The rule: "you get what you pay for" Totally applies for welding machines. Most every jeeper I know has spent hundreds of dollars jewing themselves up to an ok welder and in the process could have bought a damn good one in the first place with as much as they spend buying a stick, then a fluc core mig, then gas bottle for the flux core, then a bigger extension cord......


Stick welders are obsolete for anything other than structural welding, pipe fitting or outdoor ironwork.

most 110 volt welders just never have enough penetration be worth the while but are GREAT for body work with .025 wire and a good mix of gas I like 92/8 for sheet metal.

For all other welding I always recommend for folks to pony up and buy a 220 volt Mig that is at least 180 amps. Craigslist is always riddled with them and they last forever.

I weld 5-7 days a week. I have been doing so for 6 years steady and part time since I was 15 years old.... 30 now. I would trade almost any skill before welding and recommend it to anyone that loves this hobby. It will Change your life.

Just forgo a lot of headache, regret, wasted materials, time etc. Get a decent welder the first time. After all crappy welders rarely weld They just make a mess and get people hurt when the jeep falls apart when you let the jeep off the jack stands.

A

 

I've had good success with flux core on 1/8th and thicker. Good ground, clean joint, and high enough setting. I only get spatter when the work isn't set up right. Sheet metal is another story though. Flux core beats stick for clean up. IMHO anyway.

 

I have done a good bit of work with my HF 90 amp welder. I have no regrets, I have done quite a few exhaust repairs/creations, and all the work I have done so far is still working.

 

Is it good enough to fab a bumper made out of 3/16 or 1/4" steel? Just curious. I was going to get the 140 amp HF this weekend but got lazy and did not get out of the house!

Started looking at the Hobart Handler 140 on the internet. Can get a refurbished one for around $450. But as far as I can tell they are only 115 volts. Would rather have a 240 volt one. A lot of people boast about the Hobart Handlers though. I really don't want to pay that much though. I would rather put the money in my Heep.

 

Well I have been watching craigslist for a welder and saw this one come up. Can anyone tell me if this is a good deal? The guy will sell it for $300. It seems to be in good shape. Here is the link. Please let me know what you think.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/tls/2713106078.html

 

stick welds look good if you know what you are doing....

and to everyone asking about HF welders, you are better off looking for a used lincoln or miller on CL

 

I think thats around what they go for new, not that great of a deal considering it doesnt include a gas cylinder

 

I love my Miller matic 251.. its 220 volt and it doesn't take much to switch wire for sheet metal... I have welded from 22 gauge to .5 plate