I wanted to start welding..i have a civic in the backyard and things need to welded on it. I very new when it comes to welding and picking what type..i searched but didn't quite fully understand what type of welder to pick. Can anyone point to what type of welder i should pick and start practicing welding? BTW i want something that will weld steel together, and saw some welders on harborfrieght, but dont know which one will do? Thanks in advance for any help.

 

It sounds like a decent Mig would work for you, but more specific input as to the kind of welding you are planing on doing would help.

Stay away from the HF welders - they will make you miserable in the long run. Buy a used quality welder. Get one with a bit more amperage than you think you need. Also, infinite control is better than the two or four step power settings, although probably not critical. Get gas shielding, not flux core, of course. I see used welders all the time on craigslist around here. If you are patient and ready to jump when a deal comes up, you can find some real bargains. Asking around at shops, etc. is also a good way to find a deal on a used Mig.

Best of luck with your project.

 

thanks for the info..Im thinking i would be using it to weld stuff onto the body of the car, and some exhaust work, and maybe make some of my own fabrications such as own roll cage, bars, and things along that line..was told that welding aluminum needs another welder..does help any?

 

Definetly check local shops like top ramen said, Newer shops around here seem to get new welders every year...

 

What type of welder would be easiest to use for welding steel..i was told something about a welder using an electrode is pretty easy, but i dont know what that is can anyone help me?

 

If you are just welding steel (either mild or stainless) for stuff like body work, exhausts, etc. then a Mig welder is the way to go. If you are going to weld aluminum, especially thin-walled, then get a Tig. Starting with a Mig will be much cheaper and it is a lot easier/quicker to get good at it (vs a Tig) especially if it is something you will use occasionally.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Top Ramen &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you are just welding steel (either mild or stainless) for stuff like body work, exhausts, etc. then a Mig welder is the way to go. If you are going to weld aluminum, especially thin-walled, then get a Tig. Starting with a Mig will be much cheaper and it is a lot easier/quicker to get good at it (vs a Tig) especially if it is something you will use occasionally.</TD></TR></TABLE>

thanks for the info i will start out with a MIG.