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Well, I have to admit,
I did say I had a 135 amp welder, but.... I never came clean it is a Red welder
I have a Lincoln 3200 HD, (135 amp) welder, and basically it has done me right for the little jobs that I do. Which has been 99% Thin wall tubing (exhaust jobs).
It has a TAP setting, instead of infinite, I guess this is good for me, being a beginner, but I'm sure once you begin to know what you are doing, then it might become a hinderance, and I (eventually) will probably be looking to upgrade. I'm still far from knowing what I'm doing, heh.
Yes I know it's not a "blue" welder, but not everyone is perfect :-) I got this brand new off ebay for something like $275.00 (like a year ago).
I've even welded 1/4" steel with this thing, but I know the penetration was not anywhere close to what a good structural weld should have.
As time goes on, and the jobs get bigger, I'm wondering what would be the best next step. Although I'm fairly sure it will be a Blue welder.
I now have a garage, with 220v to it, I'll have to wire in a seperate box, and check how much amperage I can support, I was thinking maybe I'll hook up a 200 amp box.
As far as the jobs, they will still range from mild steel, to stainless, to aluminum. For making collector flanges, I don't think the welder I have can do this collector job I need to weld, basically a large thick stainless flange, to bolt to the collector, and I'd like to weld some tubing to it. Jobs like this, and header flanges, for custom made headers.
As far as the aluminum I'm thinking of welding intake manifolds, and the occassional cylinder head repair (which is going to require alot more current I'm sure). I may have to weld on anything, maybe even cast parts.
Based on what I'm reading, thick aluminum requires alot more current, I'm still unsure what requires AC vs DC.
I would like something more powerfull, so I don't run into as many issues with thickness limitations on automotive/chassis stuff, or maybe to help to prevent the need to pre-heat metal (in some circumstantces), which I've read is needed to get a pool started on some metals.
I'm still not sure if a pulse welder is something I can afford, or whether it would benefit making some prettier welds on thin stuff, and stainless.
This is where some of the more experience guys who have actually used all these welders and different features might be able to help.
As you can see for me, versatility is a big factor. My bigger problem is that for a DIY'er it will be hard to justify the machine I "think" I need.
I will try to do some side jobs for people to offset some of the cost.
I also want to try and see if there are any local welding schools here in MI, maybe some night classes.
Once I actually learn what I'm doing, I would like to do stuff like chromemoly, for roll cages and things like that, however this might require Tig. I think I should get a good handle on Mig before I even think about Tig. Some other things are chassis structural items on race cars, like welding in frame connections, sub-frame stiffening, etc.
Are there some welders that are made to just use an add-on to make them Tig - capable? I read about water coolers, and I get a bit overwhelmed, heh, but I'm sure one day I will need to learn, and want to.
So I guess this is still a ways off, but I'm trying to start analyzing my situation now, and what options I have for a versatile welder in the future.
Thanks for your insight, I'm sure I have, and will have even more items to research after reading some of your responses.
Thanks in advance,
Don
I did say I had a 135 amp welder, but.... I never came clean it is a Red welder
I have a Lincoln 3200 HD, (135 amp) welder, and basically it has done me right for the little jobs that I do. Which has been 99% Thin wall tubing (exhaust jobs).
It has a TAP setting, instead of infinite, I guess this is good for me, being a beginner, but I'm sure once you begin to know what you are doing, then it might become a hinderance, and I (eventually) will probably be looking to upgrade. I'm still far from knowing what I'm doing, heh.
Yes I know it's not a "blue" welder, but not everyone is perfect :-) I got this brand new off ebay for something like $275.00 (like a year ago).
I've even welded 1/4" steel with this thing, but I know the penetration was not anywhere close to what a good structural weld should have.
As time goes on, and the jobs get bigger, I'm wondering what would be the best next step. Although I'm fairly sure it will be a Blue welder.
I now have a garage, with 220v to it, I'll have to wire in a seperate box, and check how much amperage I can support, I was thinking maybe I'll hook up a 200 amp box.
As far as the jobs, they will still range from mild steel, to stainless, to aluminum. For making collector flanges, I don't think the welder I have can do this collector job I need to weld, basically a large thick stainless flange, to bolt to the collector, and I'd like to weld some tubing to it. Jobs like this, and header flanges, for custom made headers.
As far as the aluminum I'm thinking of welding intake manifolds, and the occassional cylinder head repair (which is going to require alot more current I'm sure). I may have to weld on anything, maybe even cast parts.
Based on what I'm reading, thick aluminum requires alot more current, I'm still unsure what requires AC vs DC.
I would like something more powerfull, so I don't run into as many issues with thickness limitations on automotive/chassis stuff, or maybe to help to prevent the need to pre-heat metal (in some circumstantces), which I've read is needed to get a pool started on some metals.
I'm still not sure if a pulse welder is something I can afford, or whether it would benefit making some prettier welds on thin stuff, and stainless.
This is where some of the more experience guys who have actually used all these welders and different features might be able to help.
As you can see for me, versatility is a big factor. My bigger problem is that for a DIY'er it will be hard to justify the machine I "think" I need.
I will try to do some side jobs for people to offset some of the cost.
I also want to try and see if there are any local welding schools here in MI, maybe some night classes.
Once I actually learn what I'm doing, I would like to do stuff like chromemoly, for roll cages and things like that, however this might require Tig. I think I should get a good handle on Mig before I even think about Tig. Some other things are chassis structural items on race cars, like welding in frame connections, sub-frame stiffening, etc.
Are there some welders that are made to just use an add-on to make them Tig - capable? I read about water coolers, and I get a bit overwhelmed, heh, but I'm sure one day I will need to learn, and want to.
So I guess this is still a ways off, but I'm trying to start analyzing my situation now, and what options I have for a versatile welder in the future.
Thanks for your insight, I'm sure I have, and will have even more items to research after reading some of your responses.
Thanks in advance,
Don
and offer some critique 
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