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Posted: 4/1/2016 11:34:24 PM EDT
Bottom line?
I'm sick and tired of needing things welded and not being able to do it. Background: High school Ag IV shop. I welded. I LOVED IT. Since then? Nothing. Now? I remember how to strike an arc. I remember the safety issues. I remember how to lay a bead (One that would be very crude to some of you, I'm certain). I remember how it felt to weld. I could totally zone out and thought it would be awesome to do that for a living. But I didn't. So here I am, MANY YEARS LATER. I want to do things like fix my own lawn furniture and install my own exhaust systems. If something would be fully functional if I could just tack it together, I want to be able to do that, dammit. 
I don't know what I need. I don't know what's available. I don't know what to read. I don't know what to buy--or if I can afford what I would need. I don't know all the different applications, which equipment is best for what, and which is most versatile for someone who wants to do repairs on things and maybe fabricate a few simple items (and maybe do some metal art.) Y'all were awesome at helping me with trailers. I went from stupid clueless to "you can't fool me" just from what I learned here. Can you educate me about what kind of home welding system I might need? Torch? Arc welder? What does what and what is most versatile? If you can weld and will chime into the conversation, I'll ask questions until I understand--if you're willing to have the conversation. Thanks in advance... Kitties |
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Posted: 4/1/2016 11:49:03 PM EDT
[#1]
I used to weld professionally so never bought equipment for home. Now that i no longer weld at work I need to buy. I found that a setup used by a buddy works well:
Millermatic 211 w/ spoolgun wired in 230v welding hood Cutting goggles Torches Grinder - 4 1/2" The items listed above should be most of what you would need. If you need to weld in the field the MIllermatic may not be a good option. You could then go with an arc welder using a stick. The 211 model is my choice but you can go on Miller site and take a look at all of them. I used Miller, Airco and Hobarts and found that Miller made a good machine. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:15:43 AM EDT
[#2]
You need a flux core wire feed welder, 120 volt. Can weld up to 1/4".
Yes, flux core wire is more expensive, but no gas required. You will be able to strike an arc easily.I have one and a large 240 volt stick welder. Guess which one I use most. Auto darkening helmet. HF is fine. Welding gloves. Basically heavy leather gloves. Extra nozzle tips for your welder, and nozzle goo. 90* welding magnets. Welding clamps are handy, standard vice grips work. 4" angle grinder. Chop saw, if you want properly cut pieces. Torch. You can get by without on new builds, but expect to need one eventually. Leather welding aprons are nice. Expect to get burns. Always wear ear plugs. Keeps sparks from damaging your ears. Also wear tight fitting eye pro. Sparks will get behind your helmet. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:20:15 AM EDT
[#3]
Remember you can use propane instead of acetylene in your torch. Same fittings. Won't get hot enough to torch weld, but will cut fine Saves money. YYou will still need oxygen though. You can entertain the thought if those little disposable bottle torches if you don'tplan in needing it much. As iI mentioned, you don't really need a torch for new builds. Short of bending metal.
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:23:22 AM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I used to weld professionally so never bought equipment for home. Now that i no longer weld at work I need to buy. I found that a setup used by a buddy works well: Millermatic 211 w/ spoolgun wired in 230v welding hood Cutting goggles Torches Grinder - 4 1/2" The items listed above should be most of what you would need. If you need to weld in the field the MIllermatic may not be a good option. You could then go with an arc welder using a stick. The 211 model is my choice but you can go on Miller site and take a look at all of them. I used Miller, Airco and Hobarts and found that Miller made a good machine. Thank you. My dad welded for a living (before I was born, but I heard those stories), so I appreciate the difficulties of that job. *I do NOT need to weld in the field. Well...I might need to weld in my driveway.  That's about as far in the field as my welder will ever go.
