- Joined
- Jun 12, 2011
- Messages
- 581
The OP mentioned a budget of $300, you are really going to be limited on your options but you might get a decent cracker box a/c welder for this money and perhaps if you are patient and watch local ads you may even find a good used ac/dc machine. MIG is one of the easiest processes to learn, but any of it can be learned with relative ease. If you can find something like the Lincoln Squarewave machine you can have stick and TIG capability with a foot or hand powered amptrol. Any "arc welding" machine is capable of doing TIG, within reason, but some are better suited for the task.
You mention welding miniature parts, TIG (GTAW) is definitely a more suitable process for this. Although MIG (GMAW/FCAW) works well for thin sheet metal, it is not a very precise process for minute items. Stick (SMAW) is probably the cheapest overall with initial start up cost and all you really have to worry with is electrodes for the consumables, which are readily available at many places such as auto parts stores and even Wal-Mart. (assuming the machine has the necessary stinger and ground leads and power cord)
All of these can weld relatively light materials and heavier material with multiple passes, however if you want to weld heavy material rapidly, you will want to consider something like submerged arc (SAW), but I doubt any hobbyist would consider this.
I happen to have the capability of all of the aforementioned processes including oxy/fuel welding and must say that I mainly use MIG 50% and split TIG and Stick for 49% with the other processes filling in the remaining 1%.
As mentioned, there is much info available on the web. I suggest researching as much as you can and make your choice based upon what you determine best suits your needs. One other thing is to visit some of your local welding suppliers and ask if they'll demo the machines they sale!
Good Luck with your projects!
You mention welding miniature parts, TIG (GTAW) is definitely a more suitable process for this. Although MIG (GMAW/FCAW) works well for thin sheet metal, it is not a very precise process for minute items. Stick (SMAW) is probably the cheapest overall with initial start up cost and all you really have to worry with is electrodes for the consumables, which are readily available at many places such as auto parts stores and even Wal-Mart. (assuming the machine has the necessary stinger and ground leads and power cord)
All of these can weld relatively light materials and heavier material with multiple passes, however if you want to weld heavy material rapidly, you will want to consider something like submerged arc (SAW), but I doubt any hobbyist would consider this.
I happen to have the capability of all of the aforementioned processes including oxy/fuel welding and must say that I mainly use MIG 50% and split TIG and Stick for 49% with the other processes filling in the remaining 1%.
As mentioned, there is much info available on the web. I suggest researching as much as you can and make your choice based upon what you determine best suits your needs. One other thing is to visit some of your local welding suppliers and ask if they'll demo the machines they sale!
Good Luck with your projects!