Im about to start going to a tech school pretty soon for welding and I was thinking of buying my own welder. What would be a reasonably priced welder that I would need to weld things like a frame, sheet metal, ect. If someone already asked this I apologize, I tried searching for it.
for doing anything on my trucks i use a lincoln 175. you can use smaller 110v machines as well with good results, but i prefer the 220 machine for the little extra power, as well as being a little cheaper on the electric bill.
Yeah, what Bernie said was all right on. Also I would add that whether you go with a 110 or 220 machine, definitely get one with the gas setup! You will get much nicer welds. Also I have heard Lincoln has a switchable model out that can be run on either 110 or 220. This sounds like a great idea, as you could run it on 220 to save on the power bill a bit and get the extra bit of penetration, but if you need to run it on 110 in the field or simply in a shop space with no 220 then you aren't screwed. If I was going to buy a welder right now I would look into one of those. I am currently running a millermatic challenger 175 I have had for a few years with no issues so far. We also have the same machine at work (basically, a 172), and it is just finally starting to have motor/feed troubles. The thing has run probably hundreds of miles of wire though. The miller 251 is an awesome machine, my personal favorite. Love the accuracy of the digital readouts for wire feed rate and volts. It's so nice for fine tuning your settings! Oh, and don't buy a welder from harbor frieght! I know the have some irresistable deals, but resist this one! I am not even convinced about their wire quality, although they have a great price on mig wire and at times I have run it.
I have an 88 dollar mig from harbor frieght.... So far so good, just starting out with some small stuff. I figure if i can get pretty good with a lowend welder getting a bada$$ one will make life easier... I'm getting what i paid for out of it so I'm contempt... I would like to try the gas option tho, Ive heard so much good things about it. One day I will be able to afford it.... Good luck man, It's addicting once you start getting the hang of it!
Some Lincoln MIG welders can be setup for aluminum as well, just changing the linear, contacts, and a little wire switch and its good to go. Like Burnzya said, that Lincoln or miller MIG set-up with 220v is the best start for beginners.
Miller as a new auto set feature that sounds pretty good ,also 110/230 volt usage. I have a 135 Hobart( Miller made),110 volt,great welder,not for frame work! Use a 230 only for that!! Buy once & plan for more than you think you may be doing!! Gas is a must!! Most all can do aluminum with a spool gun & different gas mix!
