Welding Tips and Tricks

Im planning on welding trailer frames, i would like to be able to weld thicker metal later, i was looking at ark and mig welders, and i wanted to know how many amps and volts to get. I will be welding 1/8" to 3/16" angle iron i think, i don't really know yet. but it`s approx 1/8 to 3/16.What kind of welder should I buy?

Thanks.

To weld 1/8", unless you're well experienced, you'll be much happier with a MIG. If you plan to go heavier than 3/16 in the future, get a 220V supply MIG. You can weld almost any thickness (with multiple passes) with .035 wire. Make sure the machine will have 100% duty-cycle up to about 23V, so you can keep going, whatever you're doing. (I regularly weld structure on semi-trailers, 3/8" and 1/2" stainless and carbon, with .035 wire at 22.2-22.8 volts.)

If you choose a SMAW (stick) machine, go DC or AC/DC. It's worth it. Expect to use 3/32 rod for thinner materials. Look for 100% duty-cycle to 120A to be able to weld heavier sections without interruption, as you'll probably use a 1/8" rod at 105-115A. I don't recommend 5/32 rod for those without a lot of experience, unless welding in 1F/1G (flat) only.

The advantages for MIG: Produce high-quality welds in all positions with relatively little practice; High rate of production.
Disadvantages: Consumables-- Gas, tips, nozzles, insulators, and (occasionally) diffusers.

The advantages for stick: Versatility-- tons of special purpose rods are available, and a DC stick machine can also TIG weld. Simplicity-- When a weld doesn't come out right, the variables are far fewer than with a MIG.
Disadvantages: Slower production rate; Much higher skill level required for out-of-position welds and thin sections.

My 4 cents.

Steve S