What welder should I buy?

[Scott S]

Hello, I am a contractor and want to start doing my own welding. I am not sure which unit to buy. I will be mainly welding brackets, build boxes and racks on trucks and trailers. lolly colums, ect. I was hoping to get away with a 115v rather that a 230v so I can take it places. I was thinking of the 135. What do you think?...thanks

[Splatterboy]

Without knowing any of your experience, thickness required, steel vs aluminum and other types, it will be a little hard to give you a real idea what would be best.

[Scott S]

Thanks for getting back. I have 0 experience. I would think the metal wold be less that 1/4"

[Scott S]

One other question. I also see some wire feeders flux-corewithout gas. I have no idea which would be best. But I am a fast learner.

[DJD775]

Scott,

In my opinion I would purchase an inverter stick welder if you are planning on it being portable and being able to work outside. I have an HH135 and a Maxstar 85 inverter and by far the maxstar 85 is much better when it comes to portability. The current Maxstar 150 is capable of both 115 and 230.

[Mike W]

Stick would be a little hard for a beginner to do verticle welding in my opinion. I would go mig but would prefer a 220 volt unit. Also would use gas.

[Franz]

Hmmm, lets see here, -0- experience, and you want to do welding on trucks and other people's property.
First thing you need to do is take welding classes, then, you'll have an idea of what you need to accomplish, and how to do it.
Then, you buy a liability policy with high dollar coverage, cause when one of your welds lets go, you won't be donating all you own to the victim.
Then, buy a decent stick machine and practice, practice, practice.
Then, you might be ready to weld on load bearing columns.

[Scott S]

Franz, easy.....I am not going to weld on anyone elses property. I am not stupid. I want it for my own use. I have had my own business for 24 years. I know alittle about insurance and liability. As for the learning process, I will have someone show me, I just do not want to buy a unit that after two days, I need to sell to buy what I should have in the first place.

[Sberry]

Forget the 120V machines to start with, I would go MM210, 035 wire and C25 gas. Then for 400 more get one of those Hobart AC/DC stick mahines and some 1/8 6010 and 2 sizes of electroses in 7018. 3/32 and 1/8 Make an extension cord of number 8 to fit both machines. If I had to I would wire a pigtail on a panel or install a recept if I needed it elsewhere. If I really thought I was going to have to be moving a lot I would skip the Hobart and go for the Maxstar 150 and a couple good cords.

[Scott S]

Thanks to all for your help. I think I will go for a 230v. I welcome all opinions.

[russell]

Scott read up on duty cycle...how long it will weld out of 10 minutes...that might affect your decision...but do get the 230v ...