I'm in the market for a good entry level welder. I mostly just want something to fool around with whenever I feel like it, but I want versatility.
I really don't want to keep gas around, or buy any when I run out. So I guess traditional MIG and oxy-acetylene are out.... someone said gas-less wire can be bought but it is not worth the money.
I want to be able to mess with anything (or almost any) material I run across, including thin-gauge material. So I am guessing stick welding is not what I am looking for.
Thats a tough set of guidlines. I am a retired welder and I can tell you a few things that will help. First don't waste your money on anything from offshore. They still blow up all the time. Second, decide exactly what you want to do and the max thickness you will work with. )A simple rule of thumb is 1 amp per 1/1000 of metal), then buy 1/2 again larger. Third, Flux core mig is fine, you just need to practice to get the beads smooth and well penetrated. Finally, Pure CO2 is cheaper than 75/25 mig gas and bridges the gap between flux and Mix. If you can sign up for a community college class do it. The gas, materials and consumables will be more than your tuition and you will get hands on help while learning. Dont scrimp on your safety gear, buy the best you can afford, you won't regret it in the long run. Dont give up, it takes a lot of practice to be good, I've been doing it 35 years and I still occcaionally make a chicken poop weld. Stuff happens, so grind it out and do it right when that happens. Have fun and show us some of your projects. Most of my projects were on military vehicles so they are still classified.I'm in the market for a good entry level welder. I mostly just want something to fool around with whenever I feel like it, but I want versatility.
I really don't want to keep gas around, or buy any when I run out. So I guess traditional MIG and oxy-acetylene are out.... someone said gas-less wire can be bought but it is not worth the money.
I want to be able to mess with anything (or almost any) material I run across, including thin-gauge material. So I am guessing stick welding is not what I am looking for.
Anyone have any ideas? I am looking at Multiplaz, but I'm a little skeptical of their swiss army knife sales pitch.
Dont give up, it takes a lot of practice to be good, I've been doing it 35 years and I still occcaionally make a chicken poop weld.
dAnything you get that runs on 120V is going to be "small" as in, limited in what you can weld with it.
If you can sign up for a community college class do it. The gas, materials and consumables will be more than your tuition and you will get hands on help while learning.
Wheelchair Bob
If you can sign up for a community college class do it. The gas, materials and consumables will be more than your tuition and you will get hands on help while learning.
Wheelchair Bob
I don't know anyone besides myself who can write script left hand, right hand, left mirror image and right mirror image.
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