Please consider me a beginner. Have I welded? Yes. If you set me up, could I lay a bead? Yes. Would I know how to set this up? NO. I would not. Can you explain a few things? You said I need torches and a grinder. The grinder is to smooth out the bead? . Torches: To me that means an acetylene torch, which is a different kind of welder from the electric arc welder I used most. (I did learn to weld/cut with acetylene, but that was a very small part of my class.) Is that what you mean? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:25:03 AM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You need a flux core wire feed welder, 120 volt. Can weld up to 1/4".Yes, flux core wire is more expensive, but no gas required. You will be able to strike an arc easily.I have one and a large 240 volt stick welder. Guess which one I use most. Auto darkening helmet. HF is fine. Welding gloves. Basically heavy leather gloves. Extra nozzle tips for your welder, and nozzle goo. 90* welding magnets. Welding clamps are handy, standard vice grips work. 4" angle grinder. Chop saw, if you want properly cut pieces. Torch. You can get by without on new builds, but expect to need one eventually. Leather welding aprons are nice. Expect to get burns. Always wear ear plugs. Keeps sparks from damaging your ears. Also wear tight fitting eye pro. Sparks will get behind your helmet. Spot on! I have been using flux core for years. Your welds will not be as nice as if you were using gas(i.e. lots more splatter) but noting to to worry about forgetting to turn the gas off and then needing to weld something Saturday night when you can get more gas is a pain in the but! Ask me how I know!!! |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:25:12 AM EDT
[#6]
Should be able to be welding for about $350 or so.
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:27:49 AM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You need a flux core wire feed welder, 120 volt. Can weld up to 1/4".Yes, flux core wire is more expensive, but no gas required. You will be able to strike an arc easily.I have one and a large 240 volt stick welder. Guess which one I use most. Auto darkening helmet. HF is fine. Welding gloves. Basically heavy leather gloves. Extra nozzle tips for your welder, and nozzle goo. 90* welding magnets. Welding clamps are handy, standard vice grips work. 4" angle grinder. Chop saw, if you want properly cut pieces. Torch. You can get by without on new builds, but expect to need one eventually. Leather welding aprons are nice. Expect to get burns. Always wear ear plugs. Keeps sparks from damaging your ears. Also wear tight fitting eye pro. Sparks will get behind your helmet. Thank you. Going off to search some of this I do not know and find out some things so I can ask questions. 
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:30:57 AM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Should be able to be welding for about $350 or so. That's EXCELLENT. Okay talk me through welding step by step with what you recommend,. I mean...tell me the story step by step of how you walk out there and set up. Tell me why you do what you do? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:32:05 AM EDT
[#9]
Tell you what. I'll make a video this weekend, or at least take pics.
I've actually got welding to do anyway. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:42:50 AM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Tell you what. I'll make a video this weekend, or at least take pics. I've actually got welding to do anyway. Awesome. I've been looking at some online videos. When I was in school, we had a welding "rod" which had flux around the outside, but it was finite. In other words, you welded til your rod ran out,then you had to get another rod to start another bead. it looks like this is a continuous spool of welding material. Is that the basic difference? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:47:00 AM EDT
[#11]
Wire feed machines are easier to use and is what I prefer but you are limited to the length of the lead to the machine. I mean like if you have to weld up on a ladder you will need to get the machine up high enough to reach the work with the tip. Mine is about 7" long. and the ground is like 5'. Although you can extend the ground.
