Good Welding Machine

Mvovr · Post by **Mvovr** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 3:49 am

Thank you all for your responses. As always you guys have helped out a TON!!! I am waiting a little longer and saving up for the Lincoln.

I plan on buying it locally if I can find it. I am a rookie welder at best and was planning on taking a vo- tech course (maybe) Will this unit work out? remember my buggy is done and it's only for maintenance and those OH S*&%^ repairs. :driving: http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=K1875-1 however I already have ordered my helmit!! :rock: http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=770228

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 4:14 am

I'd get the miller 175 because of the variable voltage control. It is a little more, but that feature is worth it. MURZ

flaboyjim · Post by **flaboyjim** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 4:36 am

I just got home from welding class and read this thread - hey everybody - you give really good advise!!! There was a round table discussion tonight at break - I would swear that the instructors are some of you, they said the same things!!!! I went from Oxy-Acetylene to Stick tonight. Now I know why they had us on gas soo long - Stick is a walk in the park if you can weld with filler rod on gas. I am now certified for horizontal stick with 1/8 inch rod. It aint real pretty, but it's straight and fully penetrates... The Vo-Tec route is well worth the effort and $. I also have use of the plasma cutter for my suspended diamond plate floor on the Berrien Chassis. That will save a lot of work... The main instructor wants me to bring the chassis next week - they will help me weld in the tabs and cut the pieces for the sub-floor. Next week is the TIG - I really dont want to get too used to that though, Never will afford one of those.... but the welds are pretty!!! Hey mom - I did it myself !!!

Mvovr · Post by **Mvovr** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 7:08 am

This one MURZ? http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=907020

fubar · Post by **fubar** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 7:33 am

I think the vo-tech approach is a good way to get your hands on a bunch of tough machines. Plus a good group of people. I have a gas powered miller, miller dialarc (tig/stick) , Thermal arc tig , mig,and plasma, and an oxy-aceteleyne set up. If I could pick one , I would keep the gas powered stick welder because you can tig with it in a pinch, run your house power with it in a pinch, thaw pipes, charge 12v batteries, weld in the rain, toast pop tarts, and justify the purchase by keeping the furnace going when the neighbors are freezing their balls off. My gas unit cost me $400 used, it came on the Mayflower i think? I can scrap it for $500 in copper..........The new ones have all the bells an whistles. And a Honda engine with enough amps to light up the whole house, run your 3 phase machines, curl your hair,etc. Sell it to your wife as a national security thing?

newmanx59 · Post by **newmanx59** » Fri Dec 02, 2005 1:35 pm

[QUOTE="Mvovr"]Thank you all for your responses. As always you guys have helped out a TON!!! I am waiting a little longer and saving up for the Lincoln.

I plan on buying it locally if I can find it. I am a rookie welder at best and was planning on taking a vo- tech course (maybe) Will this unit work out? remember my buggy is done and it's only for maintenance and those OH S*&%^ repairs. :driving: http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=K1875-1 however I already have ordered my helmit!! :rock: http://www.welders-direct.com/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=WD&Product_Code=770228[/QUOTE] You may want to take your welding class sooner then later. Lincoln usually offers special deals on welders to welding students at most of the vocational and Community Colleges I have been to. Just a thought.

Mvovr · Post by **Mvovr** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 4:11 am

FUBAR ......:laugh1: Based on everyones recommendations I actually decided to take the class first then decide. However I have to buy that helmet!!!

fubar · Post by **fubar** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 6:14 am

I was wandering the aisles of Home Depot today. They actually had 4 different Lincoln migs for sale. $249 - $599 that lastone being a 175 amp 220v model. Like any population of employees, Home Depot has some really smart people and some "less smart " people. My problem is figuring out what day the smart person works at the Oregon City store.....That is enough reason not to buy one there, zero technical help if you ever needed it. But it might be a good way to lever the price down at the welding supply. Or to get them to throw in something for free. I am not shy about asking for a discount or something extra. It helps to show up with doughnuts too.

Gene-C · Post by **Gene-C** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 5:14 pm

Home Depot does have the Lincoln stuff, but they are packaged where you must purchase the MIG gas kit extra. The money is not really cheaper than the local bonified supplier. I think that rental stores like Hertz and RSC have used gas powered welders - available at good prices. They were in the rental fleet and now need to be disposed of.