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Post by medic22 on Dec 12, 2020 23:01:09 GMT -5
While organizing the garage and prepping for paint today, I made a fun discovery. For the last 2 years we have lived here, hiding behind a 2 gang blank was a 220 outlet. I never had a reason to look under there,and there was no mention of 220 when we bought the house (the previous owners wouldve had no idea, they spent 5 years trying to find a light switch for an outdoor lamp that had a bad dusk to dawn switch). So that said, I guess I need to buy a welder. In my lifetime ive welded exactly 8 things together, so this should be a fun adventure. I expect Ill be using it for normal things that welders come in handy for. Possibly fiddling around with fabricating bow presses and other hunting relating things as I get better, probably eventual body work if my wife ever picks a car. For now I am looking at this, seems to be recommended by all my friends. www.farmandfleet.com/products/690871-hobart-handler-190-230v-mig-welder.html?blaintm_source=google&blaintm_medium=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQiA8dH-BRD_ARIsAC24umaCWO3Es4YkWvfmnHzY7DBvLjAqmK4CgMwv3v7g6rkDzKrhgH75gCoaAn3GEALw_wcBAnything else I need, besides a face shield and protective stuff, other welders to look at? I can't imagine a time where Ill wish I could stick weld if ive got the option of mig/flux. ETA: Ive got a hook up for an argon/co2 tank so I shouldnt need to buy that
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Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2020 23:06:25 GMT -5
Fun fact, I cannot weld but my wife can.
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Post by duff on Dec 12, 2020 23:09:00 GMT -5
I am not help on your questions but I inherited an old Lincoln stick welder and been having fun learning. I do find myself shopping for mig setup but no more than I use or need it...
My last project was built a dumbbell rack for our home gym. Used old bed frame and fence posts. Lol, turned out better than I expected
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Post by marshallco on Dec 12, 2020 23:33:12 GMT -5
I am absolutely not a professional welder, some on this site are, but a simple flux core wire welder should take care of most things you ever need to do. They are relatively inexpensive, and only run on 110. I would highly recommend an auto darkening helmet, makes things way easier.
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Post by scrub-buster on Dec 13, 2020 5:22:52 GMT -5
My dad has that hobart welder. It's a fine machine. I've used it a couple times with just flux core wire. The ability to use gas is a nice option. I bought a Forney Easy Weld. Its flux core only. I've used it quite a bit on various projects. It's done everything I've needed it to do. The flux core is a little messier with more splatter than when using gas.
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Post by HuntMeister on Dec 13, 2020 8:39:09 GMT -5
That welder you are looking at draws 20 amps, make sure you have 10 ga copper wire minimum and you will want a 30 amp breaker for the circuit.
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Post by blackmouthcur on Dec 13, 2020 10:29:10 GMT -5
I like the Miller and Hobart welders the best out of the bunch, seems like they have a lot smoother arc. I wouldn’t even bother with flux core unless you’re in breezy environment. Get yourself a bottle of 75/25 gas. Argon /CO2.About 30 lbs on the gauge and adjust wire speed till it crackles evenly.If you’re moving right to left,do clockwise circles, counterclockwise left to right. You will also need a pair of wire snips and some nozzle dip. If you plan on welding aluminum you will use 100% argon gas . Keep the whip as straight as possible or use a spool gun, it’s very easy to bird-nest the wire.If you use a whip you’ll have to get a liner just for aluminum, it’s plastic lined. Good luck and have fun.
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Welders
Dec 13, 2020 11:56:05 GMT -5
Post by esshup on Dec 13, 2020 11:56:05 GMT -5
I agree on the ditch the flux core and go with the 75/25 mix. Since that welder is set up for .030" wire, remember to buy that dia wire. Tip dip, mig pliers and some consumables and you will be all set. Be careful on the auto darkening helmets. I have used a cheap HF helmet for a long time, and while I can't say it's the reason, I did need to get cataracts removed this year in both eyes. I bought a Lincoln Viking 3350 and the difference between them is HUGE!! Much faster response time, it is way darker than the HF one, so much that I had to really change the darkness setting, and there is a external button to push when you are grinding - you can use the helmet like safety glasses.
You might want to get a pair of TIG Gloves to use for welding, and you'll be set.
If you are going to weld aluminum, get a spool gun for it, it is set up for one I see.
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Welders
Dec 13, 2020 12:03:45 GMT -5
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Post by jman46151 on Dec 13, 2020 12:03:45 GMT -5
As esshup said don't get a cheap autodark helmet. I had one for a little while and went back to a regular helmet because it was too slow to darken.
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Post by Russ Koon on Dec 13, 2020 12:44:12 GMT -5
I bought a Hobart a few decades ago and it has been completely reliable for the occasional uses that I, my son, and neighbor have put it to over the years. I found an alternative to the auto-darkening helmet that worked well for me was a twelve volt "million candle power" spotlight, duct taped to a homemade mounting bracket that allows me to aim it at the work from overhead. With it on, I can see the work through the regular dark replaceable windows, so the protection is there full time. I discovered that by accident, as I set up the table out in the drive for a midday welding job and found that I could see just barely well enough with the dark lenses in and full sunlight. It was much better than my attempts to stab the work in the dark after dropping the helmet. I never got practiced enough to make the smooth blind starts I'd seen real welders do, but that spotlight got 'er done!
