$1200 welder ?

JasonZ · Joined: 14 Jun 2013 Posts: 10

Hello,
I can spend up to $1200 on a new or used machine. What would you look for on craigslist? What would you buy new? That sticky thread is helpful, thank you!

Read through some posts and most budgets were about 500 or less. Am I getting more machine than I will ever use at 1200? I really would like to avoid upgrading later if i stick with it.

Not trying to start a side business. I expect to make a few UDS baskets, odd and end things around the house, a fence, grill, thickest being a propane offset. Will need to be able to weld stainless.

I know nothing about welding, but will put time in to learn the fundamentals.

ecave · Newbie Joined: 20 Sep 2013 Posts: 38 Location: Benson, NC

Personally I like this machine. With the correct wire and gases the possibilities are nearly limitless. It is dual voltage too.

http://store.cyberweld.com/mi211migwewi.html?

Smokin Mike · Posted: Jun 26 2014 Post subject:

I'm just a hobbyist but this is what I bought a few years ago. http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00456

It's a very nice machine but the things most important in my buying decision was the duty cycle and the material thickness that it can handle. I can crank on 1/4" plate all-day-long.

You can find these used for around $1,200 and new 211's (30% duty) go for around $1,200 also.

You'll need a TIG unit for the stainless. That's another class of machine.
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k.a.m. · Posted: Jun 27 2014 Post subject:

This is all you really need.
http://store.cyberweld.com/homigweneha2.html
To weld stainless just buy a roll of stainless wire and get the proper gas.
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Smokin Mike · Posted: Jun 27 2014 Post subject:

ecave · Newbie Joined: 20 Sep 2013 Posts: 38 Location: Benson, NC

JasonZ · Joined: 14 Jun 2013 Posts: 10

Thank you for the responses!

DunnSmoke · Newbie Joined: 07 Nov 2011 Posts: 64

Blazer · Posted: Jun 27 2014 Post subject:

That is a pretty good price, I still cant believe kam just recommended a wire machine Very Happy

k.a.m. · Posted: Jun 27 2014 Post subject:

JasonZ · Joined: 14 Jun 2013 Posts: 10

Is this worth it? Seems it is comparable to some of the above suggested machines

http://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/4533217857.html[/list]

Smokin Mike · Posted: Jun 27 2014 Post subject:

k.a.m. · Posted: Jun 27 2014 Post subject:

Smokin Mike · Posted: Jun 27 2014 Post subject:

lennyk · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 97

The thermal arc 181 is less than $1000 and gets good reviews.

It does mig, arc and tig.
The arc is very convenient to do outside work and only weighs 32lbs.

LennyG · Joined: 25 Jul 2014 Posts: 1

Stainless can be stick welded as well as MIG and TIG. Be sure to match the grade of stainless with your wire, otherwise you can get cracks as the weld cools. MIG welding stainless works best with a tri-mix of three gases, argon, helium and co2 I beleive, in spray-transfer mode (your arc will hiss instead of sputtering).

I'm a Miller guy myself, in the shop here I've got a 251 for MIG and a Syncrowave 450 for stick and TIG. Awesome tools to have.