Metal Welders

Let me try and post this here and if of the forum administrators feel it would be best elsewhere, by all means move it.

I looking to purchase a "Flux Cord Welder" to do home repair and crazy projects. Since I don't know a whole lot about welding equipment, can anyone help me out in finding what I want and/or need.
I would like to be able to weld metal up to 3/8 inch thickness.

Thanks for reading

 

Lots of guys on here weld.
Calling WeldrDave .......and others.

 

Great that's what I looking for, some with knowledge of welding and the equipment, someone how can steer me in the right direction without spending to much cash.

 

Are you wanting flux core just because of gas? What are you wanting to weld?

 

Also check out Kevin in Ohio ... he knows his way around a steel project. Here's his splitter build thread...
http://imageevent.com/kevininohio/woodsplitter?n=0&z=2&c=4&x=0&m=24&w=0&p=0

 

Wow, I DO NOT remember seeing that build.
I'll be back in a while after checking it out.

 

Using gas will make a cleaner weld. I prefer stick or tig to mig/flux core but I weld pipe for a living. Flux core will burn a little better to make home projects and will penetrate a little more.

 

I am not a professional welder but I will say this... I'd avoid low power flux core welders. I'd do something that can weld 1/4" because once you've been bitten by the welder bug you are infected for life. I always look at the small welding machines and say "I can afford that" but I never buy them for a reason. Had a cheap one back in the day and was disappointed. Just save a little more money and get a good machine, you won't regret it.

 

I'd look into a Hobart 140 gas welder I can weld 1/4 up to one inch thick plate. No b/s.

 

I have a few welders love my lincoln tombstone ac/dc 225 my favorite .For someone that is just getting started it probaly easier on the wire feed.I have one that is a Harbor Frieght 170 amp chicago electric wire feed with gas setup works good welds 3/8 didn't pay alot for it 150 after coupon .I would check out www.everlastgenerators.com has some good welders decent prices.

 

I have agas welder to but I like my old reliable tombstone the best.

 

We have one for the cheapy welder at work and it's a (pos

 

Practice makes perfect. I will say this, the lower price wire feed machines sometimes have feed issues which will screw you up, especially when it comes to the super cheap flux machines. I had one, wish I bought a real one like a Miller etc. Stick welding isn't easy either. It all takes practice. I know a welder that tells you that if you don't learn to weld with oxy you won't ever learn to weld. To each their own, but he is a damm fine welder lol

 

I learned how to oxy weld in high school and still use it to this day priceless knowledge.

 

Yeah I wish I was taught that way to start. I'm stuck in a MIG rut lol.

 

I was for 10yrs when I worked in factories an when I got out for that profession I bought a torch an a stick welder.

 

I've had the Hobart 135 for about 12 years. When I bought it, it was the largest you could get and still run on 110 volts. Cost just under $500 and it's been a great welder. I'd recommend the Hobart without hesitation.

 

I agree 100 percent.

 

I bought an older craftsman stick welder off craigslist awhile back. Man its been a long time since I welded is all I have to say. It works more betterer with a skilled operator. But I keep telling myself I bet you can get that to stick together. Got a project coming up soon. Yes it will have

 

A little practice and you'll be on your way to stick welding.