What welders do you own

[Mike Heidrick]

Finishing up a refresher welding class. I own a Lincoln 110 and I am getting better with it. Also have oxcy/Ace tanks and a big stick welder. Been considering a larger MIG (man that school's Lincoln 350 pro invertec with lf-72 spool setup spoils you) and also thinking I want to try more tig. Anyway just curious what you guys use. Also do you guys recommend a plasma cutter setup?

[Chris Parks]

Esab mig, Oxy, stick welder that was made in 1942 and will put out 400 amps if needed. I am thinking of scrapping the stick as I haven't used it in years and I don't think I could do an arc weld to save my life these days.

[Keith Outten]

I own a Miller Multimatic 200 welder that is capable of Mig, Tig and Stick. I also have a Miller Bobcat 250 welder/generator and a Miller Spectrum 625 Extreme plasma torch.

The plasma torch is a must have if you need to work large projects or very thick material unless your handy with an oxy-acetylene rig . For the typical welding jobs in my shop I use either a Rockwell Porta-Band or a Baileigh 7 by 10 horizontal band saw to cut pipe, angle iron, square tubing and flat bar when I fabricate sign hangers. The plasma torch is stored on a shelf so it doesn't take up any floor space, I don't use it very often, an oxy rig would be nice to have for heat bending.
.

[Jim Davenport]

Technicality I don't own these anymore. They're at my son's house.
Millermatic 210 dual gun mig setup, Miller syncrowave 185 stick/tig, Miller plasma cutter, Lincoln ranger 8.
These gave me great service, until I got old.

[Charles Lent]

I have a Miller 252 MIG welder, a Miller DialArc HF for TIG and Stick welding in the shop, and a Miller Bobcat welder on the truck. I have two oxy-acet torch sets, one acet plumber's type turbo torch, and a propane torch that's used for pre-heating. For precision cutting I have a Milwaukee Dry-cut chop saw and a Milwaukee metal cutting circular saw, a DeWalt Porta Band saw on a SWAG Offroad table, and a Milwaukee Porta Band saw for portable use. I also have a modified Delta Contractor type table saw with a metal cutting blade. Yes. I do precision cutting of sheet steel and aluminum up to 1" thick on this modified table saw very effectively and safely. I do not have a plasma cutter, as I have found very little need for one so far.

Charley

[Curt Harms]

I own a Miller Multimatic 200 welder that is capable of Mig, Tig and Stick. I also have a Miller Bobcat 250 welder/generator and a Miller Spectrum 625 Extreme plasma torch.

The plasma torch is a must have if you need to work large projects or very thick material unless your handy with an oxy-acetylene rig . For the typical welding jobs in my shop I use either a Rockwell Porta-Band or a Baileigh 7 by 10 horizontal band saw to cut pipe, angle iron, square tubing and flat bar when I fabricate sign hangers. The plasma torch is stored on a shelf so it doesn't take up any floor space, I don't use it very often, an oxy rig would be nice to have for heat bending.
.

Do they make carbon arc torches today? I don't recall seeing one for sale. My father had one in I guess the early or mid '70. Two carbon electrodes, one fixed one that moved. I believe the cables had ends that were clamped in the electrode holder & ground. As I recall it didn't produce as much heat as an oxy-acetylene rig but worked okay.

[Keith Outten]

Carbon Arc gouging is still a viable technique. It's not as common as it used to be but in some cases its still a productive and economical technique.
.

[Terry Beadle]

I've got a Lincoln stick welder I've had for over 30 years. I haven't used it in several years but she still worked the last time I needed it to repair a old lawn mower.
I like the Tig/Mig setups available now days but I work in wood and not much metal any more.

[Brian W Smith]

We can pretty much pay for/justify any welding equipment here if money is the metric......Have close friends who "wrote the book" on equipment.

I have an old Lincoln 175 Tig,and that same co's,180 Power Mig.Throw in a 30+ y.o. Airco OA setup.

In the woodshop(machine repair and fixtures),the mig is practically useless.I paid for it on the first job we used it on so can't really complain about the cost......But our OA torch and the Tig gets used 20 to 1 over the mig setup.

It takes too long to change the spool on a mig......with Tig and OA,you put down one rod and pick up another,simple as that.Migs are for guys that are doin the same thing over/over....can't beat'm in that environ.To be honest,I like the mig using modern flux core,outside.Keep that nasty stuff outside.....I can Tig in our living rm.,and never miss a beat,practically the same with OA.It's just way cleaner.

