First welding machine

[TexasSmoke84]

Ok fellas. Looking to buy my first welding machine. Looking at a flux core machine, I know mig is better but don't have the money to break lose for the mig. I'm looking to spend somewhere in the ball park of 300-400. What are y'all's suggestions??

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

If I were you, I would check out Craigslist in your are and see what's available. Make sure you try anything you find before you buy it.

[Big vin]

400 bucks could get you a secondhand mig, couldnt it?

[LiLsmokie314]

I've been looking on CL, But have no Idea what I'm looking for... How many Amps? For building smokers ? 110 volt or 220 ?

[Gizmo]

I bought the largest 110V machine Miller made back in about 2000 (135). I love it - however I don't build big (200+ gallon tanks) cookers so I appreciate what a larger welder can do if that's the size you're building. A second or third pass will get me by just fine when needed.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

It really depends on what you plan on building. The smaller mig's like the 140's offer good versatility plus they tend to be much cheaper than the larger units. If you find a listing on CL, post the link here and we can give you some feedback.

[coma44]

I bought the 220v 175 amp from these guys

http://www.eastwood.com/welders/mig-welders.html

welder

I like it better than the $1800 miller that we have at the race shop. I was out of money to get a tank of gas so I used the flux core an it welded great very smooth and helped with cutting the wind while welding outdoors.

Here was one of the first welds I ever did with it and with flux core wire.

One very nice thing with the flux core wire is you can weld thicker steel with a smaller machine.

[Rodcrafter]

Makes me want to buy a new toy.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

I know several people who use Eastwood welders and plasma cutters. They love them!!

[coma44]

"I know several people who use Eastwood welders and plasma cutters. They love them!!"

I also bought the 60 amp plasma cutter as part of the "heavy metal fabrication" package that was on sale this spring. (still is)
http://www.eastwood.com/versa-cut-60-an ... o-kit.html


I have not yet used the plasma. I am going to start a small cooker this month for my cooking buddy and the plan is to do most of the work with it.

[Clover Ridge Smokers]

Let us know how the plasma works once you get up and running.

[coma44]

"Let us know how the plasma works once you get up and running"

Will do man.