Henry Rifle Forums

I’m thinking of getting a small welder for art projects and for welding lightweight targets. Any recommendations on gas or electric and size?

I have a Hobart 140 Handler (MIG welder) that runs off of a 20A 120 outlet. I will handle just about any thing I want to weld up to 5/16" steel. I use flux core MIG wire which is not as clean as using a gas flux but it more than get the job done.

I also have a Lincoln AC buzz box stick welder that needs a 50A 220V outlet. That will weld up to 1/2" steel but is much harder to learn to use and lay down a clean weld. For light welding get a small MIG welder.

Paul

I'm still using a 50 year old Lincoln "Buzz Box" stick welder .... its about as basic as one can get and meets our needs

https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Electric ... 17&sr=8-13

JEBar wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 15, 2022 6:44 pm

I'm still using a 50 year old Lincoln "Buzz Box" stick welder .... its about as basic as one can get and meets our needs

https://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Electric ... 17&sr=8-13

I don’t think I need anything near that power. I’m not going to be welding farm equipment just rods not much bigger than a coat hanger. I’m also thinking I’ll only use it for a few hours a year so if it takes me a lot of time that’s okay.

You don’t say if you have any experience with welding but for a new guy coat hangers are probably the hardest thing to learn on.
I would look at Harbor Freight welders. The 120 volt spot welder would work on coat hangers
and sheet metal. The EZ Flux 125 looks decent for flux core arc welding thinner materials.

Harbor Freight has pretty wide assortment of welders that are getting good evaluations

Jdl447 wrote: ↑

Fri Apr 15, 2022 10:45 pm

You don’t say if you have any experience with welding but for a new guy coat hangers are probably the hardest thing to learn on.
I would look at Harbor Freight welders. The 120 volt spot welder would work on coat hangers
and sheet metal. The EZ Flux 125 looks decent for flux core arc welding thinner materials.

All my experience has been with gas.

Gene, I would get an Oxy/Acetylene outfit. This way you can weld/braze, cut, heat/bend/form items, it’s portable and requires no electricity. Just make sure it’s made in the USA and meets safely standards.

GeoBoy wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 16, 2022 9:48 am

Gene, I would get an Oxy/Acetylene outfit. This way you can weld/braze, cut, heat/bend/form items, it’s portable and requires no electricity. Just make sure it’s made in the USA and meets safely standards.

Thanks. That is what I’m thinking because I need to do all those things.