Ok so I have zero welding experience but Im eager to learn. Im looking to be able to make turbo manifold, downpipes, charge piping and maybe the odd sheetmetal intake manifold.

With that being said. Im on a limited budget. Well in fact, I have a zero dollar budget at the moment so the cheaper the welder the sooner I can afford it.
Also, my garage does not have a 220v outlet and odds are I wont be able to arrange to have on.

It is also important to me that I get a welder that can produce aesthetically pleasing welds should my skill allow.


Suggestions?

 

saerch

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by OrangeBoost &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Ok so I have zero welding experience but Im eager to learn. Im looking to be able to make turbo manifold, downpipes, charge piping and maybe the odd sheetmetal intake manifold.

With that being said. Im on a limited budget. Well in fact, I have a zero dollar budget at the moment so the cheaper the welder the sooner I can afford it.
Also, my garage does not have a 220v outlet and odds are I wont be able to arrange to have on.

It is also important to me that I get a welder that can produce aesthetically pleasing welds should my skill allow.


Suggestions?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Purchase a quality welder... you will be happier in the long run. I personally like Lincoln welders.

My favorite TIG welder that I have used is this one...

http://www.mylincolnelectric.c...=5408

I started using this TIG welder though... very nice unit

http://www.mylincolnelectric.c...12813

 

I did search. But everythiung I came up with was in regards to doing charge pipes and exhaust work. Im looking to go a little further.

 

Ok let me ask my question slightly differently. It would appear that TIG setup is out of my budget.

Will it be possible to get strong, good looking welds with a MIG setup?

 

If you want to weld aluminum, TIG is the only way to go.

 

Yes. You won't be using a MIG for intake manifolds, though.

For exhaust work and mild fab, MIG is enough. Welding takes a lot of practice (I mean A LOT). I just bought a TIG (Miller 180 SD) and after about 20 hours, just started laying down consistent beads.

Look into Miller or Lincoln... can't go wrong with either brand. For your budget and power source, you're only going to be able to look into entry level MIG's.

 

if you wanna start out...get on ebay and look at the millermatic 135....

a friend just got one, and it's DAMN nice for the price

 

Hi sorry if i thread jack, but just a question since im planning to start learning aswell. Is it good to invest in a new or second hand machine or try to learn with the one we have, I believe we have an Oxy-acetylene welder at home. I dunno if that's good though any suggestions? thanks

 

I also have very limitted welding experience. I welded a few times in college - 8 years ago, nothing automotive though. I didn't want to drop a ton of money into a good TIG system until I got profient at laying down a good weld bead with good penetration. I was looking for a very cost effective intro MIG welder and think that I have found it. I have the stem at home, but I'm waiting for an electrician to run a dedicated circuit for it before I put it to use. The company that makes them doesn't advertise it anymore on their website, but they can still be bought brand new for under $360 shipped.

Product Website

Guy I bought it from on eBay - Highly recommend doing business with this guy ... great communication and very fast shipping.

 

alot of people on here suggest getting a used machine with a good quality welder like miller or lincoln the old machines will lay down just as good of a bead a new one they dont really wear out . so if you get a used one you will be able to get a better quality one then if you to buy a new one.