Any welders out there? Need advice

So I consider myself pretty handy with building stuff (basic electrical, plumbing and wood-working), but there are so many projects I would love to do that would require some basic welding skills. Unfortunately I am completely clueless when it comes to this though, so I would love to teach myself and up my mods game.

Here are the welders I'm considering: (yeah, they aren't the best or most powerful, but I'm not really considering doing anything over 1/4in)
Any other cheap units I should consider?

Here is where the questions come into play...

• First of all, will a basic 20amp 110v circuit handle these machines? Would suck to get one and then figure out that my outlets can't handle them.
• Are these even the right TYPES of welders for a beginner that wants to keep the overall costs down?
  
• Other than wire, a helmet and gloves, what else would I need?
• What types of materials could I weld with this? could I do basic tubing (like for sliders and a bull bar) What about for gusseting my spindles?
• What else am I overlooking?

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/welding.380/

https://www.tundras.com/threads/self-taught-welding.24556/

https://www.tundras.com/threads/how-to-learn-how-to-weld.65017/

 

Looked through this one and it wasn't much help.

Will look through these next....

 

Tacomaworld has an “anything welding” thread and you question has been discussed many times. Worth a look.

 

I would highly recommend getting a gas mig setup, while flux works it is nasty and a complete pain in the ass. Gas mig is a lot nicer to weld with, albeit the setup is more expensive since you'll need a gas tank too.

I haven't looked at the welders you listed besides they're from HF, the HF welders I've seen are actually pretty good especially for an entry level. Ive never used those ones in specific so I'd watch some videos, but I'd have no issue rocking a HF setup.

As for outlet capability, most tools seem to require a 30A breaker. Well maybe not require, but that seems like the common size. I would think 20A would be fine, but can't say definitively. My mig has an internal breaker on the back, so with some research you can probably find the current draw of those welders even if they don't list it.

For safety stuff, you are correct you just need gloves and a helmet. There are consumable items, like tips for the gun and wire. Tips are very cheap, the welder will probably come with some and those just wear out over time. Wire is not cheap, but you can buy small spools too. I find the HF wire doesn't seem to weld as well as like a Lincoln or name brand stuff (Home Depot has it if there's not a local welding store). You need tips that match the wire diameter. Personally I only have .030" wire since that's kind of a medium/average size, but there's smaller and fatter wire depending on how much material and heat you want to dump in. I had a HF helmet for a long time and it did the job just fine and was cheap, a good helmet goes a long ways. I now have a $100 helmet from Weldcote that is pretty cheap compared to most helmets but hits at a higher price point for it's quality. I'd get the HF helmet to start with, and make sure it's self darkening (helps a lot, especially starting out). Mig gloves are usually pretty thick since mig runs really hot, again HF gloves are fine.

Other items to consider is a grinder with a flappy disk---clean metal is very critical even though lots of welds are on nasty shit. The cleaner the material the better the weld will be. Again, a HF grinder for $10 and some disks goes a long way. I have a nice cordless Makita grinder and then three $10 HF ones each dedicated to a cut off wheel, grinding disk, and flappy disk so I can quickly swap around at my bench. They get the job done, even if they're not the smoothest thing.

You'll be able to weld any steel or derivative. Galvanized, zinc plated, etc. can be welded but it's gross. A bull bar, suspension parts, stuff on the frame, will all weld really nice and easy.

Welding sleeves are nice if you're laying under something. They're not mandatory, but highlight that you should have expendable clothing since mig (especially flux) throws lots of molten metal around.


Check reviews, decide if flux is fine for you or you'd rather start with a gas system (which can run flux, you don't have to have gas initially but it'll let you expand down the line). Then go splurge at HF on a few tools and start practicing! Welding is one of the most useful tools in my opinion.

 

THANK YOU!!! Really appreciate the feedback.
Luckily I have a grinder already, so that is one less piece to pick up. Actually, I need a welder BECAUSE of my grinder too!! I was cutting off the spare tire locating tabs under my truck last weekend to fit 35's with a new bumper I installed, and didn't realize I was also contacting the chassis cross brace and I cut into it for about 1/2in. Oops!!!