Break out the wallet......good welding equip will flat out cost the duckets.But gotta say,at least for us....it ranks right up there with the quickest "payback".

[Dennis Ford]

I have an old Lincoln 225 AC stick welder, a cheap HF flux core machine and an oxy-propane torch. I would love to have a TIG setup but have not been willing to spend the money as I would not use it very often. The HF flux core machine is not very good, I would not recommend one. I have built a lot of things with the stick machine and would buy another if it failed.

[Brad Schmid]

My favorite process and what I do the most is TIG, and favorite machine I have now for that is my Miller Dynasty 200DX water cooled Tigrunner with fingertip and foot pedal controls. Other machines include a Miller Bobcat 250, Hobart 210 MIG with spoolgun, a Hobart Stickmate LX 235 AC/160 DC, an old Century MIG that I keep in my RV for emergencies, a Thermal Dynamics plasma, and Smith OA. For the little bit of MIG I do now, a short duty cycle 200A machine is typically enough, but I wouldn't go any smaller.

[Tom M King]

Millermatic 251, Synchrowave 250 DX, an ancient giant stick welder that belonged to my Dad who was a welder in the big war, and a small Lincoln MIG that I keep flux core wire in that I don't remember the model number to.

[Mike Heidrick]

You boys have some serious nice welders!

[Ted Calver]

I have a Miller Multimatic 200, and a DeWalt Porta Band saw on a SWAG Off Road table. No plasma, but would like one because it would let me easily do decorative cut outs on things like fire pits and fence panels. A dry cut chop type saw will be my next purchase.

[mark weathersbee]

Lincoln tombstone,
everlast st300,
millermatic 252,
lincoln sa200 that I need to restore one day.

Most of these are for farm use, farm bought them not me. I bought the everlast to try some tig work.

[Scott T Smith]

For MIG I have a Miller 130 that I use for sheet metal, and a Miller Suitcase MIG that I use if I need to do aerial or heavy duty mig welding. The Suitcases are made for heavy industrial plants, ship yards, etc.

For Oxy-acytelene I have an Victor set that I've owned for years. Includes a rosebud and various brazing and cutting tips, along with a large Smith's cutting torch.

For TIG I have a Miller Syncrowave 250DX, complete with pulse mode.

For stick I have an 35 year old Miller crackerbox welder that is AC/DC.

For a portable power source I have a Miller Trailblazer Pro 350A diesel engine welder with 100' of lead. It will drive the suitcase MIG, stick weld, and serve as a power source (12KW).

For plasma cutting I have a Miller Spectrum 2050.

I also have a Carbon Arc torch.

Support equipment includes a large welding trailer with 71 gallons of fuel, 80 gallon air compressor, 11 metal bins for storing grinders, welding supplies, welding tanks, clamps, Mag drill, etc. The trailer includes a large Jobox for storing porta-bands, sawzalls, etc.

The main accessory that I don't have that I wished that I had was a portable oven on the welding trailer for pre and post heating cast iron prior to TIG welding.

[Mike Wilkins]

You guys have some serious metal working tools. My only metal jointing rig is a mig setup that has come in real handy for making my own mobile bases with good quality casters. Quality of welds is suspect but easily covered up with a grinder, primer and paint. You have to use these machines consistently in order to get good beads, but it is enough for me.

[Dok Yager]

I usually hang out in the Wood Turners corner. But I have a little Miller 140HD, I sold my Lincoln 225 stick welder I just never used it. I have access to a Miller Spectrum 375 Xtreme plasma cutter. I am seriously thinking of getting a Tig next year.

[Keith Outten]

I recently purchased a spool gun so I can teach myself to weld aluminum. I haven't had but an hour or so to practice so far but my goal is to be able to weld my flag pole back together and put it back in service. When a friend of mine gave me the flag pole I had to cut it in half because it was to long to transport. Its a commercial flag pole, spun cast aluminum that tapers from top to bottom.
.

[Bill Ryall]

I'm primarily a woodworker, but my "fun" furniture is a mix of wood and steel. I do some welding for my "real" job, but that is simply because I can do it myself rather than sub it out.

Lincoln 225 Stick
Century 100AC Stick
Lincoln 3200HD MIG
Miller Spectrum 375 Xtreme plasma cutter
Oxy-Acetylene kit with cutting and welding torches
Support equipment includes a horizontal/vertical metal cutting bandsaw, porta-band with stand, dedicated metal drill press, and a job box filled with all the little bits and pieces like positioning jigs, clamps, etc.