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:47:47 AM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Awesome. I've been looking at some online videos. When I was in school, we had a welding "rod" which had flux around the outside, but it was finite. In other words, you welded til your rod ran out,then you had to get another rod to start another bead. it looks like this is a continuous spool of welding material. Is that the basic difference? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Tell you what. I'll make a video this weekend, or at least take pics. I've actually got welding to do anyway. Awesome. I've been looking at some online videos. When I was in school, we had a welding "rod" which had flux around the outside, but it was finite. In other words, you welded til your rod ran out,then you had to get another rod to start another bead. it looks like this is a continuous spool of welding material. Is that the basic difference? All professional welders use wire feed. Insanely easy to get an arc going. You also have a trigger, so yournozzle is eelectrically cold when you aren't welding. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:48:57 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
That's EXCELLENT. Okay talk me through welding step by step with what you recommend,. I mean...tell me the story step by step of how you walk out there and set up. Tell me why you do what you do? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Should be able to be welding for about $350 or so. That's EXCELLENT. Okay talk me through welding step by step with what you recommend,. I mean...tell me the story step by step of how you walk out there and set up. Tell me why you do what you do? What ever machine you buy will come with a manual that tells you how to set up that machine. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:51:28 AM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Wire feed machines are easier to use and is what I prefer but you are limited to the length of the lead to the machine. I mean like if you have to weld up on a ladder you will need to get the machine up high enough to reach the work with the tip. Mine is about 7" long. and the ground is like 5'. Although you can extend the ground. You're saying I have to be within 7 inches of the welder? That's never gonna happen. 
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:52:46 AM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yup. Stick is old school, but can work well on old metal. All professional welders use wire feed. Insanely easy to get an arc going. You also have a trigger, so yournozzle is eelectrically cold when you aren't welding. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Tell you what. I'll make a video this weekend, or at least take pics. I've actually got welding to do anyway. Awesome. I've been looking at some online videos. When I was in school, we had a welding "rod" which had flux around the outside, but it was finite. In other words, you welded til your rod ran out,then you had to get another rod to start another bead. it looks like this is a continuous spool of welding material. Is that the basic difference? All professional welders use wire feed. Insanely easy to get an arc going. You also have a trigger, so yournozzle is eelectrically cold when you aren't welding. Oh hell..that's NICE. Not touching anything with that rod...that was a steep learning curve. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:54:50 AM EDT
[#16]
If you buy a 120v stick machine and use it on a 15 amp breaker you will trip the breaker if you weld above 80 amps. I don't have that problem with my wire fed machine.
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:56:09 AM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You're saying I have to be within 7 inches of the welder? That's never gonna happen. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Wire feed machines are easier to use and is what I prefer but you are limited to the length of the lead to the machine. I mean like if you have to weld up on a ladder you will need to get the machine up high enough to reach the work with the tip. Mine is about 7" long. and the ground is like 5'. Although you can extend the ground. You're saying I have to be within 7 inches of the welder? That's never gonna happen. Sorry 7 foot. Mine is any way, some go to 15 foot |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:56:12 AM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you buy a 120v stick machine and use it on a 15 amp breaker you will trip the breaker if you weld above 80 amps. I don't have that problem with my wire fed machine. So it sounds like a normal home with 200 amp service...a wire welder is a far better choice? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:57:17 AM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You're saying I have to be within 7 inches of the welder? That's never gonna happen. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Wire feed machines are easier to use and is what I prefer but you are limited to the length of the lead to the machine. I mean like if you have to weld up on a ladder you will need to get the machine up high enough to reach the work with the tip. Mine is about 7" long. and the ground is like 5'. Although you can extend the ground. You're saying I have to be within 7 inches of the welder? That's never gonna happen. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:58:09 AM EDT
[#20]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Sorry 7 foot. Mine is any way some go to 15 foot Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Wire feed machines are easier to use and is what I prefer but you are limited to the length of the lead to the machine. I mean like if you have to weld up on a ladder you will need to get the machine up high enough to reach the work with the tip. Mine is about 7" long. and the ground is like 5'. Although you can extend the ground. You're saying I have to be within 7 inches of the welder? That's never gonna happen. Sorry 7 foot. Mine is any way some go to 15 foot OH! Gotcha. So if I'm going to weld on something on my vehicle in my driveway, that might be an issue. Guessing it has to plug directly into the wall..NOT into an extension cord (that seems to be the way of a lot of equipment.) |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:58:47 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: So it sounds like a normal home with 200 amp service...a wire welder is a far better choice? Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: If you buy a 120v stick machine and use it on a 15 amp breaker you will trip the breaker if you weld above 80 amps. I don't have that problem with my wire fed machine. So it sounds like a normal home with 200 amp service...a wire welder is a far better choice?  You may need the welder on a 20 amp breaker though. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:59:23 AM EDT
[#22]
Question..
