Know Nothing About Welding

[WEB]

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Hello Everyone
I Plan To Weld Mostly 1/4 Inch Steel Security Bars. As The Title Implies I Have Never Done Any Welding. Have Done Alot Of Reading And Am Ready To Make Purchase Of Welder. I Know I Will Make Mistakes While Learning But Trying To Avoid Mistake On Purchase. Have Narrowed Choice To These Welders . Please Give Advice Or Suggestion If These Are Not Adequate. I Live In The U.s. I Notice A Lot Of Responses Appear To Be In U.k.

Hobart 187 $650 180 Amp

Lincoln Pro Mig 175 $600 170 Amp
Includes Regulator, Helmet, 2 Spools Wire

Clarke 180en $520 175 Amp
Includes Cart, Helment,conversion Kit, Regulator, Hammer

 

[malcolm]

All should do the job, but I'd narrow the choice down to the Lincoln and the Hobart simply because the wire feed mechanism in the Clarke is the same as the hobby Clarkes - a good feeder for a hobby machine, but a poor feeder for a semi-pro machine.

 

[WEB]

Thanks For The Suggestion. Also Most Of My Welding Will Be Done Outside. From What I've Read Does This Mean I Should Use Flux Core Wire. All Of The Responses Says It So Much Easier With Gas But Only If You Are Indoors

 

[oddball90]

You can use gas outside but either on a calm day or you have to set up wind breaks. I find if you shelter the weld with your body you only have to turn up the gas slightly. Don

 

[WEB]

Thanks, Hey Oddball Whats You Take On My Choice Of Welder.
Most Of The Suggestions I See Here Are Welders I've Never Heard Of. Could Be Because Of U.s. Location.

 

[oddball90]

In the U.K. aswell but would go with Malcom and rule out the clarke. I have heard of Lincoln machines as they get over this side of the pond but no personal experience with them. Also the 180 amp is alright for 1/4 and leaves a little in reserve, i have welded 1/4 to 3/16 with 150 amp welder. Don

 

[WEB]

Thanks Alot Man
Wish Me Luck
Got Alot To Learn

 

[bump]

I'd say go with the Lincoln, I'm also UK based but have used them extensively and always found them to be excellent.