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Im not a very experienced welder but am looking at becoming one (hopefully).
what are some good welders? all i really want to do is a little frame welding, and other sheetmetal stuff. im also looking at a plasma cutter. Again, it doesn't have to be awsome, i just want a neat cut. what are some good models that won't kill my wallet. (obviously i know that this stuff does cost some money, but my point is that i don't need top of the line here)

thanks

have you thought about "used". The news paper classifieds should have something in your area....maybe.

Lincoln

I'm going to move this thread over to the bodywork section. That area specializes in welders and things like that. You'll get better response over there.

Regards,
Kevin

Lincoln and Miller have been my choice...

Have a 110 Volt Miller wire feed with gas setup for body work.
A 110 Volt Miller Plasma cutter

A lincoln 220 Volt AC/DC stick welder for the heavy stuff.

A Speedglas Auto Darkening Hood

Check out http://www.cyberweld.com for some pricing.

how do you like that speedglass? i hear that they are the best made. i have the miller elite pro big window., the same helmet that is on the miller occ bike but in black. i love it. i have a millermatic175 with gas and its perfect for body work, good price too.

I like the speedglas hood.

Used them at work, the new ones are nicer.

They offer a large variety of settings for darkness depending on what you are welding or cutting. Others only have a few choices of settings.

Few dollars more but my opinion is well worth it.

if you're just starting out i'd put the plasma cutter on hold and take the major part of your money and get a really good mig/tig unit and a $50 jigsaw and a $75sawzall for cuttin stuff up

thanks for the suggestions. i agree about looking for used stuff as well as waiting on the plasma. what kind of amp am i going to need if i want to do some sheetmetal ?

Don't forget your one tool you will use even more than your welder when welding... a right angle grinder!

BTW, I LOVE my lincoln 135.

right.... hey for cutting a frame, i should use a sawzall as mentioned above right? not a grinder.

I would stick to one of the name brands for a welder, Miller, Lincoln or Hobart. If you plan on doing a lot of frame work it might not be a bad idea to think along the lines of a 220v unit. The 110v 135s from any of the above companys will work great for sheet metal and would get you by for minor mods to the frame but the 175 units would be better if your planning to work with anything over 1/8 thick.

Has anyone done any business with any of the online stores that sell welders? Looks like many of them have free shipping and much better prices than what I've found locally.

i'd really suggest a 220volt unit like the 175units. yes you may be able to get it cheaper online BUT if you buy locally you'll probablly make up the differance in short order when it comes to getting gas refills and accessories and free technical advise also you're local weldind supply might have a low hour tradein or demo. also if you're near ill. area check out lincoln welders cause they're always have welding clinics cheap to customers of new stuff

i heard that to weld on a frame i should use a tig b/c a mig doesn't get hot enough? whats the story with this?

It not what type of welder you use, it's the output and duty cycle that determine what you can use it on. If you are going to be welding mostly heavy thick metal like frames and such, get a 220v 175 mig. If you not going to weld thick structural metals like frame, but maybe non structural brakets and the like you can get away with 110v lighter duty mig. Tig welders are expensive, however they do give you more control.
I would stick to a brand name like mentioned, and check to see who in your area does warranty work, I had to send one in for warranty(too far to drive) and it cost me a fortune in shipping. Also you will need parts so see who carries what brands in your area if you order online. I used a Century 110 for many years and it works great on sheet metal, but was NO GOOD on thick steel, low duty cycle. I switched to Lincoln 175, it is a little big for sheet metal, but it works great on frames.