Welding Tips and Tricks

Good morning all. I've been wanting to weld at home for the better part of 10 years. Took a few welding classes in 05, SMAW and TIG. My intended use is home hobby working mostly on sheet metal and chassis fabrication. Right now I only have 110 but will be upgrading to 220 in the future so a machine that can run off both would be my preference.

I'm looking for a solid machine that might have features to allow welding automotive sheet metal easier.

Thanks!

Price range, types and sizes of material, etc. will be helpful in your search.

I'd say 18 gauge sheetmetal to 3/16ths is about all I'd ever do. Less than $1000. Mostly mild steel.

How helpful are spot/stitch weld features?

Looking at the Everlast PowerMIG 200

Would you be interested in a multiprocess machine like a 210mp? Sometimes it is nice to be able to stick weld stuff if it is thicker or needs more rigidity.

Farmwelding wrote:Would you be interested in a multiprocess machine like a 210mp? Sometimes it is nice to be able to stick weld stuff if it is thicker or needs more rigidity.

I might be

moregrip wrote:

Farmwelding wrote:Would you be interested in a multiprocess machine like a 210mp? Sometimes it is nice to be able to stick weld stuff if it is thicker or needs more rigidity.

I might be

I have a Tweco (now ESAB I think) Fabricator 211i that I really like. Runs on 120 or 240, does MIG, stick, and lift arc TIG (DC only). And holds a 12" wire spool. Got mine for $900 out the door at my LWS.

ldbtx wrote:

moregrip wrote:

Farmwelding wrote:Would you be interested in a multiprocess machine like a 210mp? Sometimes it is nice to be able to stick weld stuff if it is thicker or needs more rigidity.

I might be

I have a Tweco (now ESAB I think) Fabricator 211i that I really like. Runs on 120 or 240, does MIG, stick, and lift arc TIG (DC only). And holds a 12" wire spool. Got mine for $900 out the door at my LWS.

That looks pretty solid but I think I'm going to stick to separate MIG/TIG machines. Any other recommendations?

If you want machines specifically capable of welding sheet metal, then you would do well to purchase machines with "pulse" capabilities (TIG and MIG). These will be more expensive, especially if you buy two separate machines. You didn't mention any interest or need to weld aluminum, so a DC only TIG will be less expensive. Many MIG machines do support Spool Guns to MIG aluminum if you have that need.

There's many good reasons to buy a multiprocess machine (flexibility, cost, single unit, etc) but if your budget permits, then you can buy two very nice machines that will last you and cover all capabilities. You just need to outline your funding and requirements so more relevant recommendations can be offered.

cj737 wrote:If you want machines specifically capable of welding sheet metal, then you would do well to purchase machines with "pulse" capabilities (TIG and MIG). These will be more expensive, especially if you buy two separate machines. You didn't mention any interest or need to weld aluminum, so a DC only TIG will be less expensive. Many MIG machines do support Spool Guns to MIG aluminum if you have that need.

There's many good reasons to buy a multiprocess machine (flexibility, cost, single unit, etc) but if your budget permits, then you can buy two very nice machines that will last you and cover all capabilities. You just need to outline your funding and requirements so more relevant recommendations can be offered.

Initially I will be doing sheet metal work but that will evolve into chassis grade fabrication. I've seen videos of the spot and stitch weld functions; look very useful

Just looking to get a solid MIG machine right now.

Here you go-
https://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/ ... _level=781

All these machines will support up to 300 amps (plenty for chassis fabrication too) and most of these would be considered "shop" machines. If you reduce the output voltage to <200 amps, then you'll see other more affordable options.