 

definitely spend the extra $$ for gas mig, it's worth it. A 125cu.ft. tank is a couple hundred to buy the first time but will last quite a while for occasional home use, and it's only like 50-60 to exchange for a full one after that. You can weld 1/8" easily with a standard household 110v outlet. I've built sliders, a bed rack, and all kinds of other stuff with 110. I'm in the process of adding a 220 outlet because my breaker will trip if I do a few long beads without any breaks, and the extra power would be nice (my machine does 110 and 220).

 

I was told to 1st get a grinder.

 

I am similar to you, and wanted an inexpensive welder that would do everything I need.

I bought a YESwelder for like 300 bucks. It surpasses most of the handy lincoln hobby welders I have used. It is easy to set up and runs great!

https://yeswelder.com/collections/welder-cutter/products/mig-welder-mig205

Mine is a model older than this, but it hasn't let me down.

Once you get it dialed in and working, it's pretty bullet proof it seems. I use it as a MIG welder, but could convert to stick or flux core if I wanted.

It also has DC TIG if you want later down the road.

I am thinking of building a bed platform I saw in another thread, but since I might buy a tacoma I will probably hold off.

 

I'm glad snivilous answered because you have a lot of broad questions. I'd also recommend MIG, although the purists will tell you to learn stick first. You may be forced to use flux-cored wire for now since there's a national shortage on bottles. NexAir, AirGas, and others are only bringing clients on with contracts. I've been trying to get a second 80CF and a small 20CF for a while. Start looking if you're truly going to get geared up.

Spindles are cast iron and require a separate wire and gas. If my memory is correct, the wire is nickel-based and they call for a 98/2 argon/CO2 (I'd just get pure argon). Will say, I've spot/tacked onto cast with standard E71 and 75/25. Don't do this if it's structural in any manner!

Many units can run 120 or 240. Do yourself the favor and install a 30A 240V plug, it's worth it. The extended voltage range is better when dialing in your settings.

When I researched this I ended up with a 210 machine. A 185 would be fine for what you mentioned, but a bit extra never hurts; especially if you ever get the itch for a spool gun and aluminum (a bottle of argon applies here, too). It's the most power in a lunchbox unit which'll fit on a cart.

My opinion - buy a transformer-based machine instead of an all-in-one (inverter based). They're often stated as TIG capable, but most are only DC TIG (can't do aluminum). For similar costs you can get a dedicated TIG paired with your MIG if you ever find yourself wanting one. Likewise, fewer electronics for the transformer units. This paid off on a lightning storm last year for me.

You'll be able to do tubing but you'll need tools to bend and notch. A whole new set of expenses.

An accessory not mentioned yet - tip dip. Get a small tub.

 

I've seen these YESwelders come up a bit. Will look into them.
Whatever you do though, do NOT get a tacoma.
I read an interesting article recently about how all the folks who want more out of their Taco (Not "full sized" but with additional weight capacity, more power etc.) are all perfectly describing a 1st gen TUNDRA!

 

I may have a 240v plug already... There is one of these in my garage that I've never used. Came with the house.
240?

 

Assuming it's on its own breaker and not somehow tied into that outlet next to it, yeah, that'll work. Welders only need three legs - hot/hot/ground.

 

Suggest the 110v Hobart Handler Mig which is very versatile for thin stuff. I also have a 220V Lincoln Electric AC/DC Tombstone stick welder for thicker stuff but hardly ever use it.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/hobart-handler-140-mig-wire-welder?cm_vc=-10005

 

I started out with the old Lincoln 225 farm welder they called it, with a 6013 Rod 5/32” thick could pretty much weld anything with that, then I went to a 400 amp 3 phase Linde mig welder, what a beast, now I have a Miller 225 with a small aluminum handy spool tip gun, it takes 100% argon, I can convert that to Mig welding, but if you really want to start out on something interesting get one of those old Lincoln 225 welders they’re pretty durable and last forever, you may want to have some kind of thick over coat to wear, when you’re welding it’s emitting radiation which isn’t good for you and it’ll protect you from Burns along with some real good heavy duty gloves, I always wear a little beanie cap on my head so my hair doesn’t catch on fire either ha ha

 

I can train you on how NOT to do it.

 

Another vote for the YESWelder. It's been great for me. Holds the large spools of wire too. A little harbor freight welding cart, bottle of 75/25, a regulator, and you're good to go! The settings are a little tricky, but there are easy guides people have put together for them. I can burn a hole through 3/16 using 110v. It's a 110v/220v machine.