Can I cut with a wire welder? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:59:39 AM EDT
[#23]
Proper size extension cord is fine. I do it all the time.
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Posted: 4/2/2016 12:59:54 AM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Question.. Can I cut with a wire welder? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:00:20 AM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Yes and no, but get wire feed anyway
You may need the welder on a 20 amp breaker though. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
If you buy a 120v stick machine and use it on a 15 amp breaker you will trip the breaker if you weld above 80 amps. I don't have that problem with my wire fed machine. So it sounds like a normal home with 200 amp service...a wire welder is a far better choice?
You may need the welder on a 20 amp breaker though. That's okay. We wired the house. If we need another 20 amp breaker, we will install one. 
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:01:26 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
No Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Question.. Can I cut with a wire welder? Okey dokey. So... Kitties wants a wire welder AND a torch. Got it. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:04:36 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
OH! Gotcha. So if I'm going to weld on something on my vehicle in my driveway, that might be an issue. Guessing it has to plug directly into the wall..NOT into an extension cord (that seems to be the way of a lot of equipment.) Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Wire feed machines are easier to use and is what I prefer but you are limited to the length of the lead to the machine. I mean like if you have to weld up on a ladder you will need to get the machine up high enough to reach the work with the tip. Mine is about 7" long. and the ground is like 5'. Although you can extend the ground. You're saying I have to be within 7 inches of the welder? That's never gonna happen. Sorry 7 foot. Mine is any way some go to 15 foot OH! Gotcha. So if I'm going to weld on something on my vehicle in my driveway, that might be an issue. Guessing it has to plug directly into the wall..NOT into an extension cord (that seems to be the way of a lot of equipment.) If you get a machine with the 15 foot lead it would be better but more expensive. You can get around a car with 7' |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:07:53 AM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
If you get a machine with the 15 foot lead it would be better but more expensive. You can get around a car with 7' Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Wire feed machines are easier to use and is what I prefer but you are limited to the length of the lead to the machine. I mean like if you have to weld up on a ladder you will need to get the machine up high enough to reach the work with the tip. Mine is about 7" long. and the ground is like 5'. Although you can extend the ground. You're saying I have to be within 7 inches of the welder? That's never gonna happen. Sorry 7 foot. Mine is any way some go to 15 foot OH! Gotcha. So if I'm going to weld on something on my vehicle in my driveway, that might be an issue. Guessing it has to plug directly into the wall..NOT into an extension cord (that seems to be the way of a lot of equipment.) If you get a machine with the 15 foot lead it would be better but more expensive. You can get around a car with 7' Okay. Guessing the leads cannot be changed out for longer ones later, right? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:09:51 AM EDT
[#29]
Okay y'all...any brands to avoid when I start looking?
I mean...if I go to Harbor Freight (which I don't usually do) I'm guessing they'll have a cheap welder. I'm guessing I should not fo. But I don't know.. Thoughts? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:18:13 AM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Remember you can use propane instead of acetylene in your torch. Same fittings. Won't get hot enough to torch weld, but will cut fine Saves money. YYou will still need oxygen though. You can entertain the thought if those little disposable bottle torches if you don'tplan in needing it much. As iI mentioned, you don't really need a torch for new builds. Short of bending metal. I missed this post as I was scrolling. You're saying I can weld with propane? Are you talking about the little gas grill propane jugs? or are you talking about something bigger? I won't need ANY of this very much. I ain't goin' into the weldin' bidness. 
I need to weld exhaust systems and lawn furniture and maybe fix something that's broken on a machine now and then. Which means I'll likely be a BAD welder, and my welds will be insanely ugly, but will probably hold. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:21:47 AM EDT
[#31]
Rat Patrol said..
Quote History Yup. Stick is old school, but can work well on old metal.