[Terry Hatfield]

I've accumulated a few metal working tools since we got our electric powered dragster project. I bought a Hobart 190 with spool gun. Love my 190!! I highly modified an existing metal table I had into a welding/fab table with trailer hitch style interchangeable mounts for grinder, vise etc... I also have a Northern Tool dry cut saw which I love. Also accumulated a port a band, several grinders, shears, small brake etc... Not very good at it yet but I'm having a good time playing with metal.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8523222092_c4bdf4484e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/dZaJZ3)011 (13) (https://flic.kr/p/dZaJZ3) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8403/8647090704_2e7389996a_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/eb7ANL)018 (https://flic.kr/p/eb7ANL) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8240/8647090646_9c7842e9d3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/eb7AML)028 (https://flic.kr/p/eb7AML) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8647090694_d18060a887_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/eb7ANA)023 (https://flic.kr/p/eb7ANA) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

[Keith Outten]

Terry,

Nice welding setup you have there and its good to see you posting again here at The Creek. I have been upgrading my welding gear over the last couple years including a new band saw and some benders. I hope your having as good a time as I have.
.

[Terry Hatfield]

Terry,

Nice welding setup you have there and its good to see you posting again here at The Creek. I have been upgrading my welding gear over the last couple years including a new band saw and some benders. I hope your having as good a time as I have.
.

Hi Keith! How have you been?? I have enjoyed getting more into metal working.

[John K Jordan]

Wow, nice space!! Beautiful.

I put a cramped little weld shop in my new shop. It's only 12x12 but double doors open to an concrete porch for fair weather welding. Fortunately I can spread out in my maintenance bays if needed.

I like the way you store your grinders on the table, mine are a mess. (You can't have too many angle grinders!) The trailer hitch idea is interesting - mount, switch, and move out of the way when needed.

I made a steel stand for my big vise so the jaws are about 30" above the floor. I find this perfect for most of what I use a vise for - hacksawing, grinding, threading, pounding.

I was a welding inspector at one time but never had my own equipment until much later. I started with a torch, portaband, and a little 110v wire welder, then got a Miller MIG, a Miller TIG (what a great way to weld), an AC/DC stick for bigger farm stuff, and the crown jewel, a Hypertherm plasma cutter - love that thing, it will cut 1/2" steel cleanly, 1" with some slop. Retired the chop saw to the barn. Amazon took my credit card in exchange for a Jet horizontal bandsaw with coolant, and Northern Tool gladly loaded a 20 ton press in my truck. I only fab for fun and farm but it sure lets me make and repair things on the spur of the moment and save a lot of money. I don't think the equipment has paid for itself yet, at least not in money!

No brake (would be nice) but small shears, and a mill and lathe for when I need to start from scratch. Bought 8000 lbs of new steel at scrap prices so I almost always can make something without going shopping. Life is good!

JKJ

[Terry Hatfield]

Wow, nice space!! Beautiful.

I put a cramped little weld shop in my new shop. It's only 12x12 but double doors open to an concrete porch for fair weather welding. Fortunately I can spread out in my maintenance bays if needed.

I like the way you store your grinders on the table, mine are a mess. (You can't have too many angle grinders!) The trailer hitch idea is interesting - mount, switch, and move out of the way when needed.

I made a steel stand for my big vise so the jaws are about 30" above the floor. I find this perfect for most of what I use a vise for - hacksawing, grinding, threading, pounding.

I was a welding inspector at one time but never had my own equipment until much later. I started with a torch, portaband, and a little 110v wire welder, then got a Miller MIG, a Miller TIG (what a great way to weld), an AC/DC stick for bigger farm stuff, and the crown jewel, a Hypertherm plasma cutter - love that thing, it will cut 1/2" steel cleanly, 1" with some slop. Retired the chop saw to the barn. Amazon took my credit card in exchange for a Jet horizontal bandsaw with coolant, and Northern Tool gladly loaded a 20 ton press in my truck. I only fab for fun and farm but it sure lets me make and repair things on the spur of the moment and save a lot of money. I don't think the equipment has paid for itself yet, at least not in money!

No brake (would be nice) but small shears, and a mill and lathe for when I need to start from scratch. Bought 8000 lbs of new steel at scrap prices so I almost always can make something without going shopping. Life is good!

JKJ

Thanks. I love being able to interchange the vise, grinder etc... I actually didn't use a hitch even though some people do. I used square tubing and made my own mounts.

