Looking for a kit for 100-200, what brands are good? and where could I buy it from?

 

You wont find a set for $100-200 unless it is one of those small POS portable kits which will only last a short time...I have seen people say that if you are cutting with the portable setup expect only three or four minutes of cutting time before you run out of gas...I would say with the tru full size guage kit and full bottles I would say you should be looking at $400 plus for a good setup...look in the phone book for a local welding supply house and go there...good luck

Here is a post on another board about the portable setups
http://www.hobartwelders.com/m...=2397

 

how about welding, how much longer would it last then?

That is definitely a big limitation to consider, but Im sure my mom would freak when I lug 2 huge flammable tanks into the garage...

 

What do you plan on welding? That will make a big difference on what you buy...you may be better off buying a MIG setup

 

exhaust stuff mostly, maybe some aluminum. Is mig easier to learn/do?

 

Well if you are doing exhaust work fluxcore or MIG setup is the way to go!!!! Most of the units will weld aluminum, but you need a larger unit to do it well which will cost more $$$ TIG is the preffered method of welding aluminum, but TIG is even way more $$$

A decent Fluxcore/MIG unit will start around $400 just for the unit....the bottle and gas are more $$$

FYI...I am almost 100% sure you cannot weld aluminum with an acetylene torch

 

thanks for the help 1fastvx, could you briefly explain how many components (unit/bottle/gas??) are needed in mig welding and how they work?

 

There is alot to explain online....your best bet is to take a MIG class at the local Vo-Tech school in your area and get the basics and some experience on some different machines so you can see what you like...if you cannot find a class go and find a local welding supply shop and talk to them...most shops have machines setup for you to test out...go there and ask alot of questions....try and stick with the major manufactuers such as Miller, Lincoln, Hobart...etc they will have the best quality units and service

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SilverCIVIC96 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">exhaust stuff mostly, maybe some aluminum. Is mig easier to learn/do?</TD></TR></TABLE>
u cant weld with oxy-acet. thats called brazing.

cant weld Aluminum with MIG very well, and you have to have a completely different gas for it and setup...