New-be needs advice

[chevyforlife502]

Hey i am farley new to welding but new to this site. I am into building offroad trucks, custom bumpers and maybe might do a 4 link setup my self when i get better. So my question is what type of welder will work for me, Will a MIG do, and what else do i need to know before i buy one? Thanks guys

 

[madkayaker]

 

[malcolm]

A MIG would probably be the easiest option for those things. Main things to look for in the specs would be minimum current (if you planned to weld bodywork) and maximum current (to suit the thickest things you want to weld.

From there a choice of gasless or one with a shielding gas - you'll want one that takes a gas bottle. Then it's down to reliability and ease of use - Chinese ones still aren't up to much, and secondhand welders might have faults that a first timer might find tricky to diagnose.

Some more bits and pieces to think about in the buyers guide.

 

[chevyforlife502]

Thanks so will a 110V welder work for me or should i get a 220V?
Should i get one that can be used with gas and no gas?
What are some good brands?
Would it be a big deal if I bought used?

 

[weldequip]

Lincoln, Miller & Hobart are the top quality brands available in your part of the world; all excellent quality & well supported. All depends on your budget really, I would avoid the Far Eastern imported stuff like the plague...better with a second hand Lincoln Clarke are good budget machines, available in the USA but not sure about Canada. Go with gas, 220v will give you a higher maximum output over 110v.
weldequip

 

[chevyforlife502]

Thanks a lot man are welders pretty basic to fix if i have a problem?

 

[shenion]

110V will limit you to about 130A.

You would want probably an 180 amp machine. The Lincoln Pro Mig 180 is probably the best. The Clarke 180EN is probably the best value.

I had a Clarke 130EN and it worked well. I do wish i had gone with the 180EN for more power.

They are relibale and rarely need fixing. Usually mechanical issues with wire feeders, liners gun. Electrically they are simple if you have knowledge on how to dignose/repair electronics.

 

[chevyman_de]

Since you want to build bumpers you'll have to deal with thick material. Take a look at the Hobart Handler 210. That package is hard to beat if it fits your budget. You'll find lots of positive reviews for this machine (and Hobart's customer service too) on the web.

 

[chevyforlife502]

Thanks guys.

So what is the quality like on the The Clarke 180EN I am thinking of eather one of those or maybe a used Lincon or Miller or Hobart. But if i but the Clarke I will at least get a Warranty for 3 years if not 5.

 

[shenion]

The Clarke's are good machines. The wire feeder is just ok but better than others in the price range.

They are a forum favor ate for DIY use.

Too bad you are in Canada, i know a good dealer but they only ship to the US.

 

[chevyforlife502]

Danm it!!!!

Anyone else with same or different oppinion

 

[shenion]

Very few on the forum have the 180EN. Most go for the 150/160 only available in Europe.

There is a whole Clarke forum, you might want to read the posts there.

 

[chevyforlife502]

Where would i find that

 

[shenion]

The Clarke section is here.

 

[chevyforlife502]

Thanks i will check it out

 

[chevyforlife502]

This might be the most retarted question ever but i was woundering If i were to buy a Clarke - 180 Amp Turbo Mig Welder I would just beable to go to my local hardware store and get wire.

 

[chevyforlife502]

anyone i no this is dumb but i want to be sure.

 

[shenion]

I get wire from Home Depot or Northern Tools. Most "hardware stores" do not carry it.

 

[chevyforlife502]

So that Clarke 180 Amp Turbo Mig Welder with 180 amp with the 220volt be powerful enough to weld roll cages and bumpers, and posibly 4link set ups for my truck for 4x4s. I don't see why not but you guys no better than me.

 

[chevyforlife502]

Any one