Posted: 10/24/2005 11:33:55 AM EDT
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Disclaimer: Yes I realize it's still October, but if I picked up any behavior from my mother (good bad or indifferent), it is that Xmas shopping/planning begins months in advance. ON TO THE MEAT OF THE POST. My dad is notoriously difficult to shop for. However, he mentioned in passing this weekend that he wants to get an arc welder. Nothing huge, just a small one that he can plug into 110 and do some small welding projects with. Since I know just about as much about welding as I do about women, I thought I'd better ask around and find out everything I can about welders. (I'll ask about women at a later date when I have much more time and some heavy drugs.) I'm looking for brands, prices, sizes, places to buy them, you name it. If anyone can help me out, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks! |
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The only thing I can say is that the Hobart I have (Stickmate LX) is pretty darn good. Very stable AC arc. 230A max output @ I think 40% duty cycle. Which, I should also note, is 220V single phase. Duty cycle, if you don't know, is measured in 10min increments. A 40% duty cycle means you can run it for 4min straight without having to give the welder a rest. After 4 min it is strongly advised that you let it rest 6min (totaling 10min) Most people won't weld past 110 amps but my advice is to get an arc welder that is capable of far more so that your duty cycle at 110A is 90-100%.Meaning you would only need it to rest for a minute or so (or not let it rest at all) I use my welder in production so I'm only speaking from a commercial standpoint. If you only intend to use it once or twice a week or a month...you can probably deal with the lower duty cycles and the longer rest times between beads. Personally I weld 1/4" & 3/16" and use about 100A with 3/32" 7018 Electrode. Someone with more welding experience could better explain the properties of the electrode types. Hope this has helped. -Rob ::EDIT:: Here is a link to the Hobart Stickmate LX: hobartwelders.com/products/StickmateLX_AC.html |
My dad has given me more than anyone else in the world, and I'm not talking just material things. He has supported me in everything I've ever done my entire life, without question, and without judgement. I'd like to be able to do something nice for him this Xmas since I have the fundage available. |
To Dads!
If he is going to do some light commercial, he definately needs to go 220v. Unless you really love him then get him a portable. I recommend a Miller Bobcat. |
Seriously all he'll be doing is REALLY light stuff for himself, not for work really. He does grade work and he is a big fan of recycling. He replaces all of his shovel handles, he repaints grade stakes and uses them again, ETC. The example he gave for wanting a welder is to make/fix his swedes, which if I remember right is just a chunk of rebar stuck to a piece of flat steel. He won't be welding on dozer blades or anything like that. |
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This is what I would get him even though I like Millers better. I had one and I should have kept it. They are very easy to use and set up, or take with you. I had mine set up with Flux-core only:Mig Welders (GMAW) - Lincoln® SP-135: Capabilities include welding 24 gauge through 5/16" mild steel plate. Install K663-2 to weld 22 gauge through 1/8" aluminum Then I went to a Miller® Millermatic® 210 MIG but I needed something bigger. This is what 1GR & I both have in our shops.. . .Miller® Millermatic® 251 MIG You could go to Lowes or AirGas and get a Buzz Box for about $400. But it takes a lot more skill to get a good, nice looking weld. This welder will weld 3/64th" to 1" steel, with skill. It don't like sheet metel. Honestly I would go with a 110V SP100 or SP135 Linclon. These welders are good up to about 1/4 inch steel with nice clean welds. Note: Mig/wire feeds take less skill then ARC welders. |