I think I can buy tools through MB Hydro with payroll deduction. My friend bought a tool box this way, if this is the case I may decide to splurge and buy some other stuff. I really need an air compresser and a pressure washer. I need a ton of tools, basically everything.


EDIT: I take it you guys would trust a welder if it was bought from an auction sale, if it was Miller or Lincoln? I'm not talking E-Bay, an auction like farm equipment, etc. I could probably snag a mig from an auction for cheap sometime this summer. My uncle runs a big auction a few times a year.

 

Brent,
There has been a lot of information given to you already so here is some more. I have been welding/machining for 30 years, I hold 10 welding tickets that are current so I can help you a little LOL. It has been said that Hobart and Miller are the same, from a certain year, yes. The best choice is still Miller and here is why. Miller uses 3 phase power not that your house puts out 3 phase but the internal workings produces 3 phase power that is dropped down to produce a stable current. This stable current will not fluctuate due to line draw in your neighborhood. Most other machines use single phase input and output to weld with this is alright except when there is more draw in your neighborhood or by the extra use in the house. A greater line draw will result in fluctuating amp out puts from your machine, creating a harder time to weld and being a newby to welding you will need al the help you can get. All residential properties have 100 amp single phase power installed. You can tie into this power from your panel but get a pro to do this so you don't melt anything or hurt yourself. Trust me 220 AC going through you is a hair raising experience!!!!!!!

Go with a 220V Miller Mig system that can be changed to run stick with at least 185 Amp to 220 Amp out put. With the simple change of rollers you can run smaller diameter wire for pop can material or 0.045 rollers for heavy stuff plus or you can install a spool gun for aluminum. Then when you get adventurous you can go with stick and a TIG system all off one machine. Get one machine that will do all then you will have it for life. I will PM you my number then we can chat at length.

One more thing and this is the most important, Welding is an art and not learned over night prepare to screw up a lot until you become comfortable with it. The end result is you will be able to MODDIFY STUFF AT WILL!!!

 

This is an interesting thread because I was recently thinking about buying a MIG. So from what I've gathered here gas and gasless are the same basically? I understand gasless has flux cored wire, but they will weld the same stuff equally well? thanks

 

gtchief, not true. a wire feed welder feeds a wire through a gun,whip, or whatever you want to call it. a flux wire feed has a coating on the wire, (flux) that shields the weld, it is the same as stick, except easiear, pull the trigger and aim. gas welding is solid core wire with inhert gas that sheilds the weld, alot cleaner and can weld thinner gauge steel, 24 gauge, if you know what you are doing. you can buy a good wire feed that is gas or gasless (reverse polarity) for a good price.miller is the best all around welding company that i know of. i am also a certified welder so any questions ask.

 

Looks like have enough welders to go around, whether they be pros or self taught backyard welders (like me). We also have plenty of machinists.

It is too bad we didn't have a few more electonic engineers with a 650 so we could have fixed that stinking CDI 3 years ago. My 650 never needed any welding.

 

they both get the job done. but the MIG welder i have found does really good on new and clean metal. but on old dirty/rusty metal the arc welder wins. it prety much depends on what you plan to weld. but for most people the MIg works just fine. plus they are way easier to use.

 

Junior,
I've used a gas MIG before and understand how it works. But will a gasless weld the same stuff as a gas?

 

Information overload, I will look into pricing now. I will also have to double check about purchasing a welder through payroll deduction. If i can put it over 1 or 2 years on my payroll then I can get a very nice welder. The welder that is an arc/mig/tig sounds very interesting to me and I think thats something I would own till the day I die. I have so much to think about now. I'll be in the big city, Winnipeg, lol, this weekend I may stop at a Home Depot and see what they have.

Can anyone recommend a good website for purchasing a welder? How about a Canadian store? I'm not sure if you guys have Acklands in Alberta or not but I may go see one tomorrow and get some pricing. How much would I expect to pay for a basic 220v Mig and an arc/mig/tig combo welder? I thinking it maybe several thousand dollars, that fairly steep I think. Anyways, just rambling now. Thanks.

 

Funny you should ask this. I got back from a trade show about 3 months ago. The ESAB dealer was there and he had a REAL nice arc/mig/tig welder there. When I say REAL nice, I mean REAL nice!!!!! I asked the guy how much? He told me $1700. I thought it was a good price for a good machine. This is in US dollars. I know nothing about the ESAB brand. All I know is if I had the money I would have had the welder in my shop right now!!!!! I was going to try out the welder but I ran out of time at the show.

 

I use an ESAB welder at work (mig) 220-- 100% duty cycle. Have been using for 3 years, zero problems. They also make a full line of accessories- gloves, glasses, etc. good quality, very reasonable prices. I think Esab is a town in Penn. ? You probably won't find top brand equip. unless you go to a welding supply store.