[Steve91T]

This is going to be my first welder. What's a decent welder on a budget? I just want to do some basic welding, like an exhaust.

110v please.


Also, that being said, I need to weld O2 bungs into my new headers. Should I weld them in before mounting the headers? Is there a bolt on option that would be easier?

This post has been edited by Steve91T: Aug 4 2017, 06:58 PM

[trackbird]

Buy a Hobart, Miller or Lincoln 110v welder. They all work about the same (and all of them reasonably well). Avoid the cheapest flux core only Hobart. Or consider a dual voltage unit that will work on 110/220 and give you 180-250 amps on 220v.

I have a Hobart 210 (220v only), a Tweeco Fabricator 181i (mig/tig/stick) and a Lincoln Squarewave TIG 175.

Hobart:

Welds like a dream. This was my first machine and it's done everything I've ever asked of it. There is supposed to be a new dual voltage version that I expect to be every bit as good. They cost more, but it's a machine you can grow with and it will weld 3/8" plate steel together in a single pass (if you know what you're doing, technique is required at that point).

Tweeco:

This is an inverter powered machine. It's 32 lbs (the hobart is about 80) and it welds quite well. However, I find it much more difficult to setup and the chart inside the door isn't as much help. The Hobart works perfectly with the settings inside the door, this is one that requires much more knowledge (and luck) to setup. Honestly, it's a nice machine and it welds very well, but I wouldn't suggest it for a beginner. I'm not a beginner (even completed a pile of actual classes) and I have some issues with it. I'm not a pro, but I'm not new to this. They make a new dual voltage version of it. And the stick welder function is handy, but it really doesn't like to run 6010 rods. As long as you can weld everything with 7018, it's not a bad stick welder.

Lincoln:

It's a nice TIG, but if you're shopping for a Mig, this isn't the machine for you. I have had good luck with Lincoln MIG welders over the years and I'd gladly buy one. This tig was bought in 2009 (used) and it has been a great machine.

We ran Miller Mig (professional stuff) in my classes and it was great stuff. My next mig is likely to be a 300 amp Miller...when I get around to buying it.



I'd look at these:

https://www.hobartwelders.com/products/wirefeed/handler140/

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Equip...incolnElectric)

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welde...g-welder-m00486

https://www.hobartwelders.com/products/wirefeed/handler210/

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/Equip...incolnElectric)

https://www.millerwelds.com/equipment/welde...g-welder-m30024