Im looking to buy a welder to do my custom exhaust pipeing cat to back... also might use this new welding machine for other metal work.... welding strut bars, little things like that.... So far I found this one to be in my budget.... well it get the job done? if not please show me the way to the right machine. What should I know before buying a welding machine? I want something so I can use off my house electric plug.


Lincoln Electric
Weld Pack HD Feed Welder
Model K2188-1

249.00 at homedepot

or spend a bit more and get this one?

Lincoln Electric
Weld Pak 100HD Wire Feed Welder
Model K2189-1

339.00 at homedepot


http://www.homedepot.com/prel8...elder

 

If you want 120v, choices are limited to something like what you have chosen.
They will do the job on thinwall tubing, but a better machine would be nice to run shielding gas etc.
If you had a garage, and wired it 230v, you could get a Miller Econotig, very good buy.
Even a millermatic 175 mig would do too.
Alas, they are out of your budget by a couple hundred at least.

 

thanks for your input... i do have a garage with a 230 but its all the way out on back... plus its not for welding as its a hang out room. Ill see what happens.

 

The good thing is, you can make your own extension cables. Just be safe when determing the diameter of conducting wire based on the length of the extension. 30-40 ft cables should be fine with 10-2 for a 120V unit.

 

Generally, especially in that price range, paying more will always get you a better machine that would work better. I'd recommend the more expensive one.

 

The one for $339 puts out 30-100 Amps and can weld 1/4 in steel.

The one for $249 puts out 35-88 amps which will weld up to 1/8 in steel.