

I may look at a used one....but I need to do some more research.

Anyway....just thought I'd share....if you have comments post away

[All_talk]

I would recommend taking a good look at the 220V models. I’ve used several 110V version and none of them seem to weld very smooth, even on the thin stuff. Not the you cant get by with the 110V, but like everything else, the quality of the tool has a lot to do with how easy the job is and how well it comes out in the end. And spring for the MIG (gas shield), flux core is very limiting. I have a Hobat Handler that I've been very happy with.

If you dont have 220 in the garage dont worry, I worked for years at the end of a Romex extension cord with a dryer plug.

Once you have a welder around you will never want to be without it. I do autobody, brackets and general repair around the garage and property. I even welded up the cracked keyway in the current EJ20G in my car without tearing the engine down, its been surviving daily redline shifts for over 10,000 miles now... welder = good. And I recently did my first aluminum work modifying my TMIC, came out pretty well.

Just my thoughts
Gary

[evolutionmovement]

I'd like an idea of this myself. It's something I need to learn.

Also, what is recommended for alloy work, probably 6061, maybe 2024 (whatever the hell they used in the Cessna 152)? I'm planning on bonding and riveting the Cessna car as much as possible, but would be a little more comfortable with some things welded. Would also allow me to make the front subframe from alloy instead of steel.

[93forestpearl]

Its hard to beat a TIG welder for aluminum, but they are on the spendy side. The one I want runs about $2500 (Syncrowave 200).

Don't forget that when you weld on an alloy, like 6061, 2024 or 7075, it looses it's heat treament. That will negate a lot of its strenth, unless to heat treat the whole part again to get back to a T6 level.


Josh, have you looked at the Miller 180? They are nice little welders that have worked well for me in the past. Having infinite voltage and wirefeed control os nice. I haven't looked into any of the 110v models.

[555BCTurbo]

Gary is dead on about 110v welders. Ours makes me wanna throw stuff a lot. I understand if you don't have 220 available, but if you do or can, you would much prefer a 220v unit.


The Lincoln SP series are great, as are the Millers...I have welded with both and they are both great. Make sure that if you get either, you get one with an infinitely adjustable arc voltage control, not the 5 position selector.

[Legacy777]

I've read about the miller 180. I do have a dryer plug I could use (assuming it works) but I'm not sure if I want to spend the additional money right now along with the link & tuning. Any other time, yes.....so I'm not sure what I'll do.

[93forestpearl]

I hear ya. I would like to get one for myself, but everything said and done with a tank and everything needed a Miller 180 will run about a grand. thats a fair amount of coin.

I need a set of wheels that aren't bent.

[beatersubi]

Depending on how you feel about used, there are some deals to be had on craigslist from time to time.

[Richard]

Depending on how you feel about used, there are some deals to be had on craigslist from time to time.

+1

[Legacy777]

Yeah I did look at craigslist.....didn't see much in my area though.