Re: Learning to weld
[Re: washxc]
#7305772
07/14/21 11:52 AM
07/14/21 11:52 AM
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 8,966 Indiana
Providence Farm
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Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 8,966
Indiana
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Providence, I went with a Titanium 125 Flux Core from Harbor Freight. They're $180, and sometimes they'll have 10% off. I figured flux core was a good, cheap way to start. No gas shielding required, and with the unit I bought you can just plug into 110 outlet and go. Now that I'm getting into it I see that there are a few machines out there that can do several processes with one machine (MIG/Flux/Stick/Tig) and can be plugged into 110 or 220. YES Welder (china made) has a unit on sale for $389. I'm not sure if/when I'll step up into a different machine, but the multi process machines seem pretty slick for basic at home use. The Lincolns and Millers have a pretty hefty price tag. Ya I used to have a miller bobcat 225 400' of ground and lead. It is a generator model with 110 and 220 plug in on it. If you bought the attachments it would do any kind of welding I didn't use it much. In fact I used it more for the generator during power outages than welding. I ended up trading it off for an ATV. I wore that atv out but that welder is still in use. I'm leaning toward a miller or Lincoln stick that will run off 110 or 220 and is a small unit I can put up out of the way. But a generator model while more $ could double for a house generator when the power is out so may be worth it for that alone. Wire feed would be nice for thin stuff and dual shield was the easiest thing I ever certified on. Like 30 min or less to run 1" vertical and overhead test plates. But it needs to be in a shop environment without wind. Decisions decisions. Most likely I won't make a decision and will get side tracked and spend the money on something else like ever other time in the last 10 years.
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Re: Learning to weld
[Re: washxc]
#7306680
07/15/21 02:18 PM
07/15/21 02:18 PM
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 615 Alabama
Coonman300
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 615
Alabama
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I’d say you a did pretty dang job just starting out with flux core. It’s got a lot more spatter but does ok. I e got a cheap one also and it comes in handy quite a bit. Good luck.
War Eagle!
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Re: Learning to weld
[Re: washxc]
#7306764
07/15/21 04:28 PM
07/15/21 04:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,857 Magna, Utah
GritGuy
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,857
Magna, Utah
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Just like most things in life, every time you do it, it should get better.
There is a reason name brand weld machines are expensive, because most are trust worthy to not fail when your using them and the large industrial ones have 100 percent duty cycles , meaning you cannot wear them down welding with them. They have parts support in case of failure as well, unlike most inexpensive low duty cycle outfits, most always graduate to a longer term duty cycle welder after finding they want to make larger or more structural doings.
Power supplies are a bit different than a set welding machine process, they have different wiring setups inside for different process's of welding, you select by turning a switch, handy if like me you do many types of different process's for different materials and projects.
Won't be long before you are known to be a handy welder and projects will flood your door, always happens when you are proficient, it's amazing what a little spot of weld will fix for other people !!
Sorry if my opinions or replies offend you, they are not meant to !
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Re: Learning to weld
[Re: washxc]
#7306775
07/15/21 04:35 PM
07/15/21 04:35 PM
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,150 Tennessee
Scuba1
"color blind Kraut"
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"color blind Kraut"
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,150
Tennessee
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There's a lot to learn. Anyone have any small projects they want to show off? I've got T-stakes, a shepards crook, and possibly a gambrel on the list of potential next projects. A band saw mill in the making is my current little welding project. Next week I have to change the setup back to aluminum and weld a outboard bracket back onto a pontoon boat for a customer. Then set the thing back up for stick welding this project.
Let's go Brandon
"Shall not comply" with morons who don't understand "shall not infringe."
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Re: Learning to weld
[Re: washxc]
#7306786
07/15/21 04:46 PM
07/15/21 04:46 PM
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,150 Tennessee
Scuba1
"color blind Kraut"
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"color blind Kraut"
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,150
Tennessee
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I just half an hour ago dropped the hammer on a plasma cutter after setting my wedding tackle on fire a few times with the use of that infernal machine known as an angle grinder. I want to build a new deck for my brush hog. I have a design in mind but do not want to cut that all out with a zip disk. So I went the plasma cutter route. I'll still save money in the end as a new brush hog that I would want to change a bit would set me back a lot more than some plate and angle iron.
Let's go Brandon
"Shall not comply" with morons who don't understand "shall not infringe."
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Re: Learning to weld
[Re: washxc]
#7306802
07/15/21 05:12 PM
07/15/21 05:12 PM
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 5,214 Crivitz WI
Sprung & Rusty
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 5,214
Crivitz WI
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For occasional welding projects, flux core is fine. If your really going to get into welding, get a unit that is capable of using gas too. Your welds will look much better and it's just a nicer process all together.
No Jab.
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Re: Learning to weld
[Re: GritGuy]
#7307961
07/17/21 10:38 AM
07/17/21 10:38 AM
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 5,214 Crivitz WI
Sprung & Rusty
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 5,214
Crivitz WI
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Using flux core does not mean you don't have a gas shielding on it, depends on the flux wire your going to use, people should learn about welding a lot more before making comments like that, it can confuse people learning on their own ! I know how to weld using a few processes. Thanks though.
No Jab.
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