Its something Ive always wanted to learn just never had the time or means.
Ive looked at several local schools and there really arent classes so I might jsut jump in with a MIG welder and some youtube videos and try not to kill myself.
For you guys that do MIG weld, is 110V enough or is 220V pretty necessary? Our shop is only wired for 110 :/
If I can do OK with 110V what would you guys recommend for a tight budget, beginner welder? I have read some good things about the Hobart 140 but Id like to find something less than $400 unless its going to be complete crap.

Lastly, is it something I can just jump into? Most other things I have done I just dove in head first with guidance from youtube but welding seems like it could be more dangerous than stuff like fiberglass (which I learned via the web)

I will reply to this in the morning, not to toot my own horn but I probably know the most about welding on the forum

It all depends what u plan in doing, u can get away with 110 for some stuff but not all, what kind of stuff do u plan on working on/fabing so I can recommend some stuff for you?

A 110 will handle anything you want to do in the automotive world. I'm sure Koj will kick in.

But make sure if you do buy a 110, don't buy one that is too small for the range of thicknesses of steel you may potentially want to weld. Get the biggest QUALITY 110 you can find (140) and it will last you YEARS.

I recommend either Miller or Hobart. (they share the same main manufacturer, so the Hobart and Miller lines are pretty much identical internally, aside from a few small differences) But most parts are interchangable. And the HELP/FAQ customer service is second to none in my opinion.

I have the Hobart Handler 140; one of the best investments I made.

It's really not too terribly hard. Just time consuming, if done right.

I think of it as a glue gun for metal.

The only thing I'll say is start off using 75/25 gas, right off the bat. Don't mess with the flux core wire that will most likely come with the welder, as it will punch through most automotive repairs, in regards to sheet metal that is.

For thicker stuff like 1/4" steel, flux core works well.

This post was edited by OldAndyAndTheSea on Feb 21 2013 06:31am

Im not too sure what all I plan on doing, it just seems over the years Ive found myself saying "man I would love to make XXX but I cant weld!"
One project I really like is this computer desk a guy custom made.

I want to make something similar (way less fancy) to this type of desk. Basically I jstu want the top part without the computer inside. There are also several other things like Jet ski parts and car stuff (exhaust pipes for one)




I watched some MIG welding videos on youtube and it didnt seem to bad.

Are there some similar options that are a bit cheaper compared to the Hobart 140? Its a bit high for my current budget but I might could talk my dad into going in with me.

Pretty much anyone with capabilities that match or exceed that of functional retard can learn to mig and get it to hold. Making it not look like the Tinman threw up all over it is what takes practice.

It looked pretty easy, I just need to do some more reading as far as the safety side goes as well as the capabilities of a MIG welder. I would like to weld some Aluminum at some point which might be hard with a 110V MIG from what I read.

Depends on thickness of material, gauge of wire etc.

man i was thinking same thing, if i had a welder i could do this and that, the only issu is i dont have a place to use a welder even if i had one, so purchasing one isnt in the equation yet but i know how you feel op.

We have an external garage/shop with a lot of woodworking equipment and other tools. Its not wired for 220V but I think it would manage a 110V welder fine. From what I read it might trip breakers at max current but that depends on what amperage everything is wired for.

im electrician, so when i get a place to work on my projects, il make sure to have that 220 with loads of amps ready to work