I am looking for a economy priced welder in the $200-$400 range that I can use
> to make some basic repairs to an automotive chassis I am repairing. I don't
> need anything top of the line, but would like the best I could get for less > than $400.
>
> I have been looking on eBay, but there are so many different welders I don't
> even know where to begin--so I tried finding some kind of online review source
> for different welders, but came up dry there, too.
>
> I see Lincoln welders seem to be quite prevalent in this price range; is this a
> good brand? I was thinking a MIG welder would be the way to go, as I have heard
> they are best for the amateur hobbyist, but any recommendations or advice would
> be greatly appreciated.
>
> I also see a few Craftsman's. Hobart Handler and Miller also come up, and are
> usually at the higher end of that price spectrum (based on completed auctions.)
> But then again, there are also an array of different models with different
> features within each of these brands, so I am unsure as to what to even look
> for. I will be welding mild steel--no aluminum, and don't have any special need
> for a gasless model, should that make any difference in my case. I would like
> to buy a used welder to save money and be able to recoup more of my losses
> should I sell it, but I wouldn't know what to look for in a used welder, i.e.
> what must be included, if parts were missing, etc, I wouldn't even know what it
> should come with in order to be complete.
>
> BTW, what should I expect to pay for a decent helmet, as well as gas for the > welder?
>
> If I am asking too many novice questions, I apologize--perhaps somebody can
> point me towards a FAQ or a review page for different welders. I have ordered a
> book on welding today from Amazon, so hopefully that can help me through the
> learning process a bit...I couldn't imagine it'll be TOO difficult as so many
> hobbyists without any formal training are able to at least get a basic knack
> for welding, if not a real skill for it..
>
> -Sean
I'm going to second the suggestion that you look for a used welder- if you go for qood quality commercial stuff you can hardly go wrong, it tends to be tougher and you're more likely to locate consumables locally. Keep an eye open for a variable inductance mig- they have a bit more ability to be dialed to the job you're trying to do.
Learn a bunch about working on automobile frames before you start- it's not exactly rocket science but it's very possible and easy to make problems for yourself and others with a simple mistake.
John