Cascade Crew

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

I want to buy a good priced welder. What things do I look for on cl. I can only go wire feed. I am decent on thicker steel, bit want to learn how to do thon gauge and aluminium

91RSVert · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 5:38 am Post subject:

Some of the welders now have plastic gears and feeders. Get one that has metal ones.

I have a miller welder. I could go get you model number if you wish. I have had it 3-4 years, light useage. No problems at all with it.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

From what I read miller and Lincoln are the good brands. My problem is that I know so little that when looking on craigslist I get frustrated.

91RSVert · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 5:36 pm Post subject:

Mine is a 140 if that helps you.

I have done sheetmetal work, and some frame work. Did both fairly well, I think the downfall was the users skill Laughing

I do recall thinking the miller and lincoln were the few that still had metal items inside.

iansane · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 9:41 pm Post subject:

I've had a Lincoln 135 gas for 5 years maybe? I have no idea what I'm doing but it's worked great for me! Laughing

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

You do different materials?

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2013 11:27 pm Post subject:

........ standard wire feed joins ferrous metals only.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

What would you suggest as a decent budget welder for a novice Paul?

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 8:10 am Post subject:

No such thing. Get a 110v miller, lincoln, esab, o r thermalarc or waste your money. They all do the same thing. Those do it better and last longer and you pay for it.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

110 over 220??

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:26 am Post subject:

If you're a beginner and you don't understand the brands/styles/etc you shouldn't be touching a 220v welder.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

Ok. Thanks for info.

Twilightoptics · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 9:44 am Post subject:

You don't need 220 until you start welding 3/8"+ and need perfect penetration. So, nothing on a car.

jchaussee · Member Joined: 14 Nov 2010 Posts: 1318 Location: renton

3/8?wow. So basically most people don't need 220. Another reason I was asking is because I see a lot of 220 ones on cl.

91RSVert · Posted: Sun Feb 24, 2013 6:28 pm Post subject:

My 140 says it will do 1/4 metal. So I would agree with the 220 being overkill for automotive world.