Dipping toes in the world of Welding

[Old Machinist]

Taking a course is definitely a good idea.

I've done all types of welding for 40 years as an amateur. I currently own two machines: Hobart MIG; Primeweld TIG/Arc.

If I was only going to have one machine for hobby use and wanting to weld multiple types of metal, it would be:
MIG180 180-Amp MIG Welder With Spool Gun | PrimeWeld

I've had the Primeweld 60amp plasma cutter 5yrs and 225 amp TIG machine for over 3 years. Solid equipment and excellent 24/7/365 customer service with English as their first language. They give 3yr warrranty on all their stuff and after reading accounts of people making warranty claims (I've had no need) they are extremely generous with replacements.

I bought one of these this year. I already had the gas bottle from my old Lincoln. I went ahead an put in the 240V circuit to run it at 240 volts. The catch to the 120v welders is you still need a dedicated circuit that will handle a higher amp draw to get full power so you might as well go all the way.

I also treated myself to a large screen helmet. Been using a small scree HF helmet for years. The large helmet from Yes Welder is a game changer. I just set it to fastest response and minimum shading.

Robot or human?

 

[McMXi]

Thank you! I really appreciate your input.

You're welcome.

I look on Craigslist almost daily and there's a Miller Blue Star 185 with only 30 hours on it near me, and at a great price. It's a CC (constant current) stick/TIG generator welder that offers 100% duty cycle at 150A/25V which is perfect for 1/8" 7018 work. I'm really tempted and might take a look on Friday. I'm building a "pole barn" using steel pipe and that machine would be the ticket for that project. I don't need to be spending more money at the moment but this would be one heck of a useful machine and it's a really good deal, assuming that it's as advertised.

Blue Star® & Fusion 185 | MillerWelds

Reliable & Mobile, great for farm, ranch, maintenance, and construction.

www.millerwelds.com