[abnormal]

I used to weld in highschool and was pretty good at it. I have been looking at welders lately and think I might buy one. Question I have is what can I weld with a setup like this? I know it says 18 ga to 3/16 in steel but how thick would I need for maybe adding a highlift mount to a tire carrier or something like that? I guess what I should be asking is what is the cheapest welder to get by with if I wanted to make a bumper? Or should I go with an arc welder? I will say this, I was alot better using a wire feed welder than an arc welder.

$168.76

TSC # 3814084
115 volt, 20 amp Flux core wire feed welder. Duty cycle: 20% @ 70 amps. Wire sizes accepted: .030 in. and .035 in. on 4 in. or 8 in. spools. Welds from 18 ga. to 3/16 in. steel. Professional torch equipped with trigger activated arc for easy start. Thermal overload protection to protect from overheating. Set up includes welding shield, hammer, brush, flux core wire and a quick start guide.

Thanks!

[Island4x4]

I use 3/16" as a rule of thumb for anything on the outside of the jeep.

[rustywrangler]

From the little experience that I have so far, buying small is not the best way to go. Are you looking at that because of budget?

[davenjeip]

Originally Posted by rustywrangler

From the little experience that I have so far, buying small is not the best way to go. Are you looking at that because of budget?

I agree. I can do some decent welds with my Hobart 140, however trying to use my buddies cheap welder doesn't do much more than if I had scotch taped things together.

Smallest and cheapest I would consider a good welder is the Hobart 140, if you want MIG/FLUX. Still works off of 110V and, if you shop around, should be able to get one for a hair under $500. Mostly I do 3/16" stuff with FLUX and it handles it well. However, I still would love to have something bigger with a little more control of the settings.

My rule of thumb for anything like this is to really stretch your budget, figure out what is the absolute most you can afford, and then go at least one step above that. Sucks coming up with the money, but once you pay it off you'll never wish you had went with something cheaper (usually the opposite).

[175MM BULLDOG]

The Hobart 140 is a good welder for the money. The problem is, once you get going, you will want a larger machine. Ask Jerry!

[CSaddict]

Just buy a TIG. You will thank me. I have a Thermal Arc Pro Wave 185. Its a great machine. The new model is called The Arc Master.

[Ryanpowell167]

Tig is a litle much for someone who hasnt welded since highschool, regaudless of age. I just got a Hobart Stickmate LX 220v. Its AC/DC, 230 A, great stick welder. 400 from atwoods. I have a MIG and use gas with it, the only thing i hate about it is all the cleaning before the weld. If i am lazy and dont want to clean something and need it burnt in good, ill just stick it. I dont mind cleaning after the weld. I love my 400$ stick welder more then my 1200$ mig setup.

[StevenH]

I agree, get a stick welder

[jeepsteads]

hobart 140 i can do 1/4 thats all u really need for a jeep

if you have never welded before mig is the way to go


i learned on a stick.... i honestly hate it i can use it but i dont like too...... only time i have ever used my stick is doing d ring tabs 1" thick or axle pearchs.....

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally Posted by 175MM BULLDOG

The Hobart 140 is a good welder for the money. The problem is, once you get going, you will want a larger machine. Ask Jerry!

Yep, as good as it is for some things, I just don't even get serious about welding some things with my 110v Hobart MIG welder. I was looking at some nice beefy gussets this weekend to weld onto my axles then I put them back on the table when I realized a 175 amp 220v welder would be required.

[Jerry Bransford]

Originally Posted by CSaddict

Just buy a TIG. You will thank me. I have a Thermal Arc Pro Wave 185. Its a great machine. The new model is called The Arc Master.

Recommding a TIG for typical Jeep welding needs to someone who hasn't welded since high school is pretty silly. That's like recommending to me as a very occasional pilot go buy a Lear Jet instead of an old Cessna to go fly around the desert for fun. It'd only take me six months of practice to get decent results from the Lear or a TIG.

[Bigbob]

Originally Posted by Ryanpowell167

Tig is a litle much for someone who hasnt welded since highschool, regaudless of age. I just got a Hobart Stickmate LX 220v. Its AC/DC, 230 A, great stick welder. 400 from atwoods. I have a MIG and use gas with it, the only thing i hate about it is all the cleaning before the weld. If i am lazy and dont want to clean something and need it burnt in good, ill just stick it. I dont mind cleaning after the weld. I love my 400$ stick welder more then my 1200$ mig setup.

[David K.]

Buying a small welder (110) is going to waste money. You may think that you only need a welder for your project that you have going on now. But once you start the welding you are going to have more projects. SAVE more money for a 220 mig.

A good thread to start would be for the guys that have the 110V and are or aren't happy with it a year later. Some will be. I bet most wish they had the bigger one or they will lie...like saying a 4 banger is great because they have one.

The welder is one of the most important tools you will buy. Things that get welded are usually something of importance/saftey. Buy a lame ratchet set, but a good welder.

On the safety end of things, you can make a weld look good with the small one. It doesn't mean that it is a good weld or deep enough.

[Bigbob]

Originally Posted by David K.

Buying a small welder (110) is going to waste money. You may think that you only need a welder for your project that you have going on now. But once you start the welding you are going to have more projects. SAVE more money for a 220 mig.

A good thread to start would be for the guys that have the 110V and are or aren't happy with it a year later. Some will be. I bet most wish they had the bigger one or they will lie...like saying a 4 banger is great because they have one.

The welder is one of the most important tools you will buy. Things that get welded are usually something of importance/saftey. Buy a lame ratchet set, but a good welder.

On the safety end of things, you can make a weld look good with the small one. It doesn't mean that it is a good weld or deep enough.

[FLATFENDER54]

Anybody have comments on or use the lincoln 180c mig welder? Im leaning towards gettting that one. I have welded very little and it will be used for general purpose.