All professional welders use wire feed. Insanely easy to get an arc going. You also have a trigger, so yournozzle is eelectrically cold when you aren't welding. What does this mean? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:23:16 AM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I missed this post as I was scrolling. You're saying I can weld with propane? Are you talking about the little gas grill propane jugs? or are you talking about something bigger? I won't need ANY of this very much. I ain't goin' into the weldin' bidness.
I need to weld exhaust systems and lawn furniture and maybe fix something that's broken on a machine now and then. Which means I'll likely be a BAD welder, and my welds will be insanely ugly, but will probably hold. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Remember you can use propane instead of acetylene in your torch. Same fittings. Won't get hot enough to torch weld, but will cut fine Saves money. YYou will still need oxygen though. You can entertain the thought if those little disposable bottle torches if you don'tplan in needing it much. As iI mentioned, you don't really need a torch for new builds. Short of bending metal. I missed this post as I was scrolling. You're saying I can weld with propane? Are you talking about the little gas grill propane jugs? or are you talking about something bigger? I won't need ANY of this very much. I ain't goin' into the weldin' bidness.
I need to weld exhaust systems and lawn furniture and maybe fix something that's broken on a machine now and then. Which means I'll likely be a BAD welder, and my welds will be insanely ugly, but will probably hold. You wont need a torch for that kind of work. Maybe yard art? And no you cant weld with prpane. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:24:38 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Rat Patrol said.. What does this mean? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Rat Patrol said.. Yup. Stick is old school, but can work well on old metal.
All professional welders use wire feed. Insanely easy to get an arc going. You also have a trigger, so yournozzle is eelectrically cold when you aren't welding. What does this mean? Dirty rusty metal |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:28:00 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Dirty rusty metal Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Rat Patrol said.. Yup. Stick is old school, but can work well on old metal.
All professional welders use wire feed. Insanely easy to get an arc going. You also have a trigger, so yournozzle is eelectrically cold when you aren't welding. What does this mean? Dirty rusty metal Thats what the grinder is for. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:33:10 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
You wont need a torch for that kind of work. Maybe yard art? And no you cant weld with prpane. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Remember you can use propane instead of acetylene in your torch. Same fittings. Won't get hot enough to torch weld, but will cut fine Saves money. YYou will still need oxygen though. You can entertain the thought if those little disposable bottle torches if you don'tplan in needing it much. As iI mentioned, you don't really need a torch for new builds. Short of bending metal. I missed this post as I was scrolling. You're saying I can weld with propane? Are you talking about the little gas grill propane jugs? or are you talking about something bigger? I won't need ANY of this very much. I ain't goin' into the weldin' bidness.
I need to weld exhaust systems and lawn furniture and maybe fix something that's broken on a machine now and then. Which means I'll likely be a BAD welder, and my welds will be insanely ugly, but will probably hold. You wont need a torch for that kind of work. Maybe yard art? And no you cant weld with prpane. Okay sorry...I guess I meant can I CUT with propane. Lot of instances you need to cut, and apparently I cannot cut with a wire welder. Yeah...metal sculpture maybe...but that's a ways down the road. If I get to that before I die, I'll be lucky. I have way too much to do before that gets to the top of my list of "must do" items. 
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:38:44 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Thats what the grinder is for. Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Rat Patrol said.. Yup. Stick is old school, but can work well on old metal.
All professional welders use wire feed. Insanely easy to get an arc going. You also have a trigger, so yournozzle is eelectrically cold when you aren't welding. What does this mean? Dirty rusty metal Thats what the grinder is for. Okay this makes sense. So if I'm restoring an old car and the frame is all rusty, I would likely use a wire brush and grinder attached to a drill. That's the most heavy duty thing I can imagine needing to grind or clean at this point. Is that thinking reasonable? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:46:58 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Okay this makes sense. So if I'm restoring an old car and the frame is all rusty, I would likely use a wire brush and grinder attached to a drill. That's the most heavy duty thing I can imagine needing to grind or clean at this point. Is that thinking reasonable? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Rat Patrol said.. Yup. Stick is old school, but can work well on old metal.
