[jonz00]

I am going to be getting into welding and I am looking for a good welder under or around $300. Do you know of any? I don't know the difference between MIG, TIG, Stick, And Oxy/Fuel Welding but I want to learn one!!! Let me know.
thanks

 

[ltkenbo]

I'm just a beginner but I know some of the answers to your questions, correct me if I'm wrong.

Oxy/Acetylene Welding uses 2 tanks, 1 with Oxygen and the other with Acetylene. Combined together the gases burn a hot enough flame to weld. (It can also be used to cut things like pipes and stuff).

MIG (Metal Intert Gas) Welding uses electricity and metal is continuously fed acting as an electrode (usually the welding machine feeds the metal through a hand grip thing with a trigger). It also usually uses a intert gas (separate tank) to prevent oxidation.

 

[littlefuzz]

Definatly a used one, you're not gonna buy a good welder for under 300 new. Stick is probably what the majority of us started on. Mig is easier for a beginner. You could probably find an old stick welder in your price range. I don't think the new "tombstones" are much more expensive if any. http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php?masterid=3180132 it would be more versitile compared to a mig.

 

[Visorblue]

I am going to be getting into welding and I am looking for a good welder under or around $300. Do you know of any? I don't know the difference between MIG, TIG, Stick, And Oxy/Fuel Welding but I want to learn one!!! Let me know.
thanks

Step 1: Research the various processes to see which way you'd like to go to start.

If there's classes at a community college near you that would be a good way to learn to use all of the processes without having to buy any equipment.

You can also get a welding book or two can help. "Welder's Handbook: A Complete Guide to MIG, TIG, ARC & Oxyacetylene" by Richard Finch is a good survey book, won't teach you to weld but you'll know what's what.

Miller's educational section of their web site is a good place to start online:
http://www.millerwelds.com/education/library.html

As for a welder, once you know which welding process you'd like to start with then you can research the various equipment and brands to see what the differences are. Personally, I like used stuff that's in really good shape. Lots of people buy nice stuff they don't really use for one reason or another and you can get a lot more bang for the buck that way. Usually you can have the seller demo the equipment for you so you can see that it works okay, etc. Some people can't handle having anything that doesn't have a warranty, so there's also refurbished equipment which usually has a warranty.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[Tailshaft56]

for new you will be looking for O/A (You will need to rent tanks), AC only stick or Harbor Freight or other import if you want mig. Don't buy the Richard Finch book just go through it on a bookstore visit. Here's the book to buy. Your LWS may be able to get it for less. ( I paid $12.95 )

The Richard Finch book does go a little more in depth but the Welding Basics will get you started and does have some step by step projects to do.

 

[Visorblue]

Don't buy the Richard Finch book just go through it on a bookstore visit. Here's the book to buy. Your LWS may be able to get it for less. ( I paid $12.95 )

The Richard Finch book does go a little more in depth but the Welding Basics will get you started and does have some step by step projects to do.

I have them both sitting here (library books). The Welder's Handbook I like better for the more in depth info on the various types of welding, the metal basics and heat control, fitting and jigging, etc. It's a toss up on who's table project I like best.

For projects, the Welding Basics book is much better but that's half the book. It's a 142 page book including the index and projects go from page 73 to the end. The Welder's Handbook has 144 pages that are welding related and 9 pages of projects.

Oh, what the heck, check out both books.

 

[Clanweld]

Oxy acetyline can be had for under 300 new including shorter "B" tanks if you don't mind off-brand, check harbor freight and the like. Or you can get a tombstone stick welder. Anything else is gonna have to be used, not necessarily a bad thing though. Don't forget to budget for the safety equiptment you will need. Good luck!

 

[Visorblue]

I am going to be getting into welding and I am looking for a good welder under or around $300. Do you know of any?

Check Sears online. They have some pretty decent prices. Examples:

Hobart Handler 140 for $408
(Sears item #00920502000 Mfr. model #500500)

Lincoln SP-135T with cart for $450
(Sears item #00920587000 Mfr. model #20587)

Craftsman MIG Welder with Cart $320
(Sears item #00920569000 Mfr. model #20569)

Lincoln Electric Handy MIG Welder $232
Sears item #00920580000 Mfr. model #20580

http://www.sears.com/