Metalworking Hunttalkers!

[Addicting]

This might’ve already been said on here, but anyone have any recommendations for the most entry level, even an idiot could do it kind of set up? Preferably in the sub $200 range? Does such a thing even exist?

You get what you pay for and for that money you may get an old stick welder.

Any idiot can stick weld with practice. It won’t look the greatest and may be chicken scratch but it’s a start. You will need a 220 outlet for those.

If you want to get into wire welding you will need to double your budget at a minimum.

 

[Mallardsx2]

This might’ve already been said on here, but anyone have any recommendations for the most entry level, even an idiot could do it kind of set up? Preferably in the sub $200 range? Does such a thing even exist?

Easy-Flux 125 Amp Welder

Amazing deals on this Easy-Flux 125Amp Flux Welder at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Redmt]

You get what you pay for and for that money you may get an old stick welder.

Any idiot can stick weld with practice. It won’t look the greatest and may be chicken scratch but it’s a start. You will need a 220 outlet for those.

If you want to get into wire welding you will need to double your budget at a minimum.

Really? You think that welding is such an easy job that any idiot can do it? I know a lot of qualified welders and I'll guarantee none of them are idiots. That's pretty insulting to the skilled men and women who are welders.

 

[Beignet]

Really? You think that welding is such an easy job that any idiot can do it? I know a lot of qualified welders and I'll guarantee none of them are idiots. That's pretty insulting to the skilled men and women who are welders.

I believe he was referring to a certain type of welding that has a low barrier to entry. Likely not the method professionals use. No one was literally calling anyone an idiot.

 

[Redmt]

I'll let it go at that. Somehow stick welding is considered the bottom of the pile. Actually stick welding has been and is the#1 for pipe welding. I'm not talking about the medical or food grade stainless Tig welding but the in the ditch pipe welding. Stainless Tig is a whole different level of expertise.

 

[Sytes]

This might’ve already been said on here, but anyone have any recommendations for the most entry level, even an idiot could do it kind of set up? Preferably in the sub $200 range? Does such a thing even exist?

A buzz box is a good starting point.

 

[GoGriz]

Just curious as I really have no idea - which is easier to lay a nice bead with for basic welding, stick or MIG? In my mind MIG would be a little easier, but maybe that’s just because stick is still alluding me some and I haven’t done any MIG yet.

 

[Sytes]

Really? You think that welding is such an easy job that any idiot can do it? I know a lot of qualified welders and I'll guarantee none of them are idiots. That's pretty insulting to the skilled men and women who are welders.

Easy there titan, words without the in person physical expressions, while around a campfire, can easily be misconstrued.

 

[Sytes]

Just curious as I really have no idea - which is easier to lay a nice bead with for basic welding, stick or MIG? In my mind MIG would be a little easier, but maybe that’s just because stick is still alluding me some and I haven’t done any MIG yet.

If $ is not a major factor, I think mig with gas shielding is a great means to gain good beads from basic welding understanding.
It's subject to personal experience.

 

[Redmt]

Once your machine is set correctly, mig is a simpler process. You still need to gain the ability to manipulate the mig gun.

 

[np307]

Each of the processes has its own challenges and things that make it easier. Stick is tough because you have to read the puddle and the slag pool at the same time, you also have to maintain rod angle and arc length while the rod itself is getting shorter as you weld. It also throws sparks. It's easier though because you aren't worried about gas coverage and can get into a lot of tight spots with it. And 6010 will stick almost anything together, even paint and rust.

Tig is tough because it requires a steady hand and for both hands (and a foot if you're using a pedal) to all act independently of one another. It also requires very clean metal. It's easier though because you can very clearly see and manipulate the puddle and there's no sparks getting thrown.

Mig is generally regarded as the easiest type of welding but it does have some challenges. First, it doesn't tolerate dirty metal that well, second, dialing in your settings can be tough if you aren't experienced, and third you're constantly depositing metal so you have to anticipate the puddle and how it will burn in. It's easy though because you get to use both hands to steady yourself and the arc is pretty much taken care of for you.

The process that most at-home hobby welders would find most useful would be MIG. Not Flux core, but actual mig. With a gas bottle. If you want a cheap welder to just try it out, one of the cheap 110 inverter stick welders is the best choice in my opinion. They'll run 3/32 7018 and 3/32 or 1/8 6010 (although most seem to like 6011 better) and you can weld a whole lot of things with that combo (just not as quickly as you would be able to with a bigger mig machine).

 

[Brandon270]

This might’ve already been said on here, but anyone have any recommendations for the most entry level, even an idiot could do it kind of set up? Preferably in the sub $200 range? Does such a thing even exist?

If you just want to get your feet wet and get hood time find an old lincoln tombstone welder. You'll need a 220v plug but they are cheap, bullet proof welders that will probably outlive you. The older ones are ac output only but you can still run 6011, 6013 and 7018ac rods with it. If you want mig I'd look for a used hobart 140. They are a bare bones transformer mig welder made in the USA and will serve your needs well if you're not needing to weld anything real heavy and have little home projects or repairs in mind.

 

[Addicting]

Really? You think that welding is such an easy job that any idiot can do it? I know a lot of qualified welders and I'll guarantee none of them are idiots. That's pretty insulting to the skilled men and women who are welders.

If you can use a toaster you can use a buzz box. It’s the same thing.

You plug it in, flip a switch, and adjust a dial.

Just because you made your first piece of burnt toast doesn’t make you a chef.

Same with welding, making your first arc and chicken scratch doesn’t make you a professional.

All those professionals first time they were at the operating level of a toaster. He is not even a first timer yet. Explaining something is idiot proof gives confidence to new people to start the learning process.

 

[Redmt]

If you can use a toaster you can use a buzz box. It’s the same thing.

You plug it in, flip a switch, and adjust a dial.

Just because you made your first piece of burnt toast doesn’t make you a chef.

Same with welding, making your first arc and chicken scratch doesn’t make you a professional.

All those professionals first time they were at the operating level of a toaster. He is not even a first timer yet. Explaining something is idiot proof gives confidence to new people to start the learning process.

Great comparison. Just start off with a decent toaster.
A problem is if you say "even an idiot can do it" could cause a little defeat issue when he actually didn't quite make edible toast.

 

[Beignet]

Great comparison. Just start off with a decent toaster.
A problem is if you say "even an idiot can do it" could cause a little defeat issue when he actually didn't quite make edible toast.

Oh, but I specifically asked for an idiot proof place to start!

I make good toast, so welding should be a breeze, right?

 

[geewhiz]

Children, I'm here to see fellows stacking dimes, not listen to you guys bicker.


Back to it @np307, your work is art.

 

[Redmt]

What's the acceptable age limit for making toast

 

[np307]

Children, I'm here to see fellows stacking dimes, not listen to you guys bicker.


Back to it @np307, your work is art.

Nah, not art by a long shot. Very good for the amount of time that I've been doing it, I'll take that.

 

[Sytes]

Chasing my f-ups and... Enjoying time. Welding is one of my moments of peace in life.

 

[np307]

Chasing my f-ups and... Enjoying time. Welding is one of my moments of peace in life.

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Aluminum is one area I'd love to get into for stuff at home.