Looking to start welding (not sure what to buy)

[xxdcmast]

I am looking to start welding some small projects nothing too major maybe playing around welding up a go kart frame or something along those lines. Possibly getting into sheetmetal fabrication. I basically like playing around and building/tinkering with stuff.

I have seen some pretty cheap welders at home depot for about 200 dollars or so but these seem a little cheap for a welder. I would probably only be doing steel welding, do I need gas?

What would you all reccomend for a new welder who doesnt need alot of duty cycle and who will just be using it for some small projects.

[Tailshaft56]

a little Hobart Handler 135 or 175 would fit the bill nicely. Check Toolking.com for refurbs if you want to save a few bucks. Use caution here, welding is very addictive and must have/wishlist can grow at an exponential rate. If you local vo-tech has any intro classes that is a good way to start.

[MAC702]

Originally Posted by xxdcmast

... Possibly getting into sheetmetal fabrication. ... do I need gas?

What would you all recommend for a new welder who doesnt need alot of duty cycle and who will just be using it for some small projects.

A 120V MIG is probably what you need, as long as you recognize its limitations of 1/8" in the GMAW process and 3/16" in the FCAW process, despite what the box says.

Sheetmetal work means you will really want to use GMAW, the process that requires the shielding gas. It's cheaper in the long run anyway because of the extra cost of flux-cored wire. Keep some of that around though for outdoors work or when you need the extra penetration or need to weld through a little rust or paint.

I recommend a unit such as this one: http://www.toolking.com/productinfo....roductid=10932

A factory-reconditioned Hobart Handler 140. Excellent performance on sheetmetal and has the upper limits I mentioned earlier. Even though it is 120V, you'll want a dedicated receptacle to get the most out of it.

[heavymetal_2006]

I would look into a new or used Lincoln Sp-135. Using a MIG, hard wire with a gas CO2. It's perfect for the starter. Setting the machine, wire 1/4 to 3/8" between tip and work and adjust wire speed while listening to the arc. Your looking for the steady sound of bacon frying.