I need some advice. I would like to start my own cafe project, but i don't have a welder. I'm not planning on fabricating any suspension or load bearing parts. Not yet at least. I do have a 220v outlet in my garage! I have no welding experience. What do you gentleman recommend?
Need a welder! Which one to get?
- Thread starter thunderzy
- Start date
johnson_steve
Been Around the Block
avoid getting an "arc" or "stick" welder get a "mig" or "wire" they are much easier to use. also keep in mind you will want an autodarkening helmet. I have a cheap ($120 @ Harbor freight) wire welder and a cheap ($50 @ Harbor freight) auto darkening helmet. This setup is way better then what I started out with: A stick welder and flip down goggles.
dcmspikes
Coast to Coast
i have a small miller MIG welder and autodarkening helmet. from what i hear the 220V is more efficient on your electric bill. you can weld most anything together with one of these. i work with sheet metal from 20g to 1/4". pretty versatile and easy to use. the autodarkening helmet is much simpler. you can see through it with the sheild down, so you can always see your piece.
Roustabout
Been Around the Block
I use a 115V Lincoln MigPak 140 for both MIG and flux core that I got on sale. It came with everything except the gas bottles and has worked well for me so far. You can also get an aluminum welding upgrade. If the 140 wasn't on sale I probably would have got the 220V MigPak 180. When pricing units consider whether a gas regulator is included or if you will have to buy one.
What's your budget? I bought a little 120 Lincoln MIG (~$500) a few year back and really regretted it. That would have gone a long way toward the TIG I now have. If you have a 220 drop in your garage, you'd be wise to buy a Miller or Lincoln 220 MIG at a minimum. The best solution is a high frequency AC/DC inverter TIG. I like Miller, ESAB or Thermal Electric.
All of these will need a gas connection.
--Chris
All of these will need a gas connection.
--Chris
