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Welders
Jun 6, 2008 13:00:43 GMT -5
Post by nstractorguy on Jun 6, 2008 13:00:43 GMT -5
Hi guys,
I was thinking about getting a welder to do some minor mods to my tractor. I have only done a little bit of welding years ago so I am pretty much a nuby.
What should I be looking for and what type of welder is best for general welding MIG, stick etc.
Thanks for the help.
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3RRL
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Welders
Jun 6, 2008 14:03:12 GMT -5
Post by 3RRL on Jun 6, 2008 14:03:12 GMT -5
You will get a lot of answers regarding type, since everybody has their own preference. Myself, for general around the property welding, I use a Lincoln 225 AC buzz box (arc welder). It's inexpensive, easy to learn and very versatile for different steel thickness welding. Some guys like MIG, some guys like TIG. Get a good self darkening helmet. I got the Harbor freight ones for under 50 bucks and they are fine for what I do. You can spend a lot more than that if you want to get a good Miller or other brand, but essentially, they work on the same principle. You can also get magnifying lenses if you need them like I do. I have 5 welders of different varieties and several helmets. Sometimes I use gloves if I remember to put them on, but I would recommend a good pair of gauntlet type that cover your wrists and part of your long sleeve shirt. There are leathers you can get too, to cover the rest of your body if you want. Visit some welding sites to get the real skinny on welders to see which type will fit your needs. It will give you an idea not only what you need, but also what all you can do with it, thus your "needs" might change? ;D A few years ago I didn't "need" a tractor, now I have 3. Plus I want a bunch more, and dozers and excavators and .... Rob-
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Welders
Jun 6, 2008 15:15:11 GMT -5
Post by captinjack on Jun 6, 2008 15:15:11 GMT -5
It just depends how deep your pockets are. The best value is like Rob said, however, if buying new I'd get the AC/DC welder as the DC is very helpful for out of position (read overhead) welding.
If $ is less of a concern, the Mig machines up to 225 amps are so will meet all your needs. I have an AC lincoln buzz box like Rob. It weighs a ton and needs 220. I also have a small breadbox Miller stick machine that uses inverter technology and welds up to 150 amps and can use 120 or 220. The voltage input versatility and 15 pound weight are a plus if you don't weld in one location all the time.
Mig is easier to do, but good dry rods are not difficult with stick welding. All things are a compromise in some area.
Take a high school vo-tech class or two on welding if you don't have someone who is a professional to give you instruction on safe welding practices.
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Welders
Jun 9, 2008 12:30:12 GMT -5
Post by nstractorguy on Jun 9, 2008 12:30:12 GMT -5
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3RRL
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Welders
Jun 9, 2008 12:40:14 GMT -5
Post by 3RRL on Jun 9, 2008 12:40:14 GMT -5
Well, that link didn't work for me? It's to a tire company. Good idea on the welding course. There are a million things they teach in the basics that a lot of us old timers forget to pass along, but are very important. I know I find myself "assuming" someone knows it already. Not to change the subject, but I think it's great you're getting a rifle. I've lived in countries that did not allow them, but would never trade the right to keep and bear arms like here in the States. I know a lot about your British .303. It's a Lee Enfield, right? My Dad served the Dutch army with one and hunted with it too. That rifle has taken probably more game around the globe than any other rifle or cartridge. Including the American 30:06. I have his rifle and passed it along to one of my sons. It is completely stock issue. The Lee Enfield has been around for a long time and continues to be an excellent rifle with a capable cartridge. Rob-
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Welders
Jun 10, 2008 14:13:33 GMT -5
Post by nstractorguy on Jun 10, 2008 14:13:33 GMT -5
Hi Rob,
Sorry about the link, I tried it and it worked for me. Any way, I found the same welder locally for $150, compared to $370 +tax for new. So I might go take a look at it. What should I look for on used welders? Don't have a clue on that.
As for the rifle, I haven't even seen it yet so I don't know if it is a Lee Enfield! Looking forward to it though. I will post a pic when I get it, won't be until later in the year, have to get my license and visit the inlaws.
