Welder/ Torch

[Guest nicemac]

Years ago, I spent all my time (and money) on cars. I worked in a dealership service dept., worked on a race car team and was eat up with it. I left that business 14 years ago and stared a new career–and largely quit messing with anything car-related altogether. When I did, I sold some of the tools that I "knew I would never need again." My welder, my torches, big battery charger, etc… left the garage.

Now I constantly have need to weld stuff. Small stuff around the house and in my shop mainly, but if I had the tools, I would probably work on some bigger projects. I have teenage boys and they need to learn how to weld–everybody should know how to weld. I often have need of a torch as well.

I am going to start looking on Craigslist, etc… but have been away from this stuff for quite a while. (I had a small Miller mig and a Victor torch set)

To you guys that weld, what do I need to be looking for? I have 220v in my shop, so I am not limited to 110v.

I am in no hurry and patience always helps with the budget. I am always thrifty, but would rather spend some money to get a decent setup than to skimp and have regrets.

Edited July 20, 2011 by nicemac

[Tncobra]

Get at least a 110amp wire feed on gas mig. You can weld about anything mild up to 1/8 no problem. I use a matco 110amp/110v for automotive bodywork etc. For anything heavy like frames, trailer etc, you'll want to move up to 220v. Get a welder that is set up for gas, flux core wire makes too much a mess.Forget the torch and get a plasma.

[56FordGuy]

Plasma cutters are single use, and require a good shop air supply. Torches don't require electricity, shop air, and can do more than cut. For the average shop, I consider a torch to be far more useful than a plasma cutter. The cuts may not be as pretty as a plasma job, though.

Check with Quality Machine and Torch repair on 4th avenue. I don't have their number handy, but I had a great experience with them. Service that can't be beat, and I believe they sell used/ refurbished equipment in addition to repairing torches, welders, and the like.

As for a welder, it all depends on what you want to do. 110 MIG welders will do most stuff well up to 1/8" or so, any bigger than that and you probably want to look at a 220 welder, either MIG or stick. You can find used AC output stick welders for $150 or less, they'll weld the heavier stuff but are limited on what type of rods you can run when compared to a DC output stick welder. DC stick will have a better bead and you can run more type of rods. They cost a bit more though, and don't weld magnetized metals as well as AC stick welders.

[Guest nicemac]

Plasma cutters are single use, and require a good shop air supply. Torches don't require electricity, shop air, and can do more than cut. For the average shop, I consider a torch to be far more useful than a plasma cutter. The cuts may not be as pretty as a plasma job, though.

Check with Quality Machine and Torch repair on 4th avenue. I don't have their number handy, but I had a great experience with them. Service that can't be beat, and I believe they sell used/ refurbished equipment in addition to repairing torches, welders, and the like.

As for a welder, it all depends on what you want to do. 110 MIG welders will do most stuff well up to 1/8" or so, any bigger than that and you probably want to look at a 220 welder, either MIG or stick. You can find used AC output stick welders for $150 or less, they'll weld the heavier stuff but are limited on what type of rods you can run when compared to a DC output stick welder. DC stick will have a better bead and you can run more type of rods. They cost a bit more though, and don't weld magnetized metals as well as AC stick welders.

Never thought about a store selling used… Great tip. THANKS!

[seez52]

you might watch Craigslist, or I bought a mig at a local pawn shop for a pretty good deal and it works great.