Learning to Weld

[JoeChilll]

HI guys I want to learn to weld.I'm very good at handson and learn quickly..I want to get a welder I was told if I have access to or can make a 220 line ,go 220volt.HobartHandler180 was mentioned several times and if I wanted bigger go Miller....All suggestons welcome.Thank you in advance

[Paul Seaman]

Joechill:
Welcome aboard, The hobart is a fine machine as is the comperable model in miller the millermatic175. I am not sure what your goals for learning to weld are but if Aluminum is in the equation then you will probably want a little bit more machine, I have a mm210 w/ spoolgun and do quite a bit of Aluminum. The basics can be learned on any model but getting used to the machine and practicing is the biggest part.

Give us some Idea of what your wanting to do for a precise definition of your needs.

Peace,

[hankj]

Joe,

Again, welcome. I was raised in NJ, (Long Branch) but the closest to Jackson I ever got was Brick Township, on trips to the Metedeconk.

A 175/180 class welder is a good staring point. I made the mistake of starting with a MM135, but it is a great little machine. I'll be going to a MM210 this fall, and I can't wait! GMAW (MIG) is by far the easiest way to get started. You will be amazed at how quickly you will be able to actually weld. (As opposed to making a lot of sparks 'n stuff.) If you decide later that you need to go to a larger machine, your 175/180 class unit will bring a good price.

Stay in touch.

Be well.

hank

[JoeChilll]

Thanks for the replies.I was told that Hobart and miller are made by the same company..I believe the Hobart Handler 180 welds aluminum. http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/mig/ I plan on welding just about anything up to about 5/16 I really dont know the thickness ...Right now I want to make for example.cart for welder,wagon,maybe fabricate a motocycle frame,make table,railing,outside grill..I want to have fun making everything I can think of.I dont want to go over $700.00 ..Ok I have someting to tell you guys.I purchased the LincolnElectric weld-pak 3200HD from Homedepot 2 days ago.I did not open the box yet.It's a 110 voltage but like I said I asked around and was told go 220.I know I did this all backwards.Should have asked then bought.Tomorrow I'm bringing this back to HD..No biggie.I want a good ,longlasting machine....thank you all for you help...Joe

[fun4now]

MM210

if you are looking to make a motercycle frame i would go with the mm210 it gets great reviews. it will also save you about $400.00 when you start aluminum and decide you want a spoolgun as you dont need a controler for it the hobart 180 and miller mm175 will bolth do aluminum bolth require a controler to use the spoolgun. if you can wait to save up for the miller MM210 you will be able to lern just as easily and you wont outgrow it.
you might look into the net to purchase to save a few $$$$ .
here are a cuple of places to look at that have worked well for others here.

http://www.andale.com/stores/sf_itemHome.jsp?foo=bar&sid=177352&cid=3777381&lid=65728025&mode=1&catId=1286890&parentCatId=

i got my mig nd plasma cutter there and others have used thease

http://www.brwelder.com/indextemplate.cfm?file=shop/detail.cfm&ID=9&SubCategory=1

http://store.cyberweld.com/milmigwel.html

good luck
if you can wait to save up and get the 210 you wont regret it.
if you go with the HH180 or MM175 they will bolth run aluminum but if doing lots you will want controler and spoolgun

[ASKANDY]

Welcome Joe,

I'm sure you are doing the right thing. The 3200HD is comparable to our MM135. It sounds like your needs would require a 220 machine like the 175 or 180 Hobart. Both units are great and can be adapted with a SGA100 control box for using a spoolgun to do aluminum.

Good luck and come back often. These guys that hang around the site here are a great resource and you won't find a nicer more patient group of people who enjoy welding anywhere on the net.

Andy

[JoeChilll]

Dont know if I will ever make a bike frame,,.probably not..Just ideas I have especially after watching Orange County Chopper..I might make a new fender for my Harley though ..I keep hearing spoolgun for aluminum.What is a spoolgun please..What does it look like and why would I need it if I get the HH180.....Thanks.Joe

[Paul Seaman]

Joechill:
A spoolgun, is a feeder that only needs to feed a few inches from roll to contact tip. Here is the picture, http://www.millermotorsports.com/pro...3035-3545.html

Check it out,

PS: mostly for soft wire, Aluminum!

[JoeChilll]

Wow ...that was fast I just posted my question and before it actually posted I got a reply...Very impressed.Thank you

[Paul Seaman]

I am glad to be of service.

[fun4now]

spoogun

aluminum wire is soft so it has problems feeding through the 15ft from the rolers that push it from the welder to the tip of a standerd mig torch. if you get the hh180 or the mm175 you will need a controler to use the spoolgun the controler is around $300.oo to $400.00 so if you plan on getting 1 you should get the mm210 as it dose not need a controler so spend the $$ you would have used on the controler to get the bigger welder that dosent need a controler
hh180 + controler = $1200 + spoolgun
or
mm210 = $1200 + spoolgun

caust the same and you get a bigger welder and the option to just pick up whitchever gun and weld with nothing to changover.
just trying to help you see the advantage. in the end it realy depends on your need,wants, and $$$$
it sounds as though the hh180 or mm175 will work fine for you and as said above you can always resell your mm175 or hh180 to upgrade later.any of the 3 would do you great. i wish i had gone with the larger welder when i started but didnt have the info i have now so i thought i would give you the info.

[JoeChilll]

Thank you. that does make a lot of sense..I definately aggree.The I also have to decide on what size bottle 60cf ($125.00=gas)or 80cf..I was told if you weld alimunim you need a different bottle of just Argon..Aluminum I was told requires more heat.I'm learning as to whats involved.Once I get all my facts straight then I will get a welder. I really appreciciate your help...Thank.Joe

[hankj]

Joe,

One more suggestion: get the book called "Welding Essentials" by Marlow and Galvery. It's available in any good book store. It will give you a good idea of what is needed for the different welding processes.

Be well.

hank