[pepto]

Hey im looking for a decent welder nothing crazy i just want one that i could weld up a bumper and tire carrier etc was wondering what i should be looking for heres a few cl ones i was looking at so if you could point me in the right direction that would be great and what would be better mig tig stick welding and like i said im new to this so any help is appreciated

http://detroit.craigslist.org/tls/1294060557.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/tls/1295773383.html

[OldFatGuy]

A MIG welder is probably the most versatile and easy to use for the stuff you want to do, but more expensive than a stick welder. Of those two you were looking at, I'd go with the Lincoln. Those things work well and last forever, but you're limited by AC-only and it's still not a MIG. But you can do a great job with that machine and the proper welding rod, if you know what you're doing.

[Ironworker709]

As far as the lincoln welder in the CL,I think you can get a brand new AC/DC Lincoln at home depot or lowes for about that same price,thats a high price for a used buzz box to me,plus getting new you get the Lincoln warranty,used you dont.
As OldFatGuy said..MIG is your best bet in your position being new to welding,stick takes ALOT of practice and skills to perfect and limited to the automotive fab.
A wire feed(MIG or Fluxcore) is very easy for the common person to learn and do a fantastic job and can weld anything from thin sheetmetal to heavy steel

[57plymouth]

I have an older version of this:

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...0-1&lpage=none

Mine has the gas capability, but I usually run flux core wire. I have been exceptionally satisfied, and I use mine very often.

[OldFatGuy]

Originally Posted by Ironworker709

As far as the lincoln welder in the CL,I think you can get a brand new AC/DC Lincoln at home depot or lowes for about that same price,thats a high price for a used buzz box to me,plus getting new you get the Lincoln warranty,used you dont.

$269.00 at Home Depot which, in my opinion, still makes buying new an attractive option. But if you're going to spend close to $300 for an AC arc welder, you might as well save up a little more and buy a MIG. I think you'll be happier in the long run.

The nice thing about buying a used buzz box is that you can learn to weld with it, then sell it for nearly what you paid.

[pepto]

Thanks for all the input guys just wondering what the capability of the two welders are, and the one from homedepot like metal thickness, because i was wondering if they would be capable of welding up a tire carrier and sheet metal or if i should look into a seperate one for sheetmetal

[57plymouth]

I use my Lincoln for everything. Sheet metal and thicker structural stuff.

[StrokedWJ]

I'd recommend looking for a 220V Mig. A buddy let me borrow an older Clarke 135 (110v) to learn on. After playing with that for a little while, I bought myself a Lincoln 180 (220v) off of CL for $450. With you planning to build a tire carrier, I'd say you'll want the extra power a 220V will give you. I recently picked up a bottle and some solid core wire and its way nicer than the flux core IMO. Solid core wire and shielding gas should be fine for welding in both of your scenarios just make sure the metal is nice and clean.

With whatever welder you end up getting, you'll want to get some kind of instruction whether it be in the form of a formal class or just getting tips from a friend that can weld.

I'd also recommend getting an auto dark hood. Especially if you end up with a stick welder. I tried messing around with a friends stick welder with a fixed shade hood and had more trouble finding the metal with my rod than anything else. Tried it again with an AD hood and it was a piece of cake.