I just clipped the light wires to a trolling motor battery and hooked it up to the charger to stop it from running down while I was stumbling through my amateur welding.
I think it might also be a sort of slow-cooker option to actually striking the spark, but never left the stuff laid out together to see if that would eventually work 8^). OK, kidding about that part, but it does light it up even better than full sun on a bright day, and cost less than I could find a decent auto-darkening one for at the time.
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Post by esshup on Dec 13, 2020 19:03:02 GMT -5
I will be relearning how to TIG weld this winter. A buddy hasn't been working all year due to Covid (he's an EE and works for a company that is in deep with the water parks in Mi, plus other things) and I purchased 2 welders he had in storage and hasn't used for 5-7 years. A Lincoln Power Mig 300 and a Miller Synchrowave 250. It's been a LONG time since I TIG welded. Full bottles for both machines, wire, rod, etc.
If Covid wasn't going on I'd probably find a class to take at the local college, but since that isn't an option, I will be looking at a lot of YouTube videos.
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Post by duff on Dec 13, 2020 19:52:34 GMT -5
I will be relearning how to TIG weld this winter. A buddy hasn't been working all year due to Covid (he's an EE and works for a company that is in deep with the water parks in Mi, plus other things) and I purchased 2 welders he had in storage and hasn't used for 5-7 years. A Lincoln Power Mig 300 and a Miller Synchrowave 250. It's been a LONG time since I TIG welded. Full bottles for both machines, wire, rod, etc. If Covid wasn't going on I'd probably find a class to take at the local college, but since that isn't an option, I will be looking at a lot of YouTube videos. You tube is awesome. That is the best teacher out there. Some instructors are great. Others give you the confidence by showing you they can do it so can I
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Welders
Dec 13, 2020 20:49:11 GMT -5
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Post by greghopper on Dec 13, 2020 20:49:11 GMT -5
I will be relearning how to TIG weld this winter. A buddy hasn't been working all year due to Covid (he's an EE and works for a company that is in deep with the water parks in Mi, plus other things) and I purchased 2 welders he had in storage and hasn't used for 5-7 years. A Lincoln Power Mig 300 and a Miller Synchrowave 250. It's been a LONG time since I TIG welded. Full bottles for both machines, wire, rod, etc. If Covid wasn't going on I'd probably find a class to take at the local college, but since that isn't an option, I will be looking at a lot of YouTube videos. Get a auto darkening helmet it will make the learning process go smoother.
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Post by esshup on Dec 13, 2020 23:48:46 GMT -5
I will be relearning how to TIG weld this winter. A buddy hasn't been working all year due to Covid (he's an EE and works for a company that is in deep with the water parks in Mi, plus other things) and I purchased 2 welders he had in storage and hasn't used for 5-7 years. A Lincoln Power Mig 300 and a Miller Synchrowave 250. It's been a LONG time since I TIG welded. Full bottles for both machines, wire, rod, etc. If Covid wasn't going on I'd probably find a class to take at the local college, but since that isn't an option, I will be looking at a lot of YouTube videos. Get a auto darkening helmet it will make the learning process go smoother. I'm ahead of you there, I have a Lincoln Viking 3350.
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Post by SFC (R) B on Dec 16, 2020 1:26:56 GMT -5
I help teach a MIG and TIG class each year out here for a work force development/community college coop. Our MIG/stick machines are Lincolns and the TIG outfits are Miller. Have had good results from both of them. The only time I used a Hobart was for an on the spot fix away from my shop. The control were a little less intuitive to me but the machine worked very well. I will be another to suggest using the gas and staying away from the flux core if possible unless you are working outside in windy conditions. Lots of fun to be had melting metal together
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Welders
Dec 16, 2020 7:09:36 GMT -5
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Post by duff on Dec 16, 2020 7:09:36 GMT -5
If I were to get a mig, where would I get the gas? I see empty bottles for sale and I know work gets them on a delivery service but where do you guys get them for the home use?
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Post by medic22 on Dec 16, 2020 7:26:12 GMT -5
That welder you are looking at draws 20 amps, make sure you have 10 ga copper wire minimum and you will want a 30 amp breaker for the circuit. I have a 30amp outlet as well.
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Post by blackmouthcur on Dec 16, 2020 7:35:40 GMT -5
If I were to get a mig, where would I get the gas? I see empty bottles for sale and I know work gets them on a delivery service but where do you guys get them for the home use? I live in NW Indiana and you can buy the bottles and refill them at Praxair .
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Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2020 7:46:55 GMT -5
My son who is a certified welder asked me to put in a 50A in the barn. I had some #4 so I used that. A little over kill. It's there for him, but not used yet.
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Post by esshup on Dec 16, 2020 12:26:35 GMT -5
If I were to get a mig, where would I get the gas? I see empty bottles for sale and I know work gets them on a delivery service but where do you guys get them for the home use? There are 2 places in Plymouth Indiana that you can get welding gas/supplies, you will just have to go there to get the tanks filled. Watch if you are buying a tank, if the tank is out of certification you will have to pay to get it re-certified. They have to hydrostatic test them. You can also rent tanks from the places too, but I prefer to buy my tanks. The "T" sized tanks are not available to purchase from retail sellers any more, but they are available at times from private sellers. If you google "Welding Supplies (insert your city here) Indiana" you will find where the suppliers are near you.
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