I'd agree with the other replies about staying with a known brand. You may
want to check around for
a Hobart. I'm wondering if Home Deopt sells them? I think also they may also
show up in Harbor
Freight. They'll be a little cheaper than Miller or Lincoln I believe. I have
a 110 volt Miller
XP-135 and it's worth its weight in gold. Stick with mig welding instead of
flux core...less
spatter and better welds, expecially for a beginner. Use a gas mix (75% argon,
25% CO2) for easier
welding and better penetration than straight CO2 gas, especially when welding
vertical. Yes, see if
you can find a night course in welding at a local community college or the
like. A couple nights of
instruction will prove invaluable.
We have over 100 Miller welding machines at the fab shop where I work, and we
won't buy any other
brand due to their reliability. These are the big 440 volt units, and they
really take a beating.
For home use, the other two major brands are just as good.
Wally / Templeton, MA
53 3100 rod project
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