David
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3RRL
Administrator
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Welders
Jun 10, 2008 18:38:13 GMT -5
Post by 3RRL on Jun 10, 2008 18:38:13 GMT -5
I hear the MIG welders are the easiest to run and learn to weld with. Larry G just got a good one. I don't know much about them so maybe someone else can advise you on them. As far as stick welders, AC and DC is nice. DC is easier to weld with as well, but you can become proficient with AS too, of course. You want to get at least 150 amps so you can weld thicker materials. The Lincoln you talked about is a 225amp model, and I have one just like that. Any old stick welder will do as long as it has the amps. They don't wear out. I have a AC 235amp Forney that's about 30 years old now and it still works great. See if you can get one cheap. Miller, Hobart, Lincoln and Forney are all good brands. Others too. Rob-
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Welders
Jun 25, 2008 12:20:23 GMT -5
Post by nstractorguy on Jun 25, 2008 12:20:23 GMT -5
Hey Guys, Back again, Have been still dithering on the welder thing. I was hesitating because I didn't really want to spend money on getting an electrician to hook up a 220V plug for me. But, I was just talking with a coworker and he suggested that I just use my dryer plug to hook up a welder. I have a long cable to run my generator thru there (I know that is cheating, bad me ) so I would have to get a conversion plug for it and I could also run it off my generator if I needed to. Having a welder sure would be handy. I hate using other peoples time and tools if I can help it. What do you guys think? The cable is about 50ft long. I ran my generator thru it once to test my system, but that's it. Seemed to run fine. David
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Welders
Jul 3, 2008 13:35:05 GMT -5
Post by gerifalte on Jul 3, 2008 13:35:05 GMT -5
Hello David, I have a setup just as the one you describe (about 70 ft extension cord from dryer to the garage). My welder is a Lincoln AC/DC 225 stick machine and draws up to 50 amps. Hence, assuming 100% duty cycle I would need a 6 AWG extension cord, which makes things rather expensive After searching the web I realized that given the duty cycle of my machine (I think about 20%), and the fact that I rarely use it above 150 amps, a 10AWG cord would suffice. I recommend you buy a standard 10AWG extension cord rather than buying the cord by the foot, as they are much cheaper. Home Depot carries some for about $50. Then you just need to add 220V plugs and you are good to go! Here are some pictures of my setup: And here is a posting in a welding forum that walks you through the steps of building your own cord (I posted my pics there too). weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=11537 On page 4 of that thread you will see someone posted a table with multipliers based on the duty cycle, and based on that you can theoretically even use a 12AWG cord! I can tell you I use mine quite often and it never gets even warm....so, go for it and let us know how it goes! G
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Post by nstractorguy on Jul 4, 2008 9:01:09 GMT -5
Thanks for the info. That makes me feel better. My only difference is that I believe it is only a 30A breaker for my dryer. Will that affect anything, except getting less power than needed? Also, I have to make a short extension from my long cable with the generator plug to the welder. So what I envision is a generator female plug to a female 220V plug with a short cable in between. Anybody see any issue with this?
Thanks.
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Welders
Jul 4, 2008 11:50:10 GMT -5
Post by baknblack on Jul 4, 2008 11:50:10 GMT -5
30 amp will do ok till you need to weld something thicker with a larger rod. If your welder will turn up to enough power you will need about 40 amp at min. My AC/DC clarke welder can pull about 44 amps at full power but, i have yet to need that much. I have it on a 50 amp breaker. your range plug may be a better choice.
A word of advice from a non-welder. If you can afford it. get an AC/DC welder. I find the DC runs so much smoother with less splatter.
I got mine off e-bay for $300. Tractor supply sells a hobart AC/DC stick welder for around $400. This was my choice till i found the clarke on ebay.
I can weld on exhuast pipe with a small rod and low dc current as long as i weld in short burst it won't melt the metal. Or I can crank it up and burn larger rods on 1/4" pretty easily.
remember. I'm not a welder, lol.
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Post by nstractorguy on Jul 9, 2008 8:39:25 GMT -5
Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the info. I still haven't decided on what or if I want one yet. Still deciding. I did look into a course though and it is over $500 bucks, too high for me for a the little welding I would do. I will look into it further and let you know.
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Welders
Jul 16, 2008 8:03:23 GMT -5
Post by nstractorguy on Jul 16, 2008 8:03:23 GMT -5
Hey Guys,
After a lot of dithering, and complaining from the wife, I won't be getting a welder after all, really can't afford it right now or justify it. I will be getting my uncle to do the welding I need for now.
Thanks for the help though, maybe someday I can get one.
NStractor guy
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Welders
Jul 16, 2008 18:33:29 GMT -5
Post by gerifalte on Jul 16, 2008 18:33:29 GMT -5
I am sorry to hear about that man! If we can still convince you, the welder itself is fairly inexpensive if you have some patience and find a used one (I think I paid $120 for mine and it was as-new! Craigslist is your friend). What is more expensive is the metal to build things, and I am guessing your uncle won't be buying the steel for you anyway ;D So, cook her a nice meal, buy some wine, and see if that will make her change her mind Good luck! G
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Welders
Jul 17, 2008 8:41:31 GMT -5
Post by nstractorguy on Jul 17, 2008 8:41:31 GMT -5
Hey G,
Thanks for the support. A new one costs $380 +tax. I found the same used one for $180, outside was not it great shape. Nervous to buy a used one because I don't trust electrical stuff. The prices here for everything is ridiculous, it really pisses me off.
Your right about the cost of steel, the little steel I bought was $100 and it wasn't that much of it. I will post my little project as soon as I get it done.
I guess I will still have to work on the wife some more. Still might get it, it will last me forever, still not sure if I can justify it though.
Later,
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