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» Northern California Ford Owners     » Automotive   » General Talk   » Looking into buying an entry level welder.

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Author Topic: Looking into buying an entry level welder.
92_5.0
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I really want to get into welding, basically exhaust and maybe stuff around the house or whatever I may need it for. I've been reading a lot of forums and hear lots of good reviews on the Lincoln Electric K2188-1 HD http://www.homedepot.com/p/Lincoln-Electric-Weld-Pack-HD-Feed-Welder-K2188-1/100031840?N=wp
I really like this gasless wire feed flux core model, it sounds like it will suit my needs and is right in my price range. Anyone use this model or anything similar?

[ 2013-08-21, 03:14 PM: Message edited by: 92_5.0 ]

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Posts: 1629 | From: bay area | Registered: May 2007  |  :
5.0 LsX
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I don't think you will be happy with that. flux core is not going to penetrate as well and its messy, sounds nice until you actually need to weld something. I know its quite a big step up, but hands down the best buy imo is the millermatic 211

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Posts: 1260 | Registered: May 2010  |  :
Greasy
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quote:
Originally posted by 5.0 LsX:
I don't think you will be happy with that. flux core is not going to penetrate as well and its messy, sounds nice until you actually need to weld something. I know its quite a big step up, but hands down the best buy imo is the millermatic 211

I use a 212 at work and it's the best welder I've ever used. At my house I use a Passport Plus since I take it to friends houses and weld stuff for them, that is also a fine welder.

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Posts: 3272 | From: North Dallas | Registered: Jan 2005  |  :
nasty93
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Lincoln 180 is decent.get something that can go 110v and 220v.miller has one for 1800 that does mig tig and stick..the miller passport is hella nice also.
Posts: 464 | From: windsor ,ca | Registered: Feb 2009  |  :
92_5.0
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I wish I could afford something better, but my price range is around $300 tops [patriot]
Posts: 1629 | From: bay area | Registered: May 2007  |  :
warhorse58gt
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quote:
Originally posted by 92_5.0:
I wish I could afford something better, but my price range is around $300 tops [patriot]

Save your money up and buy a used 1. It's not worth the time to by a small welder. You can find good used ones for $700-1k on craigslist. You have to remember if you buy that kit. You still need about $300-500 worth of stuff to buy, just to use it. You need a tank, gloves, a real helmet. that stuff adds up quick. Best to buy someone else's set up.

[ 2013-08-21, 05:07 PM: Message edited by: warhorse58gt ]

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Posts: 4200 | From: 209 | Registered: Jun 2007  |  :
CAStang
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Here is a nice entry level Mig Welder for $350.00, It will do flux core and gas depending on what you're looking to do. It comes with both wires and all the necesarry gauges for the bottle. Pick up a cheapy auto darkening welding helmet at Harbor freight for $35.00 and you're good to go.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200332691_200332691

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[ 2013-08-23, 01:18 PM: Message edited by: CAStang ]

Posts: 351 | From: Santa Clara | Registered: Nov 2009  |  :
69stang
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Just get the one you were looking at... I have it as my starter welder

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Posts: 809 | From: 707 | Registered: Apr 2005  |  :
89foxstang
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check out Eastwood for a good entry level MIG welder. If you are looking to do automotive work I wouldn't use flux core wire. Reason being that there is a ton of spatter and you will have to do a ton of post clean up for acceptable visual results. Remember you can usually use a mig welder with flux core wire , but you usually cannot connect a bottle to a flux core welder. One feature that I would look for when purchasing a welder is infinitely adjustable voltage and wire speed , a lot of the time the factory reccomended settings get you close to what you need but if you have the adjustment inbetween the numbers and letters you can dial It in perfect, especially if you are gonna be doing overhead welding (exhaust) . Lmk if you have any questions . For reference I bought a Lincoln sp135 110v mig welder for my sheetmetal and exhaust work anything bigger I use my tig welder since I haven't saved enough for a 220v mig YET haha!
Posts: 825 | From: Davis | Registered: Aug 2005  |  :
89foxstang
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here you go dude 300$ free shipping from eastwood! and I think if you buy online you don't pay tax? I have never used this 110, but my cousin just bought the 220 and he is very happy with it. in my opinion you cant find a better deal.. and for the time being if you don't have the money for a bottle and related things to set it up for mig you can throw some flux core wire in there switch the polarity and your set!

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html


I don't work for eastwood by the way lol

Posts: 825 | From: Davis | Registered: Aug 2005  |  :
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quote:
Originally posted by 92_5.0:
I wish I could afford something better, but my price range is around $300 tops [patriot]

Lincoln 140 or 180 can be had for under $500 new. There is a guy on CRAIGS LIST who sells them new for under $500. He's supposedly a dealer. My buddy got the 140 for $325 then went and bought a bottle.
Posts: 4597 | From: the V-town | Registered: May 2003  |  :
John91coupe
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Something I just learned about welding that you might consider. I've had a Hobart 135 for 15 years and have been welding things for that long. To my disappointment my welds never got any better in that time, until recently. I just had a dedicated 20 amp circuit installed in my garage and to my surprise the welds now look beautiful instead of the usual "snot" welds. I've been welding on 15 amp circuits all this time and I guess that's not enough even though I wasn't tripping the breaker. Never thought it would make such a big difference.

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Posts: 1361 | From: Grass Valley, CA | Registered: Sep 2000  |  :
Notch1320
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I have a small Lincoln 110V welder 3500HD Weld Pack. It works perfectly fine for small stuff even when using flux core wire. Down the road you can upgrade it to gas pretty easily. Along with the 20amp breaker, be sure to but a quality extension cord as well.
Posts: 2349 | From: Yuba City, CA | Registered: Mar 2003  |  :


 
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