Welder recommendations

Penstarpurist said

I wonder if the welding supply gives demonstrations of there machines. I'd like to try a few before I put down the cash. $1279.00 seems to be an average advertised price for one new. With some in the 15/1600 range.

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Take some sheet metal and some 1/4" plate with to try if you get to test one so you can really work it in different conditions. The biggest thing you will have in going from sheet metal is the amperage range difference; doing heavy plate work may stretch the amperage of a small unit that is good for sheet metal, and vice versa. You really want fine amperage control around the work level you are doing IMHO to adjust for conditions and metals, and the cheap ones don't seem to have good amperage control near the ends of their ranges. The comment on auto adjust seems appropriate; I have it on an inverter TiG and don't use it. (But that may be me...)

I'd gear my selection towards the small end of the range for sheet metal and frame work. You can always pick up a cheap used buzz-box stick welder for heavy trailer frame stuff.

If you get that oxy torch, make sure to also buy the welding tips in a few sizes. Useful for heating things (like freeing stuck parts or normalizing MiG welded joints in chrome moly tubing) and if you really get into it, then it is a good step in rod and puddle control if you ever move to TiG. (I've done all my cages with oxy-acet.)

Just curious as to the type of steel tubing you are using: ERW, DOM or ?? Most of those are found in mild steel, but if you have chrome-moly by any chance, that takes special treatment.