Welder Advice Needed

[cg285]

Originally Posted by cableguy0

Oxy/acetalene welding is an art with a huge learning curve. It is not a good way for a beginner to start. Your results will be 10 times better with a wire feed gas mig welder. You really cant go wrong with any of the big names for home use. I prefer Millers but they are out of your price range. We use Lincolns at work daily. Hobart I have never used but haven't really heard anything bad. If you can spend a little more to get a bigger machine do it. Nobody ever stood around and said damn I wish I woulda got a smaller welder. Its always the opposite. You will be surprised how many uses and how much stuff you can use a welder for until you have a decent unit sitting in your shop. I completely understand being on a budget but if you can swing the extra cash move up to a 220v machine.

i agree on the larger machine and i agree that it's easier for a beginner to start with a mig but i believe the CORRECT way to learn welding is to start with O/A. it teaches you puddle control. beginners with migs start off with bad habits