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well figured i'd post some tips on choosing a welder for your shop, since there are so many different types that it can be confusing.
Mig Welding- MIG (Metal inert gas) welding is mostly used for thin metals, body work ect, this is because it uses a shielding gas to keep the surrounding metal from distorting or blowing through (melting) a mig welder can weld steel, stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron using the proper welding wire and gas (2 main gasses used are pure argon for aluminum and a 70% argon 30% co2 mix used for just about everything else) drawbacks to mig welders are that the max thickness of the metal is lower than with stick or oxy acetaline welding, and the weld is less clean than with tig you also can't mig weld in windy conditions. for maximum versatility buy the highest amperage model you can, at least 130 amp, and be sure to get a 115 model instead of the 220v, welders don't work very well with extension cords, so you don't want to be tied to one outlet.
TIG- Tungsten inert gas or heliarc welding. don't know a whole lot about tig welding because tig welders are signifigantly more expensive than any other welding rig. start at about $1200, tig welding is the best and most expensive option. welds steel, stainless, aluminum, chromoly. produces the strongest and cleanest welds possible, but is one of the more difficult techniques.
Stick- Arc welding is the least expensive welding option, but is only appropriate for thick steel that has little chance of blowing out as this is unshielded welding. produces dirty welds but can weld the thickest of projects. mostly for quick and nasty work like farm repairs. one of the easiest techniques and where most welders get their start. again look for a 115v machine.
oxy-acetelene- also used for a cutting torch, probably the oldest form of welding, uses 2 tanks, one of oxygen and one of aceteline, you heat the surfaces with the open flame from the torch and manually use a filler rod. probably the most versatile setup and also the most difficult. it's also a runner up for the cheapest, usually about 100 for the set up minus the tanks, which must be purchased at a welding supply store. with a add on torch likethe henrob cobra it is capable of delicate work down to jewelry repair and welds as clean as the tig. it is the most difficult to weld with, but worth learning if you have the time.
if buying used equipment there are several things to keep an eye out for. if its 3 phase forget about it. there is alot of very cheap 3 phase equipment out there, and there is a reason for it. it is next to impossible to get 3 phase electric in a residential area. you can get a 3 phase inverter, but they are expensive so unless you plan on outfitting you whole shop in industrial 3 phase equipment it's not worth it. if you do plan on it look for the largest rotary 3 phase converter you can afford, and make sure it can handle a wleder. most can't. next stick to 115v, and don't try to use your welder with an extension cord, you lose too many amps. last buy yourself a auto dimming helmet. your going to have enough trouble learning to weld without not being able to see your work.
Mig Welding- MIG (Metal inert gas) welding is mostly used for thin metals, body work ect, this is because it uses a shielding gas to keep the surrounding metal from distorting or blowing through (melting) a mig welder can weld steel, stainless steel, aluminum and cast iron using the proper welding wire and gas (2 main gasses used are pure argon for aluminum and a 70% argon 30% co2 mix used for just about everything else) drawbacks to mig welders are that the max thickness of the metal is lower than with stick or oxy acetaline welding, and the weld is less clean than with tig you also can't mig weld in windy conditions. for maximum versatility buy the highest amperage model you can, at least 130 amp, and be sure to get a 115 model instead of the 220v, welders don't work very well with extension cords, so you don't want to be tied to one outlet.
TIG- Tungsten inert gas or heliarc welding. don't know a whole lot about tig welding because tig welders are signifigantly more expensive than any other welding rig. start at about $1200, tig welding is the best and most expensive option. welds steel, stainless, aluminum, chromoly. produces the strongest and cleanest welds possible, but is one of the more difficult techniques.
Stick- Arc welding is the least expensive welding option, but is only appropriate for thick steel that has little chance of blowing out as this is unshielded welding. produces dirty welds but can weld the thickest of projects. mostly for quick and nasty work like farm repairs. one of the easiest techniques and where most welders get their start. again look for a 115v machine.
oxy-acetelene- also used for a cutting torch, probably the oldest form of welding, uses 2 tanks, one of oxygen and one of aceteline, you heat the surfaces with the open flame from the torch and manually use a filler rod. probably the most versatile setup and also the most difficult. it's also a runner up for the cheapest, usually about 100 for the set up minus the tanks, which must be purchased at a welding supply store. with a add on torch likethe henrob cobra it is capable of delicate work down to jewelry repair and welds as clean as the tig. it is the most difficult to weld with, but worth learning if you have the time.
if buying used equipment there are several things to keep an eye out for. if its 3 phase forget about it. there is alot of very cheap 3 phase equipment out there, and there is a reason for it. it is next to impossible to get 3 phase electric in a residential area. you can get a 3 phase inverter, but they are expensive so unless you plan on outfitting you whole shop in industrial 3 phase equipment it's not worth it. if you do plan on it look for the largest rotary 3 phase converter you can afford, and make sure it can handle a wleder. most can't. next stick to 115v, and don't try to use your welder with an extension cord, you lose too many amps. last buy yourself a auto dimming helmet. your going to have enough trouble learning to weld without not being able to see your work.