looking for a wire fed welder to learn with

[Adaa60]

i want to start learning to weld stuff!

im pretty strapped for cash but im looking for an old working wire fed 120 welder that i can learn with. I know i can buy one from harbor freight but even that $100 is going to hurt at the moment. if someone has one they don't use i could either buy cheap or trade something for please let me know. I would ask if i could barrow one. but with never welding before i would be concerned i would damage it. i have access to 240 but i would have to have a VERY long cord and i would have to unplug my dryer

[Patrolman]

Keep an eye on CL for a cheap used HF one. I picked up my little 90 amp HF model for $10 used. It didn't have a helmet, gloves, or wire, so it cost a bit more in supplies. Works great though for small jobs and for learning.

Unsure what this one really needs, but it is $70

http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/4869756839.html

[redneck23ms]

i too am looking for one but i would like a nicer 110v unit. hobart or lincoln 140 etc

[xaza]

You will want to stay with as short of an extension cord as possible. Welders draw high amps and longer distances require thicker wire to handle it. This is from the owners manual for my 90A HF welder we have been learning on.
"If an extension cord is used, it must have the following wire size: up to 30 feet, use 10 AWG size wire; 30 to 50 feet, use 8 AWG wire; Over 50 feet, use 6 AWG wire."

[H8ROADS]

I would highly recommend taking a basic course at General Air. It's a great way to get the real basics down.

http://www.generalair.com/

[Adaa60]

Just got off the phone with dad and wire fed is NOT what i want, im actually looking for a stick welder or what dad calls a " Buzz Box "

[Patrolman]

You can get those good and cheap used. You obviously still need consumables, helmet, gloves, and some sort of jacket.

[Hypoid]

Adaa60 previously posted:

[Jim]

I'll second the "take a class" before buying or playing route. Even better, a class where you get an intro on the different types stick-oxy-mig-tig. You might find yourself leaning towards mig / wire fed vs stick.

I've taken two or three college classes for welding and while I own an hobbiest oxy setup and had a 240vAC Lincoln box (sold), I'd lean towards a wire fed unit.

For the type of projects you're looking to work on (vehicle fab?), might one type of welder be recommended for the type of jobs you'll do?

EDIT: It might be wise to elaborate as to what type of projects you look to complete. Education could be the project itself (vs. vehicle mods / bumpers / sliders). The educated folks here might be able to steer you so you get the most bang-for-the-buck for your goal.

[Chris]

Jim previously posted:

[Patrolman]

I will 3rd that.

I have tried stick welding, and wire fed. The wire fed is much more forgiving and much easier to learn on. The initial cost may be more, depending on what you buy, but you would probably never find a reason to go to a stick welder. There are limited reasons to use a stick welder, but just like anything else, it has its place.

[Patrolman]

If you truly need a stick welder, these are hard to beat as they are probably the most common and good machines:

http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/4927845384.html
http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/4914010736.html


Here is another to consider based on the price:
http://denver.craigslist.org/tls/4927192560.html

[Hypoid]

Not the neighbor's, but offers a lot of bang for the buck!

https://denver.craigslist.org/tls/4916869422.html

[dscowell]

Stick is going to be cheaper and you will be able to weld outside even with a slight breeze. With no shielding gas it allows for this. Also most jobs will involve stick welding but I doubt that is the reason for you wanting to learn. Also stick is the least picky of all the processes with the cleanliness of the material. While you shouldn't weld rust the amount of cleaning needed is far less then any of the other processes. But with stick comes more splatter and slag. By that i mean more molten metal flying through the air making a mess and allowing for damage. So keep that in mind too. You will need a more open area where no will be walking by and you will have to get the appropriate clothing. But my last statement comes with any type of welding.

[Hypoid]

For a hobby level user, stick really shines when you have to weld something other than mild steel. You can buy a few pounds of electrodes, as opposed to another spool of wire. I bought my AC/DC "buzz box" for just that reason.

In a production environment, with a limited scope of work (including materials, process, and steps performed), wire is king.

[Chris]

Hypoid previously posted:

[Adaa60]

well.
1. i fully intend on going to the classes to learn, but ive always been a learn from practice kinda guy.

2. i want the welder first and foremost to build bumpers, sliders and addon's to my jeep.

3. also i would like to be able to start building yard art and fix smaller things as well around the house and for my nabiors. our buddy next door has a go cart his kid jumped and busted the weld on its frame. i would like to start with fixing little things like that.

my dad works for Publix Distribution center in dearfeild florida, hes there tractor and trailer and thermal king mechanic, because of the random stuff they work on all the time they normally use the wire fed first. but he said when it breaks " witch i guess it does often" they have to use stick. and he says its really annoying to have 10 guys in his shop but only 3 that can properly use a stick welder. he also said learning on stick will make my welds look way better when i do start using wire fed & sticks can weld almost anything when i have the right rod's

[Hypoid]

Is there an echo in here?

[Adaa60]

Hypoid previously posted:

[Jim]

There is some clarity to the picture - much appreciated!