Any welders here?

[Bill1234]

Was looking into getting a stick welder pre covid but now with covid it might be good to start with so little to do other than detailing. Its outdoors, away from people and can keep my busy.

So far ive been looking at the miller thunderbolt 160
esab 180
lincoln electric 210 mp.

Preferably id want the first two machines but it may be worth it to get the 210 if I can find a rebate eventually.

Ive never attempted it and ive heard start with stick which seems fine. I just dont have a big enough outlet in the right locations so id have to put one in for the 230v machine part.

Any recs here from experienced welders would be appreciated

[PaulMys]

I've only done tack welding in all my years.

My other "welds" were non-professional to say the least. They held, but I wouldn't want a guy in a shark cage relying on them. Lol

[Bill1234]

I've only done tack welding in all my years.

My other "welds" were non-professional to say the least. They held, but I wouldn't want a guy in a shark cage relying on them. Lol

im not doing anything structural yet, just getting a machine and running beads then doing more like trailers, storage, etc

[Sizzle Chest]

Depending on what you are going to weld, look into a MIG. Easy to learn with, great results, can upgrade from flux core to a bottle/gas and get outstanding welds/beads.

[FUNX650]

The below is a most excellent multi-purpose unit,
(very similar to some of the ones I used at work).

MILLER MULTIMATIC 220
AC/DC Multi-Process Welder




I highly recommend it.


Bob

[john b]

if your going stick- go with lincoln

[ducksfan]

I agree with Scott. Get a MIG welder. Later, you can get a TIG welder If you want more versatility.

[Bill1234]

Issue is I might be doing thicker steel which mig cannot do. Mig also gets expensive

[TNcoupe]

I just bought an Everlast 225 multi process that does MIG TIG and stick. Happy with the MIG so far and trying to learn TIG, have yet to try the stick as Ive Ive welded is sheet metal so far.

[Bill1234]

The miller 160 is like an everlast 225 that just does stick on dual voltage. Then theres the lincoln mp 210 which is more than double the price but can do mig tig and stick I think or just mig and tig.
Personally might be better to just get a thunderbolt first