All professional welders use wire feed. Insanely easy to get an arc going. You also have a trigger, so yournozzle is eelectrically cold when you aren't welding. What does this mean? Dirty rusty metal Thats what the grinder is for. Okay this makes sense. So if I'm restoring an old car and the frame is all rusty, I would likely use a wire brush and grinder attached to a drill. That's the most heavy duty thing I can imagine needing to grind or clean at this point. Is that thinking reasonable? Well a grinder is separate from a drill. and you buy a wire wheel and grinding disk for it. And you can buy cutting disk also. They spin at 10,000 RPM |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:55:04 AM EDT
[#38]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Well a grinder is separate from a drill. and you buy a wire wheel and grinding disk for it. And you can buy cutting disk also. They spin at 10,000 RPM I'm confused. I have multiple drills. And I have grinding wheels and wire wheels that I chuck into my drills. Are you saying I need a bench grinder necessarily for some of this? |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 6:16:09 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I'm confused. I have multiple drills. And I have grinding wheels and wire wheels that I chuck into my drills. Are you saying I need a bench grinder necessarily for some of this? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Well a grinder is separate from a drill. and you buy a wire wheel and grinding disk for it. And you can buy cutting disk also. They spin at 10,000 RPM I'm confused. I have multiple drills. And I have grinding wheels and wire wheels that I chuck into my drills. Are you saying I need a bench grinder necessarily for some of this? no just a hand held angle grinder. if you go to homedepot or someplace like that. go look at the all the different type of grinding wheels that can be used on the hand held angle grinder. you will find the drill attachments very inferior to a hand held angle grinder. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 9:27:21 AM EDT
[#40]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Okay sorry...I guess I meant can I CUT with propane. Lot of instances you need to cut, and apparently I cannot cut with a wire welder. Yeah...metal sculpture maybe...but that's a ways down the road. If I get to that before I die, I'll be lucky. I have way too much to do before that gets to the top of my list of "must do" items. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Remember you can use propane instead of acetylene in your torch. Same fittings. Won't get hot enough to torch weld, but will cut fine Saves money. YYou will still need oxygen though. You can entertain the thought if those little disposable bottle torches if you don'tplan in needing it much. As iI mentioned, you don't really need a torch for new builds. Short of bending metal. I missed this post as I was scrolling. You're saying I can weld with propane? Are you talking about the little gas grill propane jugs? or are you talking about something bigger? I won't need ANY of this very much. I ain't goin' into the weldin' bidness. I need to weld exhaust systems and lawn furniture and maybe fix something that's broken on a machine now and then. Which means I'll likely be a BAD welder, and my welds will be insanely ugly, but will probably hold. You wont need a torch for that kind of work. Maybe yard art? And no you cant weld with prpane. Okay sorry...I guess I meant can I CUT with propane. Lot of instances you need to cut, and apparently I cannot cut with a wire welder. Yeah...metal sculpture maybe...but that's a ways down the road. If I get to that before I die, I'll be lucky. I have way too much to do before that gets to the top of my list of "must do" items. Without a torch, you DO need a chop saw and sawsall with metal blade. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 9:44:50 AM EDT
[#41]
We just bought this for one of our farm shops.
