trying to learn how to weld.

[Goatman86]

I just got pricing some things I want and I discovered if I can weld I could build really cheap. I have decided to just buy a cheap mig welder and try to learn how to do it! I also want to be able to box in the frame on my truck and build headers and so on.

So is there any advice you can give on this?

[lfdsteve]

Welding is a hoot and yes, you can save a bundle on build costs. I'm self taught with a MIG and still learning. Make sure you don't cheap out on the welder. I use a 110 v but you have to use gas, don't get a flux wire deal.
Steve

[scherp69]

I also taught myself to mig weld....and love it. I agree that you don't necessarily want to cheap out on a welder. Get a decent one that will allow you to keep up as your skills increase. I went with the Miller 180 and would highly recommend it. It isn't that expensive and allows for 110 and 220v. It has 2 dials, speed and heat so it's nice and simple. Open up the side door and look at the chart for what thickness you're welding and it will tell you the settings to use.

One thing that I did that really helped was watching videos. Miller has some good videos on their sites. Youtube has tons of videos on welding techniques. Here's a really good website that you should bookmark. You can also sign up for his newsletter and he will send you welding tips, etc to your email. http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

I've also bookmarked this welding forum: http://weldingweb.com/

There are also lots of books that can help. I have this book in my shop: http://www.amazon.com/Monster-Garage-Anything-Motorbooks-Workshop/dp/0760318085

And finally.....nothing wrong with posting pictures of your welds on this forum and others. You will get plenty of advice from other guys on what to do better. Lots of great welders on here who are willing to help others get better.

[80proZ]

I'll give you one piece of advice. If you really want to be a good welder, learn to stick weld first. It'll teach you the most important aspect of welding. Puddle control. The rest is cake after that.

[Randy67]

Definitely skip a cheap one. I started on a cheap welder, but once I got a good machine (I have a Lincoln SP135 now) it was so much easier to weld with and my welds improved quite a bit.

[MonzaRacer]

YES look at Hobart, Thermal Arc/Thermadyne, Miller, Lincoln even one of the multi role welders from ebay AFTER doing research. Everlast has a decent tig/stick,plasma combo machine.
Go to www.weldingtipsandtricks.com, watch videos, listen to Jody, he IS a welder and discusses many things. Also he recommends different types of machines.
Honestly I have an old Astro Pneumatic Power mig 130 with gas kit, had it since mid 90s, bought it from Snap On, was also sold by Mac. Made by Italian company called Cebora. dang thing keeps going. My brother works for government doing non destructive testing (xray/CT scans) and was nuke tech on Ohio Class subs. opened it up and all he could do was add a fan.
Had some of plastic parts break so I "fixed it" now needs some work on mig gun after nearly 20 years and my co2 regulator/flowmeter is janked. But may be able tto use one off my Thermal Arc scratch tig for while, just need to get hose adapter.
IF you want to weld heavy stuff at least get a 220 powered unit or a 110/220 like my tig.
Friend of mine has a Hobart Handler 140, 110v unit. Those things rock for the cash. Indiana Oxygen sells bottles for $170ish cost about $20 to fill I have a Argon/CO2 for mig and Argon for tig.
WE have Thermal Arc Firepower (135?)mig at work(Midas) works well but you cant weld for hours on end on small units.
Mig is easiest to get it down once you learn to hear the arc difference, and roll small cursive "e's" and learn which types of wire work.
If you really want a healthy unit, look for one you can add on a spool gun too so you can set up for doing some aluminum. Again check the above website. I believe it was a Hobart Jody just evaluated one on.
BUT 110v can carry around, 110/220 odd and rare powered units, may be hard to find parts for. 220v and spool gun and every buddy with broken parts, everyone in community may ask for welding services,,ask me how I know.
Also Jody on above website has some low cost helmet recommendations till you save for expensive one with battery back up(mine is solar only and Cost me $78, works till sun goes done, ie I have no garage then its up to my fixed unit).
ER70S2/ER70S6 wire, body work and on 110v units 0.023 wire is easier to weld with. 0.030/0.035 REALLY likes 220 machines better, again ask me how I know. Flux core, never on sheet metal, sorry I hate it. old mowers, etc and rusty/dirty metal meh its ok. Biggest issue is they dont make reasonable cost 0.023 flux core. Oh and also there are different mixes of gas for mig too, Trimix and the CO2/Argon.
Craigs list can develop a possible models to look for.
Good luck and make some smoke!