What makes a good welder?

[B man]

im looking to get a welder.

i know theres different kinds. arc,mig ect.

what welders good for a novice?

what amp?

im looking to weld up a mini-bike frame and stuff of that nature.

 

[fowler]

id say get a 125 mig welder if u can afford it

or the typical 125 flux core for harbour freight

mig is the best by far as an all round welder

 

[B man]

whats the lowest amp needed?

 

[fowler]

it depends what u want to weld

 

[B man]

would 90 be okay for most fame making materials?

 

[Bluethunder3320]

B-man, i have that 90 amp flux welder from harbor freight, ive had it for a half year and its AWESOME. not a single problem ive had and its just plug in and weld! Its so easy!

Make sure your outlet can support like 20 amps i think it is.

 

[B man]

i know what i want for my birthday! or i could get it on CL for like 75$

 

[Bluethunder3320]

Yeah, ive welded my kart frame, its solid, just cant weld like inch thick steel, lol.

 

[JHen]

Don't forget duty cycle.

 

[will1384]

Don't forget duty cycle.

I have a Miller Thunderbolt XL 225 stick welder, I can leave it
on 90 amps and weld all day with it, and that's great for
stuff around 1/8th inch and thicker, but for thin stuff like
ATV / bike frames, you honestly need a wire welder, I am
very likely going for a Miller Millermatic 211.

 

[oscaryu1]

I've had my 90amp for 4 years now. Good machine when the wirefeed isn't playing up... it's survived many rolls of wire and rainy nights... It's a bit down on power IMO for most applications. Go karts are no problem.

 

[oldbikerarlo]

I have a Hobart 135 MIG with 4 heat settings I never have to set any higher than 2 (around 80 amp) on any go kart type of welding.

 

[bighead]

I use a Lincoln 175t. Has not missed a beat in 3 years.