[TheForge] welder suggestions

[terry l. ridder]

hello;

i would go with whatever welder you can afford to purchase without
breaking the bank. whether that is a stick or mig welder is personal
choice. i started out with a stick welder and graduated to a mig welder.
before purchasing the miller 185 mig welder i talked to several welder
and welding shops about mig welders.

i also talked with the local community college instructor who teaches
the various welding classes.

my foremost suggestion is purchase what you can afford without going
into debt.

On Thu, 12 Jan 2006 Steven.Walker at its.state.ms.us wrote:

> I'm in the market for a welding machine.  But I'm having a dilemma on what
> to buy. I have two buddies that are welders by trade and both have
> suggested different paths for me so I'm at a loss at what to do.  One
> thinks I should go with a 220v MIG (ie. Lincoln Electric SP-175) and the
> other thinks I should go with an AC/DC stick machine.
>
> I've researched this on the Internet and there seems to be arguments for
> both sides....good arguments.  Money is a big issue.  I can get into the
> stick machine for much cheaper initial cost.  But I hear in the long run,
> the consumables will be cheaper with MIG.  I also hear there is a much
> greater learning curve with the stick machine.  I've used both already and
> the MIG was easier but I don't think I would have a problem learning the
> stick if that's what I chose.
>
> And I know it also depends on what I'm going to weld.  I realize there is
> not one welder out there that will do everything but I'm looking for a
> welder that will best serve the majority of my needs.  Could range from
> fabricating stands (for swage block, anvil, etc.),  tables for shop,
> building stock racks, repairing tractor implements (disk, bush hog, box
> blade, etc.), building/repairing truck bumpers/hitches, and various
> blacksmithing project needs.
>
> I'm sure there are a few opinions in this group and I'd sure like to hear
> them.
>
> Thanks!
> Steven Walker
>

-- 
terry l. ridder ><>