miller 212 It has auto wire speed and is super easy to set up. Measure your metal, turn the heat setting to desired thickness setting, turn on gas, turn on power, lay some beads. It is that simple. I never welded before and now I am doing welding projects all the time. The auto wire speed and just the ease of a wire feed makes this thing great. Few wire feed tips. Don't use a flux core wire, they make shitty welds. Clean all your metal before you weld it, you will get good with your angle grinder pretty quick. Always weld downhill, heat rises so if you weld up you will eventually blow a hole in your work. If you aren't a great welder hopefully your a good grinder, you can make a lot of shitty work look pretty good with some grinding. As for a torch spend the extra and get a plasma torch. They are the bees knees. plasma torch |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 10:04:35 AM EDT
[#42]
Grinders
Look on Craigslist for like a 150ish amp machine. Lots of people buy Lincolns from Home Depot and use them twice. You can run an extension cord, just make sure it's a good size. What's the difference between a cord and the wire in the wall being 20 ft longer? Not much, just has to be sized appropriately. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 10:17:24 AM EDT
[#43]
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no just a hand held angle grinder. if you go to homedepot or someplace like that. go look at the all the different type of grinding wheels that can be used on the hand held angle grinder. you will find the drill attachments very inferior to a hand held angle grinder. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Well a grinder is separate from a drill. and you buy a wire wheel and grinding disk for it. And you can buy cutting disk also. They spin at 10,000 RPM I'm confused. I have multiple drills. And I have grinding wheels and wire wheels that I chuck into my drills. Are you saying I need a bench grinder necessarily for some of this? no just a hand held angle grinder. if you go to homedepot or someplace like that. go look at the all the different type of grinding wheels that can be used on the hand held angle grinder. you will find the drill attachments very inferior to a hand held angle grinder. Ah, okay. I will do that. That's something we've considered in the past but never fent. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 10:22:06 AM EDT
[#44]
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Yes, you can cut with an oxy propane torch. The torch can do 2 things for you: cut metal and quickly heat metal for bending. Its not required for fabrication, even less so for light duty stuff you can bend cold or cut with a chop saw ir sawsall. Without a torch, you DO need a chop saw and sawsall with metal blade. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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Remember you can use propane instead of acetylene in your torch. Same fittings. Won't get hot enough to torch weld, but will cut fine Saves money. YYou will still need oxygen though. You can entertain the thought if those little disposable bottle torches if you don'tplan in needing it much. As iI mentioned, you don't really need a torch for new builds. Short of bending metal. I missed this post as I was scrolling. You're saying I can weld with propane? Are you talking about the little gas grill propane jugs? or are you talking about something bigger? I won't need ANY of this very much. I ain't goin' into the weldin' bidness.
I need to weld exhaust systems and lawn furniture and maybe fix something that's broken on a machine now and then. Which means I'll likely be a BAD welder, and my welds will be insanely ugly, but will probably hold. You wont need a torch for that kind of work. Maybe yard art? And no you cant weld with prpane. Okay sorry...I guess I meant can I CUT with propane. Lot of instances you need to cut, and apparently I cannot cut with a wire welder. Yeah...metal sculpture maybe...but that's a ways down the road. If I get to that before I die, I'll be lucky. I have way too much to do before that gets to the top of my list of "must do" items. Without a torch, you DO need a chop saw and sawsall with metal blade. Okay. We have a chop saw for wood, but not one set up for metal. We have a good reciprocating saw. Sounds like one of those little bottle torches (we do have that) will do for heating stuff up to help get it to let go and/or to bend, and I don't need a big bottle torch. And the wire welder will allow me to do things like assemble my own exhaust components. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 10:24:39 AM EDT
[#45]
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We just bought this for one of our farm shops. miller 212 It has auto wire speed and is super easy to set up. Measure your metal, turn the heat setting to desired thickness setting, turn on gas, turn on power, lay some beads. It is that simple. I never welded before and now I am doing welding projects all the time. The auto wire speed and just the ease of a wire feed makes this thing great. Few wire feed tips. Don't use a flux core wire, they make shitty welds. Clean all your metal before you weld it, you will get good with your angle grinder pretty quick. Always weld downhill, heat rises so if you weld up you will eventually blow a hole in your work. If you aren't a great welder hopefully your a good grinder, you can make a lot of shitty work look pretty good with some grinding. As for a torch spend the extra and get a plasma torch. They are the bees knees. plasma torch Okay, good stuff. Thank you! |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 11:09:02 AM EDT
