Is there a welder I can run at home on 110. I want it to be able to weld with or without gas. Have easy to find replacement parts/supplies. It needs to be able to weld 4x4 projects. I dont think I want a stick welder. Can this be done for around $300?

Maybe, with some kind of cheap mig, but you'd be a LOT better off with a $500 110/220 convertible MIG welder with both flux core and gas shield options. Easiest to learn on, fairly easy to use, and will generally weld around 1/4" with multiple passes.

Can you give me a suggestion on the type you are talking about with a link to one?

Anyone else with suggestions on either what he was saying or any that fit into my original range?

I've been researching this topic for months and have decided on this one.

Link.

Don't believe the list price. They go for much less than that. Happy shopping!

I got a $300 flux/mig from ebay it lasted about 6 months, the company wouldn't warrantee it. Now I use a $600 Hobart 187, which has been a great machine for the last two years. The point is don't cheap out on a welder. Also I would recommend getting a 220V, not sure but I don't think a 110 would do 1/4" thick steel. I'd be willing to run you a new 220 line to your garage if you wanted to go that route. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Well 220 in my garage would be nice.

Whn would it be a good time for me to call you?

Anytime is ok. I'm not working this week.

That 18x series hobart (probably made by Miller) is a good choice. The 211 has some more bells and whistles, especially the autoset feature which would be nice, but there's a chart inside the wire roll door that gives you the settings for various wire sizes and material thicknesses.

None of these will weld AL worth a damn without at least 220v power and a spool gun like the optional one on the 211 data sheet. I like the 110/220 convertible units with the gas regulator. Gas welds are much neater, less spatter, less ash stuff.

I really like an auto darken helmet. Otherwise, you have to position the torch helmet up, and then flop it down without losing the torch position and trigger the welder on. Easy to miss your start spot. You can buy autodarken inserts for most any helmet. Cheap ones tend to autodarken under the right flourescent lights sometimes, a nuisance.

If you weld, you need a 4" grinder, trust me on this one, with abrasive wheels and flap discs and sanding wheels and a wire cup brush.

I found the Haynes Welding Manual to be very helpful, both with equip selection and how to weld instructions. Quite complete. Buy it before you buy anything else and read it.

The Hobart Handler 125(can be upgraded to gas) is a pretty good welder, and it runs off of 110. It has no problem welding 1/8 diamond plate and will do 1/4" steel when you grind an edge for welding. New it wont be found for $300, though you might be able to get one used for that amount.

Another option to buying new is to buy a used/reconditioned welder from a welding shop.

You should also check out craigslist for your area.

Don't forget you can weld thicker material with flux core wire compared the reg wire and a gas shield.

I have a cheapo mig and it's fine for now. However, I agree with others that a good 220v welder with reg wire and a gas shield would be the preferred option. Flux core is tricky and often messy.

Good luck with it. Being able to weld is enormously useful <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />