A 115 volt welder isn’t going to cut it for 1/4 inch stuff. If it has to be completed in the field how do you plan on doing it with something that needs an outlet. For 1/4 inch I would buy a 220 stick machine, or a mig if that’s what you want and go to town. Mig machines cost more, a buzz box can be had for around $250 or so last time I looked.I’m thinking of buying a small 115 volt mig welder for minor repairs. I will have to have a 20amp circuit to use it but I have zero desire for a higher voltage welder. Never more than 1/4” steel. I’m leaning toward a Hobart. Is that a good welder compared to some of the others?
Every time I need something welded I can never get someone to do it or they want me to leave the truck, trailer, or stand. I cannot just leave the stuff and wait. Some small welds have to be completed in the field and there just seems to be never anyone available.
A 115 volt welder isn’t going to cut it for 1/4 inch stuff. If it has to be completed in the field how do you plan on doing it with something that needs an outlet. For 1/4 inch I would buy a 220 stick machine, or a mig if that’s what you want and go to town. Mig machines cost more, a buzz box can be had for around $250 or so last time I looked.
That’s a little more than I had planned to spend but may be a better option. I’m not opposed to spending more money if the payback in time makes up for it. For me I’m getting pretty frustrated waiting on all the lazy ass vendor choices in this area. Basically I don’t want an employee standing around while we need something if we can make it and be on our way.^^^^ Good advice. IMO 120V machines are basically only for sheet metal and 1/8". Some are rated for 1/4" but it's pushing it and the duty cycle is very low at max output.
In answer to your question Hobart makes a good machine; you won't go wrong there.
A couple of years back I picked up a Lincoln 210MP and have been very happy with it. It's a dual voltage machine and the auto-setting feature is great. It will MIG and stick weld, and will also DC TIG weld with an optional spool gun. The only drawback is that it costs around 1,100.00 but you get what you pay for.
Nothing says you can’t also practice with stick, and get the same results. I personally prefer stick welding. A nice outside breeze won’t mess up a stick weld like it will a mig weld. Another thing to consider is that a mig weld may look nice, but can still lack necessary penetration. Either process you need to practice enough to be competent, or get a machine that takes the work out of it.Outlet in the field is no problem. Do it at the building where the job is. I’m a licensed electrician so it will always be possible.
I just looked and you are correct. 3/16th and below. Not sure about the stick welder because the last time I did stick welds they looked like crap. Welding is not something you do a couple times a year and it looks good. Last stick weld I did for a ladder rack looked like a child had attempted it. This why I was thinking about going mig and practicing.
Hardwire and gas.
Screw that ugly, splatter making, smoke choking flux core crap.
There I said it.
If you are welding two different thickness materials always concentrate the heat on the thicker piece and let the puddle flow to and melt the thinner piece.
If you are welding two different thickness materials always concentrate the heat on the thicker piece and let the puddle flow to and melt the thinner piece.
If you need any help or a project you can't handle id be happy to help. Or if you can do it and need mo power you can come here and weld whatever or cut whatever with plasma or cutting torchThanks. Just because it worked for me I had to check. Yeah, yeah, still new to this.
If you need any help or a project you can't handle id be happy to help. Or if you can do it and need mo power you can come here and weld whatever or cut whatever with plasma or cutting torch