Welded the receiving tube into the table with the added provision for a couple of mounting bolts for a rock solid mount.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8385/8583847110_600341e16c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/e5wsFY)032313 (4) (https://flic.kr/p/e5wsFY) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8246/8644559234_027904318f_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/eaTChJ)018 (https://flic.kr/p/eaTChJ) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8262/8643463757_0e2aba4fd0_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/eaN1Dc)016 (https://flic.kr/p/eaN1Dc) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8644559194_bd1c86e988_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/eaTCh3)031 (https://flic.kr/p/eaTCh3) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8255/8665531185_01b74feb15_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ecK7w6)003 (https://flic.kr/p/ecK7w6) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr


The grinder rail is just a piece of 1/4"x1" strap welded across the front legs. I also incorporated a few other things I stole..er...borrowed from other tables I saw on line. Tubes on all the corners to hold the MIG gun. Carriage bolts welded to the corners to hang clamps, vise grips and such. They also double as points for the ground to attach to the table.

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8253/8665531207_59498d0069_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/ecK7wt)001 (https://flic.kr/p/ecK7wt) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

[John K Jordan]

Nice! I built a table 20 years ago and haven't enhanced it one bit. You've given me some good ideas.

I love working with square tubing. I built a llama restraint chute entirely from tubing using ideas stolen from.. er.. inspired by commercial chutes and improved on - probably saved close to $2000. A restraint chute is necessary for medicating, trimming toenails, and shearing llamas. This one has various removable side panels and bars, a padded neck squeeze, and d-rings welded everywhere for straps. It is SO nice to be able to make what you want, the way you want it, and when you want it! And it's fun when a visiting llama person asks where I bought that chute - oh, I made it. :-)

JKJ

[Keith Outten]

I'm a big fan of using square tubing myself, have been for a very long time. I purchased a 20 foot length of heavy wall square tubing years ago so I have been able to make custom hitch points wherever they fit the needs of current projects like my steel workbench and the 6" pipe support in my shop. I also have them on my XUV, my van, tractor and mounted on the rail of my trailer.

[William M Johnson]

Victor oxy/a telexes with 3 torches. Med victor for thicker sheet metal, small one for car or aluminum repairs, tiny smith for jewelry. Yes you can weld aluminum with a torch. It is better for thin sheet than tig.

Lincoln Square Wave 175 Tig. Added water cooling after I burned up first torch welding aluminum. Also has pulser box but I don't use it often. I weld a lot of aluminum.

Miller 211 Mig with aluminum spool gun also. Nice machine in that it can use either 110 or 220. Aluminum spool gun is good but preheat on material is necessary.

Hypertherm plasma cutter

Bill

[Keith Outten]

Terry,

I went though your photo album looking for a pipe bender that you used for the electric drag racer. I think I saw a Hoss Bender in one of your pictures, is that the only pipe bender you have?
.

[Terry Hatfield]

Terry,

I went though your photo album looking for a pipe bender that you used for the electric drag racer. I think I saw a Hoss Bender in one of your pictures, is that the only pipe bender you have?
.

I bought the chassis from a chassis builder in Florida. We made some significant changes to it once I got it home but a friend did that work. He had a JD Squared hydraulic mandrel bender on a custom stand with a Harbor Freight tubing roller on it as well. I don't have a tubing bender.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1687/23903865302_29c66d4c25.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CqiymE)tubing bender1 (https://flic.kr/p/CqiymE) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1692/23385310963_f0c0b723d8.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BCtQdB)tubing bender2 (https://flic.kr/p/BCtQdB) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1579/23986016596_0ccef8faa6.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CxyB5h)tubing bender3 (https://flic.kr/p/CxyB5h) by TerryHatfield (https://www.flickr.com/photos/93396776@N06/), on Flickr

Unfortunately my buddy Bob that did that work and was one of the most talented fabricators on the planet was tragically killed in a car accident in 2014.

[Terry Hatfield]

I'm a big fan of using square tubing myself, have been for a very long time. I purchased a 20 foot length of heavy wall square tubing years ago so I have been able to make custom hitch points wherever they fit the needs of current projects like my steel workbench and the 6" pipe support in my shop. I also have them on my XUV, my van, tractor and mounted on the rail of my trailer.

Nice work Keith!! I'm super jealous of the brake and the band saw.

[Keith Outten]

Thanks Terry,

Both tools are part of my goal to upgrade the metal working side of my sign shop. I purchased a Millermatic 200 mig, tig, stick welder then I got the Miller 650 plasma. I've always wanted to be able to weld small aluminum jobs in my shop so I got the spool gun as well. So far I have welded some inch and a half aluminum tubing for a friend of mine, the tubing was for a handicap ramp for his Mom's home. The job was way over my head for my first time welding aluminum but a little grinding made the job passable. My next job is welding a commercial flag pole that I had to cut in two to get it home. Its a tapered pole so the fit will be a bit of a challenge, I will fabricate a backing ring for this one.

