Thursday, November 10, 2005
NEED ADVISE: Welders.
Yes, folks… I’m asking for advise… I want to get into Welding. Why? ‘Cause I want to be on Monster Garage — known as a Master Welder. That would be neat-o… but, that’s not gonna happen… the real reason is because I’ve always wanted to learn how to weld and now I have designed a metal staircase railing that needs welding. My arrogance tells me it should be very easy… I’m good at woodworking and circuit board soldering… so why not make the leap to full blown MIG welding? Should I get the Miller Millermatic 175 (yup… because of the name) or a Lincoln SP-175T? The Miller has infinite variable voltage and the Lincoln has that A/B/C/D voltage setting method, besides that they are very, very similar. I’d like to know which welder you think would be better for me? I’m going to be using it to weld 3”x5lbs C-Channel (for posts), welding on the 1 1/2” flange, to 1 1/2” x 1/2” flatbar. I think the 1/4” weld, this 220v Mig Welder can provide will be more than enough for what I need. I understand that if I fall in love with welding… then I’ll need to move up to a more industrial MIG system. Please post your comments, I don’t know how many techgeeks are into welding… I hope there are at least a few…Oh… and what about these Harbor Freight cheapies… any good?
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COMMENTS
Well until you can lay down a perfect bead of nickels with aircraft quality aluminum you better skip the infinitely adjustable voltage.
I’ve been welding for just over 15 years and I love it. When my husband and kids piss me off I head out to the workshop and weld the shit out of something. Most things in the workshop are permanently joined at this point.
Thanks for the advise so far! I’ll stay away from the Harbor Freight junk…
Marina,
You rock! So you don’t think it’s wise getting a welding system that has infinitely adjustable voltage? I guess the MillerMatic 175 gives you the ability to set the voltage to a suggested setting… correct? I’m going to be doing carbon steel… I don’t think I would ever get into Al. welding.
Danny
My suggestion is to go for a welder that will suit your needs. If you honestly only think that you’ll do this rail project, maybe a HF welder will be enough. If you can see yourself welding subframe connectors on your car, or some other heavy projects, go for something that’ll last. We (the ol’ man and I) have a Miller and like it. Also helps to have a plasma cutter, uhhhm, to fix mistakes. Yeah, mistakes…
MAKE Mag had a welding primer too, in issue 3:
http://www.makezine.com/03/primer/
Unfortunately, the Flickr gallery doesn’t have as good a photos and descriptions as the magazine did…
I bought the MillerMatic 175, a Miller Elite Auto Dimming helmet, cart, gloves, gas, and pretty much everything else I need… I’ve been welding for a couple days and I love it! The welding is a piece of cake… it’s the metal cutting that’s a main in the ass.
Danny
So Danny what did you end up purchasing? I have the same questions but am leaning towards the Miller. I noticed that the Miller has cast aluminim tensioning arm and the drive wheels are larger in diameter. Don’t know if it is any advantage but it looks a little more substantial than the Lincoln.
ive been welding since 1986 from foundry upwards ive seen diy welding and any1 who thinks welding easy do 20mm over head and vertical up and then say its easy. doin a car seal is one thing summing structuel is diffrent peoples lives depend on it remember that when you take your kids to the theme park learn it properly please
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