My electrodes are ground to a point already i'll check to see how the grind marks are though. mine acted as if it was not putting out good amps
the vids on You tube say they are a decent welder. I bought it hopeing to be able to weld some thin aluminum. thanks for the tips

:BangPC::bash2::angry:

If your going to be welding aluminum make sure your welder is set to AC, using pure tungsten (green band) and the tungsten can't be pointed, must have a ball built up on the end. Aluminum is really hard to weld if you've never done it before.

I want to get into welding. What welder and type do you guys recommend for a beginner welder?

All depends on what you are planning on welding....thick or thin? But I would highly recommend going to tsc and looking at their Hobart welders. Very good welders for the prices. If your willing to spend some good dough, miller and Lincoln (actual Lincoln band not home depot or lowes models). There are a ton of overseas machines I've heard good things about. Everlast and longevity are two that come to mind that are quality with a low price tag.

Thanks for the advice shaner. I'm looking into doing some homemade attachments and things like that. I want something that will do a sturdy job and can take a beating. The last thing I want is to weld complete a job and then the welds just break. I don't want to spend a ton of money yet. I was thinking of taking a class at the local votech school.

Take a look at the Hobart 140 to 190. Make sure you get the gas kit as well. Those welders are compact but pack a punch too. Not expensive either.

I have a MillerMatic 200 and a Montgomery Ward AC/DC stick welder just like the one in the picture below.


http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/a...1&d=1363018780

Hmmm...
 

Okay, well...

I have a Lincoln 225AC buzz-box that was given to me by my grandfather... first welder I ever owned, and the welder I first started learning on... but I haven't used it in years... but here's what I got in the shop right now:

Hobart Handler 80 (aka the 'original Handler'), fitted with gasless wire, and use it only to tack things together in-situ, or in remote circumstances.

Miller Goldstar 16hp Tecumseh engine driven, on trailer with engine-driven air-compressor... easy to tow around the farm to provide power, welding, and air-pressure...

Miller SRH-333 DC stick/tig supply in the main workshop. This was FORMERLY a three-phase machine, now converted to single-phase. Purchased for $60, parts to convert added $25, took two hours to convert.

Miller CP-200 MIG welding supply with 10A wirefeeder running 0.035" ER-70S wire and 75/25 mix. This was FORMERLY a three-phase machine, now converted to single phase. Purchased on auction for $150, took $18 in parts, and two-and-a-half hours to convert.

OLD Airco (made by Miller) Heliarc 330ABP HF TIG supply, with a similar-aged cooler (labeled Union Carbide... perhaps a LINDE...), a 23A footpedal, and a Weldcraft torch.

In the barn, awaiting conversion... an AIRCO CV-300 II, and an AIRCO CV-300 III, and a Miller CP-300. Not because I have any particular need, but because I can... and I'll document it...

Welcome to OCC, Dave! Glad to have you here! This is Allen, we used to chat years ago. It's been a long time! Do you still have loader mutt? :biggrin2:

Hi!
 

Thanks for the welcome, Allen!

Yep, Loader Mutt's still workin! The heaviest lifting here is relegated to an Allis D-17 with an engine-hoist fitted to the 3-point, or an overhead hoisting beam on wheels, but for moving dirt, gravel, lime, rocks, brushpiles, snow, and anything under 500lbs, she's the workhorse. Gonna need to give it a serious goin' through... loader needs work on all the pivots and bucket, hydraulic valve needs seals and lever pivots, fix the foot treadle (direction/speed) detent and return spring, pull the 12hp K-single and slip in a V-twin, replace the hood and hinge, new wiring harness, new seat... but she still works hard.