Well, first let me say that I have enjoyed reading all of the posts over the past week. I have learned so much from many of you. However, there is one question that I just can't see to figure out, which is the reason that I came here to begin with. Here is my senario of what I would like to do. I am sure that it requires more than one welder...but I would like to get away with just one for now...so which one?
I had taken a welding class many years ago...about 20, in arc welding, mig and tig (which I never could do effectively (tig)) so I am a tad familar with at the very least....the type of welding. Here is what I would like to do:
My end goal is to be able to weld anodized aluminum (at least thats what I think it is called). I envision myself making marine products such as rod holders, leaning posts, wading platforms, poling platforms and towers.
From what I have read, this is very difficult to do and requires a
really good machine. I understand that tig is the way to go, but it can be done successfully with a good mig machine and a spool gun. I went to a local welding supply company and they recommended a Lincoln 255 with a spool gun for a whopping 2500.00. Well, I don't think I am quite there yet! That is way too much money for a beginner with no market or talent in welding aluminum. So, what I thought was that I could by a much cheaper machine and weld some metal projects to sell and build up enough money to buy a good machine. I was thinking that I could make some coffee tables, speaker stands, coat racks, southwest designs and etc.... I would imagine that I need to weld as small as 1/16 and up to
1/4 inch. So now the real question? What do I buy?
I have been looking at a Lincoln AC/DC 225 and a Lincoln pro mig 140. Which would be my best choice from what I have described? Could I do aluminum without forking out another 500 bucks? Is there a better welder that would meet my needs in the same price range? I am really confused on what I need to get started. Please help.
Shallowrunner