[#46]
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Grinders Look on Craigslist for like a 150ish amp machine. Lots of people buy Lincolns from Home Depot and use them twice. You can run an extension cord, just make sure it's a good size. What's the difference between a cord and the wire in the wall being 20 ft longer? Not much, just has to be sized appropriately. Got it. Thanks everyone, for the links. I'll go looking around and will probably have more questions. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:15:32 PM EDT
[#47]
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Okay, good stuff. Thank you! Quote HistoryQuoted:
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We just bought this for one of our farm shops. miller 212 It has auto wire speed and is super easy to set up. Measure your metal, turn the heat setting to desired thickness setting, turn on gas, turn on power, lay some beads. It is that simple. I never welded before and now I am doing welding projects all the time. The auto wire speed and just the ease of a wire feed makes this thing great. Few wire feed tips. Don't use a flux core wire, they make shitty welds. Clean all your metal before you weld it, you will get good with your angle grinder pretty quick. Always weld downhill, heat rises so if you weld up you will eventually blow a hole in your work. If you aren't a great welder hopefully your a good grinder, you can make a lot of shitty work look pretty good with some grinding. As for a torch spend the extra and get a plasma torch. They are the bees knees. plasma torch Okay, good stuff. Thank you! Just looked at this. There is no way I can spend that for something that'll get used so little. I could never get that to make financial sense for us. 
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:41:25 PM EDT
[#48]
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Just looked at this. There is no way I can spend that for something that'll get used so little. I could never get that to make financial sense for us.
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We just bought this for one of our farm shops. miller 212 It has auto wire speed and is super easy to set up. Measure your metal, turn the heat setting to desired thickness setting, turn on gas, turn on power, lay some beads. It is that simple. I never welded before and now I am doing welding projects all the time. The auto wire speed and just the ease of a wire feed makes this thing great. Few wire feed tips. Don't use a flux core wire, they make shitty welds. Clean all your metal before you weld it, you will get good with your angle grinder pretty quick. Always weld downhill, heat rises so if you weld up you will eventually blow a hole in your work. If you aren't a great welder hopefully your a good grinder, you can make a lot of shitty work look pretty good with some grinding. As for a torch spend the extra and get a plasma torch. They are the bees knees. plasma torch Okay, good stuff. Thank you! Just looked at this. There is no way I can spend that for something that'll get used so little. I could never get that to make financial sense for us.
Yeah it's pretty expensive. They can be found used for quite a bit less and you don't need the auto feed speed. Just get a good brand. Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln. |
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:47:45 PM EDT
[#49]
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Yeah it's pretty expensive. They can be found used for quite a bit less and you don't need the auto feed speed. Just get a good brand. Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln. Quote HistoryQuoted:
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We just bought this for one of our farm shops. miller 212 It has auto wire speed and is super easy to set up. Measure your metal, turn the heat setting to desired thickness setting, turn on gas, turn on power, lay some beads. It is that simple. I never welded before and now I am doing welding projects all the time. The auto wire speed and just the ease of a wire feed makes this thing great. Few wire feed tips. Don't use a flux core wire, they make shitty welds. Clean all your metal before you weld it, you will get good with your angle grinder pretty quick. Always weld downhill, heat rises so if you weld up you will eventually blow a hole in your work. If you aren't a great welder hopefully your a good grinder, you can make a lot of shitty work look pretty good with some grinding. As for a torch spend the extra and get a plasma torch. They are the bees knees. plasma torch Okay, good stuff. Thank you! Just looked at this. There is no way I can spend that for something that'll get used so little. I could never get that to make financial sense for us.
Yeah it's pretty expensive. They can be found used for quite a bit less and you don't need the auto feed speed. Just get a good brand. Miller, Hobart, or Lincoln. Okay. Will probably look around and bring some choices back for y'all to pick apart before I buy.
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Posted: 4/2/2016 1:49:25 PM EDT
[#50]
You don't even need a torch. I use mine about twice a year. Its easier to cut with a grinder 90% of the time unless you are using >3/8" steel.
You're seriously overthinking this. Go buy a mig welder and get started. |
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