Selecting a small welder

[Julian@MotoCARR]

I have been toying with the idea of getting a small electric only welder for very light use. It would mostly be hobby stuff, with the biggest job most likely being welding exhaust pipe on a car. Sure I would prefer a MIG over a stick welder, but for something that I will be using VERY sparingly and
Here is what I have seen in the price range I am looking to be in. Comments on these units/suggestions on others?
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/WESTWARD-AC-Stick-Welder-2WDP2?Pidsearch]Westward/Grainger']http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/WESTWARD-AC-Stick-Welder-2WDP2?Pid=search"]Westward/Grainger[/url] 2WDP2[/URL]

Item AC Stick Welder
Phase 1
Output Range (Amps) 50/70
Rated Output 50A @ 22V
Amps AC 50
Duty Cycle 20%
Input (Amps) 20
Input Voltage 115
OCV 42
Hz 60
Overall Height (In.) 8-1/4
Overall Width (In.) 7
Overall Depth (In.) 11-4/5
Features Portable, Lightweight, Allow 120V Input, Two-taps Current Control, Thermal Overload Protection
Application AC Stick Welding for Do It Yourself Maintenance and Repairs
Includes 6 Ft Power Cord, 115V, 15A Plug, 10 Ft Welding Cable With Electrode Holder, 6 Ft Earth Cable With Work Clamp, Chipping Hammer and 10 Electrodes
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/FIREPOWER-AC-Stick-Arc-Welder-4PU38?Pidsearch]Firepower']http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/FIREPOWER-AC-Stick-Arc-Welder-4PU38?Pid=search"]Firepower[/url] 1443G0402[/URL]

Item Single Phase Arc Welder
Type AC Stick Welder
Series FP100
Rated Output 65A/27V @ 15%
Input Voltage 120
OCV 37
Hz 60
Overall Height (In.) 11-1/2
Overall Width (In.) 9
Overall Depth (In.) 13-1/4
Features 27 Lbs Weight, Uses Standard 115 VAC Household Supply, Infinite Amperage Adjustment, Thermostatic Heat Protection
Application Light Duty Arc Portable Arc Welding
Includes 6 Ft Welding Lead and Electrode Holder, 6 Ft Ground Cable and Work Clamp
http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html]Harbor']http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html"]Harbor[/url] Freight/Chicago Electric 98871 [/URL]

This flux welder is ideal for outdoor work since it doesn’t use an external shielding gas - the flux built into the wire shields the weld. Set-up is easy for gasless flux-cored welding on thicker steel. 120 volt flux welder allows you to weld material from 18 gauge to 1/2" thick.
Uses self-shielding flux-cored welding wire
No shielding gas necessary
Includes 2 lb. spool of flux-core wire, spare welding tip
Manual wire feed speed control
Thermal protection with warning light
Integrated carry handle
Input: 120 volts, 20 amps, single phase, 60 Hz
Duty Cycle: 45% @ 60 amps, 25% @ 80 amps
Wire capacity: 0.030"/0.035" flux core wire
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947538000P?mvrr&i_cntr1311961313290#desc]Lincoln']http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947538000P?mv=rr&i_cntr=1311961313290#desc"]Lincoln[/url] K2278[/URL]

35-88 amps output.
Welds up to 1/8 in. mild steel.
Plugs into household 115V, 20 amp outlet.
Compact, portable, lightweight and easy to use.
Great for home repair and hobby projects on light gauge mild steel found around most households.
Base Unit Includes: Welding gun and cable assembly, work clamp and cable, 1 lb. spool of .035" Flux-cored wire, two additional .035 contact tips, welding handshield and chipping hammer/brush.

 

[Chimera Moto Works]

as a full-time welding tech student, I can tell you that yes, stick welding is the most versatile welder to plug-in and use, but for around the house, i'd still suggest a mig.

 

[cdiver666]

I got a Craftsman arc welder and it works alright. I used it on my car and my bike. It was $150 and works well. My only wish is that it had more amps. It goes up to 90. I managed to weld sheet metal with it, as well as the hoop on the back of my bike. Niether were easy though.
If I had the coin, I would certainly get a nice mig.

 

[Bozz]

An arc welder takes a lot more skill to use well.

MIG is so easy it's scary.

My suggestion is to look at pawn shops and estate auctions, you can sometimes come across a deal for a MIG.

I have seen them go for less than $300 at auctions, with a tank of gas!

Be as patient as you can with your eyes open, and I'd bet you can find one.

Cheers!

 

[Julian@MotoCARR]

Thanks for the replies so far guys! Yeah I kinda thought a mig would be the way to go. Does it sound like 90 amps are enough or should I think about getting something bigger?

 

[johngofast]

If there is a Lowe's in your area they've been selling a great Lincoln Electric MIG for $109-$145 for a while, I've purchased three of them for companies I've worked for. Used often for smaller items. 120v

 

[Julian@MotoCARR]

Hmmmmmmmm, there's one right down the street. I definitely will swing by and have a look see.

 

[Garage_guy_chris]

I have owned the little 90 amp 110volt stick machines and they are capable of joining metal its a pretty crude affair. My suggestion if you are going to be working on cars and bikes is to look at the low end lincoln and miller machines they are capable of real mig with the gas bottle not just flux core mig. You can start out with flux core then buy the bottle and switch it over, real Mig using 75/25 is the real ticket when your building bikes and working on cars. the small 110volts will limit you slightly but the slightly bigger 240 volt units will do pretty much anything you will need to do.The other thing is once you have a welding machine you would be surprised how useful they are.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00234

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00209

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=59618

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=42420

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=59619

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=42422

 

[Darmstro]

I'd suggest putting a bit of money aside for a bit and buying something that you're not gonna want to upgrade from in a couple months. I bought a cheap stick welder and ended up wanting a mig/flux machine right away. I have a Hobart Handler 140 now. It's gas/flux capable and still a 120V machine. More than enough for what I need.

No matter what you buy, don't tell all your family and friends. You'll never get a chance to use it yourself.

 

[dean owens]

If there is a Lowe's in your area they've been selling a great Lincoln Electric MIG for $109-$145 for a while, I've purchased three of them for companies I've worked for. Used often for smaller items. 120v

what model? and where are you located? just wondering if it's a local deal.