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Topic: Which is best welder for beginners?  (Read 1973 times)

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Fish Master1

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This! :smt003
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Fish Master1

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J/K Start him off with this. I never had to upgrade. Get the gasless flux cored mild steel wire. And invest in a good helmet and leather jacket.!!!!! Ive had this one for around 15 years. :smt006
..........Sincerly A-Hull Muggle.


Fish Master1

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Chadrock

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I started with a pony pack oxy acetylene torch and metal coat hangers for rod.  It's still my go-to, (mostly because an outlet isn't always handy), but it's harder to find metal coat hangers these days...

With gas you can not only weld, but you can braze, cut and heat (bend) metal.  Disadvantage is it takes two hands; one to hold the torch, one to hold the rod. 

Here's a quick read on the advantages and disadvantages to using a torch;
https://www.tractorsupply.com/know-how_hardware-tools_metalworking_welding_oxygen-acetylene-welding

About $100 on craigslist, $200-$400 new



I took a welding class at the SRJC probably 20 years ago. Absolutely loved Oxy Acetelyne welding! Arc welding was a lot more messy and crazy for me. Couldn’t see what the F I was doing till the stinger was stuck to the wall somewhere.  :smt044
O/A was awesome for me because I could see the bead I was pulling.
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Yosemite Rob

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Get a Lincoln 140 and splurge on a good helmet ($200) your eyes are important,  Lincoln makes good helmets too. Don’t buy the HF welder or helmet, not worth the time, frustration and eye strain. They make good welders look bad!

Mine all work just fine.

Have you welded on a good welder  :smt003 I tried a 140, then bought the HF 90 and holy cow suffered, sure it can join metal but penetration, bead, etc suck. I ditched it and now weld with a Lincoln 180 and it’s just butter it welds so smooth.
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Squidder K

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I don't know about you folks, but there are a lot of classes offered in the bay area for continuing education. That may be a good way to go.
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Tote

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My thought is minimal investment to see if it's something you want to continue.
If it is then bump it up a notch or two.
Why invest a gang of cash and find out it isn't for you?
And if someone you know has a decent welder and are willing to let you try it out; do that first.
<=>


zilla

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I got a miller 215. Does every thing. Love this machine! Tig,mig,stick.
Aluminum and stainless too.


D8gunner

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Most JC’s allow students at the 16 years old. A JC would be the best place to get started. He would be able to learn a lot


Wldrnshntr

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If you just want to try it I suggest a rental with flux core, have your project and supplies ready.https://www.homedepot.com/tool-truck-rental/Welder/K2514-1/index.html lots of places around here rent you must have something out your way
http://wall-acepainting.com/index.html
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COWBRO

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As someone who was "taught" how to weld by a family friend and developed tons of bad habits that I then had to unlearn later in life before actually working as a welder, my recommendation is SMAW, stick welding first. Get a Lincoln AC225 and a bunch of 6010 and go to town, get some good books and watch good YouTube videos made by professionals. Learn about voltage, feed, puddle control, etc. Picking up a wire feed MIG and acting like it is a hot glue gun is the last thing I recommend.


Mojo Jojo

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Any of you Cali boys or girls interested in two military boxes of stainless steel welding rods? My mechanic found them in the attic of the shop and he got rid of that welder a long time ago. I can get specific info and how much $$ he wants for them. On a plus crash comes up here from time to time and might be “beer talked” ( it’s like sweet talked only better) into transporting them south.


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Der_Huntsman

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I saw learn on a Arc welder first. It's where fundamentals are taught for other welders.
Formerly known as "MF"

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Eric B

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Interesting thread.  I want to learn so I can build a metal fence in my front yard.