 

I've had the same Hobart 140 for about 15 years, TSC had a sale that included the auto darkening helmet and gloves. It's not the most powerful but it'll get anything you need on a vehicle done.

Just used mine today to weld studs onto the rear O2 sensor on my 04.

 

Are you married to MIG? I guess I'm one of the purists @JRS was talking about lmao. I personally can weld both but have always preferred stick. Especially helpful if what you're welding is nasty rusted or if you're welding outdoors in the wind, rain etc. I have a 240v and 100v welder . I would look into a model that can do both. I recently bought a 220v welder with a 110v adapter. Pretty handy. The outlet you have, the plug in needs to be changed as that just seems to a be a dryer plug in but the one you need is universal for welding machines. Or you could use an adapter like this

$57 AC WORKS 10/3 STW 1.5 ft. Welder Adapter Cord 3-Prong 10-30P Dryer Plug to 6-50R Welder Outlet WD1030650-018

https://www.amazon.com/AC-WORKS-Wel...t=&hvlocphy=9029756&hvtargid=pla-390313235438

 

Basically plug you need is a 6-50 , I'm not a huge fan of adapters on 240v.

This is the cheap stick rig I use . Runs both 110 and 240 and it's been really solid. I actually think I like this one better than my more expensive rig

$120 DEKOPRO 110/220V MMA Welder,160A ARC Welder Machine IGBT Digital Display LCD Hot Start Welder with Electrode Holder,Work Clamp, Input Power Adapter Cable and Brush

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07NWFB2S9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_image

 

Hmm... Not a bad price!

 

Was more implying that he has the electrical at that outlet to support a welder. The receptacle is your choice. I swap all of my gear out for Hubbell 50A twist locks. Granted, I made an in-wall conduit junction box and am running overhead power now. Overkill for the average setup.

@Sumo91, whatchya making there?

 

One of the best toyota fab guys out there uses Forney.

 

Everlastgenerators.com has some pretty decent 120v mig welders with really good duty cycles. Always judge a welder based off of its duty cycle cause that's where you get the best bang for your buck. I was ready to buy a everlast until my uncle gave me his Lincoln weld Pak 3200hd. If it wasn't for a free welder which was Lincolns best 120v welder in my opinion I would have bought their mig welder. I do own their multi process tig/stick/plasma and that thing is a champ.

 

I bought the titanium 125 from HF, along with a helmet, cart, 2 spools, hammer, brush, leathers and an upgaded ground clamp for 280 bucks over memorial day with some creative couponing. Already welded new perches on my utility trailer axle for an axle flip to gain some height. It handled the job beautifully. Hammered the crap out of the perch to make sure it's secured. I even tested it on my folks iron gate that had a section rust off.

For the price I paid, it's unbeatable. I can't think of a single project I have ever wanted to weld where this wouldn't be sufficient. It's 2 tanks of gas for your truck for this setup, just buy it and play around, you will be glad you didn't spend more money on a "proper" welding setup.

I will say it's messy when your learning but 5 minutes with a grinder can clean up alot.

 

@JRS that when I was building my bumper. It's the RC pre runner kit bumper. Just fit and weld. Everything was pre cut.

 

I’ll jump in here and piggyback off of Louis’ post. I have an everlast 211 SI and it does everything I need it to do. Great little machine.

 

It's funny I have told my wife EXACTLY that hahaha
I will likely keep the tundra and make it a camping rig for 2wd locations LOL it drives to well to get rid of, so I'll be using that welder to make a sleeping platform!

 

I will jump in here. Learn to weld, preferably at a junior college. MIG's are tricky. the weld will look like the perfect bead and pop off like a scap. You need to understand weld pool, pushing vs pulling, etc. I wouldn't weld anything without 220v. Everyone starts with yard art and before you know it you are welding a spindle on an axle that can have bad consequences if not done correctly. Gas is the only option in my opinion unless in a field welding a fence. I recommend a Hobart or Millermatic. I have the Millermatic 211 MVP which can run 110v or 220v. Its a waste since I will never weld with 110V. Again learning how to weld is the most important decision. There are some fantastic you tube videos and practice practice practice.....