i dont know if this is the right forum for this but i need a welder. I want an all around welder that can be used for bumpers and other thick stuff as well as exhaust pipes and thiner stuff like that. i dont want to spend more then 500-600 bucks either any sugustions?


PS used welder for sale are welcome sugustions too <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

My best advice would be for you to go to your local welding supply store. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

Thats a good idea.

I recently picked up a Lincoln ProMIG 135. You should be able to pick one up for around $450. It's one of the most powerfull 110V machines available. If 220V power is available, I would step up to a 175. I set mine up with gas, and have been very pleased.

For what your planning on doing, you should be looking at a MIG.

HIH,
Andre

I use a Hobart Handler 135 110V with shielding gas. I have welded everything from door skin sheet metal with .025 wire to 1/4" plate using .030 wire. Good all around welder that cost around $450 but if you can afford it I would get a 220V 185amp welder. you will be much more impressed with it's abilities.

Ditto comments on the Hobart above.. If you can go for the Hobart 185 amp model, highly recommend.. for thin metals, MIG is almost a must..

The only time I break out the 225amp DC stick welder is on 1/4"+ materials and where really deep penetration is an absolute must for safety reasons..

Love my Lincoln arc welder. I've done two bumpers, a solid axle swap and a bunch of little stuff. As a $250 impulse buy, I have no regrets.

If you are just getting started in welding, you might want to consider getting a used one - have seen some good Forney's for under a $100 on ebay. And for about $200 you get get a torch using propane rather acetylene for brazing the lighter stuff. And with the small tanks, could take it out in the woods otherwise you need a "reeeeelll" long extension cord!

I Agree, watch the papers. I picked up a lincoln Squarewave tig 175 from an awning shop that was going down the tubes. The next week the guy calls me and asked if I would want a Miller Roughneck(gas powered welder/generator)? Picked up both for under $500. If you are looking at the welders from Harbor frieght, I have an 220 dualmig from there and it is hard to use, not a lot of power settings. However I have welded alum. and steel with argon. Used, you can get a bigger unit for the same money. GPN

Just my .02 but start out on a good machine, If you buy a
110v welder you are waisting your money. There is no com-
paring it to the 220v welders. For your price range you
can get a hobart175 put it on unimix gas an you will learn
as you go along. Do not weld anything for structual integrity till you had practice. The 110v welders with
fluxcore wire are for lawn mower maintenance. You go
welding up 1/4" bumpers that you are going to hang your
rig off the side of a hill with you better have good
penetration on your welds. 110v welders should only
be used on structually sound materials by experienced
welders that no welding.

I've personally used and tested the strength of welds with a Lincoln 100 and 100HD 115 wire feed/MIG. Both have held up to serious abuse on my winch bumper and suspension. Ideally A Millermatic 220 is what I would like, but between the Lincoln wire feed and the Lincoln AC Arc, I get things done well and strong!