[SkyMan9600]

Ok, I know how to use all of these welders and use them every other day at the shop. BUT, I do not have a welder of any kind at home and am getting one for my/our (Dad's and mine) shop. Which would you suggest? I live on a farm so we are always needing to have a PTO Shaft, brush hog front guard, etc. welded, and I would like to do the welding myself (It's fun ) and would also like to be able to weld on my chassis(s) and even do some sheet metal and body work. What would be a good all-around welder in the mean time until I can get another (I will eventually have all or most kinds) that I can start with on the farm and still be really useful? I was also wondering, how thick of metal can you weld with oxy-acetylene? I don't usually weld very thick metal with the one at the shop, but, I have seen some other's in there use it for some good size metal...

[BOBCRMAN@aol.com]

A good brand Mig welder about 160-200 amp 220 volt will do just about anything in a metal fab shop. I bought a Linde 160 many years ago that has proven to be a real workhorse. It will spot, stitch, or fill on sheet metal with .027 wire and weld chassis pieces and rear end housings with .030 wire. It has been used constantly for over 20 years and still works like new. The only parts replaced are the tips, liners and rollers, a switch and a flow regulator.

I sold my Miller buzz box and my Lincoln soon after buying a mig simply because they weren't being used any more.

['35 Sedan Delivery]

I agree w/ Bob. If you're just going to have one, make it a mig. The 150-200 amp size is good for the home/farm. All you'll need to wire up a 150-175 amp unit is a 20 amp, 220 volt circuit. In most jurisdictions, you can use 12/2 wire (10/2 if the run from the breaker box is long), and wire it up like a clothes dryer.

However, you can't cut with it, nor can you shrink metal. For this reason, I'd also get a small oxy-acetylene torch, like the Tote-a-Torch. Good luck w/ your new shop and all the neat stuff you and your dad will do there.

Bill

[crazy larry]

ditto. get the mig. minimum max of 170 amps. more if you got the do ra me.

[jimk]

I prefer a tig-but I can't live without my mig.It has been the only one to get me out of trouble before.

[Dave E Shank]

HEY: AS a follow up: Where is best place to purchase such a welder? I have looked at the Farm& Fleet or other big box stores and you buy today and go back to get a part and they are selling another brand Any suggestions?....THANKS...DAVE