Buying a welder: recommendations?

"BLCKSTRM" (BLCKSTRM) 01/18/2016 at 13:14 • Filed to: None

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Ok, so the time has finally come to get serious about getting a welder. But I know nothing.

I found these two on craigslist - can anyone comment on whether the cheaper one is good enough, or if I REALLY need to spring for the more expensive one?

Cheap one ($100):

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More expensive ($350):

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Thoughts?

Wacko > BLCKSTRM 01/18/2016 at 13:23

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depends on what you want to do. they both seem to be about 100amps, since they both run on 110V

both can use flux core, but the snap-on seems to have everything to hook up gas to it.

I have an el-cheepo 100a flux core welder, for my present needs works just fine.

What ever one you get, do yourself a favor and get a auto-darkening helmet

Birddog > BLCKSTRM 01/18/2016 at 13:41

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I would look for one with the gas setup already.

That isn’t a bad deal for the Century but you’ll be in it for another $100 to set up the gas on it.

Needmoargarage > BLCKSTRM 01/18/2016 at 13:43

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In my opinion, if you cheap out you will end up buying a another (nicer) welder real soon. Cheap welders often don’t have much control on wire speed, voltage, etc. and can be a bit unpredictable. I’d spring for something that you can hook gas up to (not limited to flux core) and do things right the first time.

Part of this depends on what kind of stuff you plan to weld. Are you more interested in thinner gauge metal (think auto panels, exhaust, etc.) or heavier structural stuff?

Wacko > Birddog 01/18/2016 at 13:51

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and if he waits a few days, the guy will nock off 10.00$

deekster_caddy > Wacko 01/18/2016 at 14:05

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auto-darkening helmet = worth every penny. Plus you can get them on sale at Harbor Freight to get started, if you find it’s not good enough then look to a better brand. I have a HF one that works great for the couple times a year I weld.

Wacko > deekster_caddy 01/18/2016 at 14:25

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I got one off of ebay that came from china, cost me about 30$ canadian shipped to my door.

works like a charm

BLCKSTRM > Needmoargarage 01/18/2016 at 14:35

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I have an E36 M3, so thin sheet metal but likely some structural stuff someday (or some home projects for my wife that will likely use thicker steel).

So, is that Snap-On unit decent? I assume it’s more like $500-600 new (or at least was? Don’t seem to sell that model anymore).

BLCKSTRM > Birddog 01/18/2016 at 14:38

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How important is the gas versus just sticking with the flux core? Most of my friends that have them have them set up for MIG welding (no one is using the flux core). Why is that?

Birddog > BLCKSTRM 01/18/2016 at 15:36

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You still use a flux core with gas, just a different type. I find the gas makes for cleaner welds, especially on body panels.

Needmoargarage > BLCKSTRM 01/18/2016 at 15:59

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When it was new, that Snap-On welder was fairly nice, but simple. It all comes down to wear and how well it’s been maintained. Not sure what the adjustability is on it however. I’d hold out for something that at least has a bottle. You will absolutely hate flux core welding (especially w/ cheaper welders) on thin gauge sheet metal.

After craigslisting and going through a few used welders, I eventually gave up and bought a new Hobart 150 and love it. I think I spent just about $550 for everything (welder, bottle, gas, shipping, helmet, gloves, etc)

Needmoargarage > BLCKSTRM 01/18/2016 at 16:07

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So I think you’re referring to the type of flux core that is self-shielding. (Chemical reaction during weld creates converts coating on wire to shielding gas, so no bottle.)

Flux core is great for certain applications, none of which are probably super relevant to you. Most people stick with normal wire and a bottle because it burns much cooler than flux core, which is extremely important in avoiding blow thru on thin panels. Also, it creates a ton less splatter so you are less likely to have voids and an overall messy weld.

BLCKSTRM > Needmoargarage 01/18/2016 at 17:12

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My father-in-law has two Hobarts (110/220), and another friend has a Hobart too. May just need to go that direction. Thanks!

Needmoargarage > BLCKSTRM 01/18/2016 at 17:27

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No problem! Feel free to ask with future questions.

Also, just a heads up: owning a 110v welder means you will suddenly have a lot of friends...as in the kind that need help fixing broken crap or want to borrow it.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > BLCKSTRM 01/19/2016 at 09:51

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Hobarts are a cheap line of Miller, basically. Standard Miller accessories and supplies fit them, which is a good thing.