Want to learn how to mig weld?
Great! Mig welding is easy! Just ask anybody... you can teach a monkey to mig weld, Right?! All you need to know is pull the trigger and hold on... oh yeah?
It aint that easy to mig weld... but there is good news: it aint rocket science either.
I have two recommendations for learning how to mig weld:
Method number 1 to learn how to mig weld:
1. buy machine
2. get scrap metal
3. learn fundamentals
4. follow directions
5. practice
6. write down what works and keep notes in pouch on machine.
Method number 2 to learn how to mig weld:
1. Attend a mig welding class at Technical College and use their machines, metal, gas, and other expensive stuff that you would scrimp on if you had to buy it yourself. Pick the instructors brain for every welding tip you can get. Really apply yourself and listen to every word he or she says. (that's right, there are some pretty good chick welding instructors out there)
2. If you still want to ...buy a machine. You will probably make a better decision after weeks of welding and learning.
If you decide to go with method number one, the first thing you need is a good machine. What's a good machine? I like Miller welding machines. Why? Several reasons: made in USA, service and support are great, great resale value, parts are available, they are damn good machines.
Now there is always an exception to every rule so listen up!
Lincoln makes a good 115 volt mig machine. Even though I am a Miller guy, I have to be honest...I am probably going to buy one soon myself. And when I do, I will search eBay and craigslist for a Lincoln 115v mig welder.
If you are going to be welding mostly body panels on cars, or gas tanks for choppers, buy a 115v machine. 115 volt mig welding machines run small diameter wire like .023" and run smoother at low amperage than the bigger heavy duty machines like the millermatic 250. So if you need a 115 volt mig welding machine I will give you permission to buy a Lincoln. Either way, buy used from eBay or Craigslist if you can. Here's why... first of all, 115 volt mig machines are kind of like bowflex fitness machines, nobody wears them out, and used ones are just as good as new ones. You can buy a used Lincoln mig for 200 bucks, use it for 4 years and sell it for 200 bucks. Sounds pretty good doesn't it? Same goes for the bigger 230v machines. Buy a used millermatic 180, 250, 251, or 252, for 600-800 bucks, use it for several years and if you want to sell it you can easily break even or even make a few bucks..or to keep things simple, just get a millermatic 250 and call it a day.
Jody Collier's Welding tips and tricks Website is full of Down and Dirty welding tips. For TIG, MIG, STICK and a buttload of other welding information, visit http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/
Also check http://welderreview.com/goplus-mig-130-welder-flux-core-wire-automatic-feed-welding-machine-w-free-mask/
Great! Mig welding is easy! Just ask anybody... you can teach a monkey to mig weld, Right?! All you need to know is pull the trigger and hold on... oh yeah?
It aint that easy to mig weld... but there is good news: it aint rocket science either.
I have two recommendations for learning how to mig weld:
Method number 1 to learn how to mig weld:
1. buy machine
2. get scrap metal
3. learn fundamentals
4. follow directions
5. practice
6. write down what works and keep notes in pouch on machine.
Method number 2 to learn how to mig weld:
1. Attend a mig welding class at Technical College and use their machines, metal, gas, and other expensive stuff that you would scrimp on if you had to buy it yourself. Pick the instructors brain for every welding tip you can get. Really apply yourself and listen to every word he or she says. (that's right, there are some pretty good chick welding instructors out there)
2. If you still want to ...buy a machine. You will probably make a better decision after weeks of welding and learning.
If you decide to go with method number one, the first thing you need is a good machine. What's a good machine? I like Miller welding machines. Why? Several reasons: made in USA, service and support are great, great resale value, parts are available, they are damn good machines.
Now there is always an exception to every rule so listen up!
Lincoln makes a good 115 volt mig machine. Even though I am a Miller guy, I have to be honest...I am probably going to buy one soon myself. And when I do, I will search eBay and craigslist for a Lincoln 115v mig welder.
If you are going to be welding mostly body panels on cars, or gas tanks for choppers, buy a 115v machine. 115 volt mig welding machines run small diameter wire like .023" and run smoother at low amperage than the bigger heavy duty machines like the millermatic 250. So if you need a 115 volt mig welding machine I will give you permission to buy a Lincoln. Either way, buy used from eBay or Craigslist if you can. Here's why... first of all, 115 volt mig machines are kind of like bowflex fitness machines, nobody wears them out, and used ones are just as good as new ones. You can buy a used Lincoln mig for 200 bucks, use it for 4 years and sell it for 200 bucks. Sounds pretty good doesn't it? Same goes for the bigger 230v machines. Buy a used millermatic 180, 250, 251, or 252, for 600-800 bucks, use it for several years and if you want to sell it you can easily break even or even make a few bucks..or to keep things simple, just get a millermatic 250 and call it a day.
Jody Collier's Welding tips and tricks Website is full of Down and Dirty welding tips. For TIG, MIG, STICK and a buttload of other welding information, visit http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/
Also check http://welderreview.com/goplus-mig-130-welder-flux-core-wire-automatic-feed-welding-machine-w-free-mask/