The magnetic brake is a really slick machine. It will bend "S" curves as well as pyramids and any of the standard flat work. Baileigh has a nice video that shows what this machine is capable to doing but its also way above my skill set right now.

I have a couple of the Harbor Freight tubing rollers, a complete set of scroll benders and a twister that I use to make my own sign hangers. Most of these benders are mounted on heavy wall aluminum angle so I can hold them in the vise on my receiver hitch in the shop. The Bobcat 250 is used mostly as a generator for power outages but its nice to have the additional welding capability if I need to go to an offsite job.

[Ian Moone]

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/troutylow/Mig%202_zps75qokdzb.jpg

Single phase 240 volt 250 amp Lincoln MIG with traveler / remote wire feed - for my eldest lad.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a70/troutylow/P1010548_zpsgtjtbmyw.jpg

My older 3 phase 415 volt 330 amp MIG made by CIG (Commonwealth Industrial Gasses)!

And a old single phase 240 volt 100 amp el cheapo stick welder I haven't used since I bought the Mig!

Wouldn't mind a tig welder, but barely skilled enough to use the Mig... so probably no point.

[Keith Outten]

Ian,

I'm in the same boat as you concerning tig welding but I am determined to teach myself :)
I still do a lot of stick welding, mostly on farm implements and other repairs around my home.
I have all the parts cut to fabricate a pulverizer for my tractor, its ready to start welding just haven't found the time.

[Ian Moone]

I get motivation issues Keith. I am not so sure I'd be motivated enough to use it, even if I bought a TIG...
Most of the timber gear & metalworking gear that I have, sits idle most of the year!
I don't enjoy working alone and have no 'partner in crime' so seldom get motivated to go into the workshop unless something around the house breaks and I simply HAVE to fix it!.
Today was spent swimming thru my reticulation system which being summer seems to have a habit of always screwing up no matter what I do to it - something else breaks - its ~ 30 years old and should be replaced..but you know how it is - that capital could go into solar panels or something else to save a dollar and keep patching the retic for just one more season!.
I did go to a welding course evening once.. ended up welding the guys test piece to his welding bench - & he was still busy grinding it back off days later!. I had those light sensing prescription glasses on under the welding helmet so I could see, and once I struck the ark - in concert with the welding helmet - things just went black - all I could see was the arc - not the piece I was welding or the bench. Everyone in the class got a great laugh out of me screwing up! :rolleyes:
I can weld enough to get bye.. if I have too.

[Keith Outten]

Ian,

If you can purchase one of the adjustable auto darkening welding helmets it will help you to see what your welding much better than the old style helmets. Get a set of cheater lenses as well.
.

[Ian Moone]

I went one better - I did purchase the auto darkening / adjustable helmet for starters, but I also got rid of the prescription "transission" (photo chromatic / auto darkening) spectacles- bye having lasic eye surgery!.
Now I can both see and weld with ease!. The eye surgery was the best thing I ever did!. Expensive at $6K but worth every cent!. (I was myopic / short sighted for 30 odd years).
Need to see "up close" - too easy I have half a dozen sets of clear spectacles from china with 1x or 2x magnifying lenses & they cost all of $5ea, doesn't matter if I lose them, break them scratch them or not!.
Also =- where I used to try and enjoy slat & freshwater fly fishing & need VERY expensive auto darkening / polaroid prescription specs specifically to be able to see fish on the flats, now I can buy any set of mirror polaroid sunnys from the chemists for $20 & see just fish as well as any of the high $$ Maui Jims, Makos etc that the "celebrity" anglers get sponsored to wear!
Its made a huge difference to my ability to drive without getting tired and wanting to fall asleep at the wheel etc. It also enabled me to keep my 100 tonne ships masters qualification with 20/20 unaided long vision!.
I don't know why people stuff around with prescription glasses these days... just not worth it... in my experience.
The eye surgery isn't exactly "pleasant" but hell does it work - I had 20/20 long vision, 15 minutes after the operation!.
Wished I'd done it 20 years earlier (but it hadn't been invented back then).
So welding itself is no longer a big issue - the motivation to even be bothered however, still is!.

[John K Jordan]

lasic eye surgery

Same here, 15 years ago. I went from 20/400, unable to recognize people from 5 ft away, to 20/10, better than 20/20.

JKJ