Hey, im just a weekend warrior type of welder. I dont need a ridiculously expensive one but i want one that does the job. I'm a college student at the moment so Im somewhat on a budget so I was wondering if you guys had suggestions

 

Miller big blue air pack.


j/k, what kind of stuff do you plan on building?

 

x 2.

What you need it to do is obviously a significant factor. Will a Mig do or do you require a Tig? What kind of metals will you be working with? How thick?

Also, pretty much assuming you have access to a 220 circuit, right? (only bring it up because of the 'student' reference)

 

exhaust and suspension bars. It really wont be that thick. I have access to a 220 outside of school. At sschool we have a miller unit...its about the size of a smart car

 

If its all ferrous stuff, you can use a Mig. I bought a used Miller 220v in mint condition last year with a bottle and regulator for $300. Check out Craigslist - there are some killer deals right now.

 

i picked up a dialarc ac/dc 250hf for the shop
its the size of a motorset but its a tank... you cant break it

 

Hobart 140 mig new $450.

tig- look for a used synchrowave 180sd. - $1200

 

so i can actually just use a mig welder for those things?

 

I am in the same boat as this guy. I will be going to school for 4 more years to get my PhD in Chemical Engineering and want to buy a TIG to make my own stuff and to make a few extra dollars around town on random projects. What is a good value? I basically want to be able to weld steel or aluminum piping to build turbo manifolds, headers and misc piping. I also want to be able to weld together a car hauler.

thanks for the feedback