"Best" welder for heavy hobby use?

[doobin]

On 05/08/2024 at 10:37, Muddy42 said:

I use a cheap 200amp MIG made by Rohr. I'm an infrequent user so I stick to flux core.  I've achieved much better results since I switched the polarity and had some time to practice. Any feedback welcomed

 

I reckon I’d snap that over my knee. Sorry. 

[AHPP]

I've just started migging with the cheapest thing Machine Mart sell. If you think that's bad, you would be ****************ing sick at some of the things I've done. Give me back my stick machine.

[Muddy42]

1 hour ago, doobin said:

I reckon I’d snap that over my knee. Sorry. 

Ha. It would withstand my knee but that test weld was no match for a few thumps with a 10lb sledge hammer! 

[doobin]

8 hours ago, Muddy42 said:

Ha. It would withstand my knee but that test weld was no match for a few thumps with a 10lb sledge hammer! 

More voltage less wire speed. Vee out both sides on both pieces so that the weld has penetration all the way through. 

[Muddy42]

On 01/09/2024 at 06:52, doobin said:

More voltage less wire speed. Vee out both sides on both pieces so that the weld has penetration all the way through. 

 

Thanks.  The welder didn't come with suggested settings, so I used one of those online calculators (where you enter your welder's min/max power, what you are welding etc.) to print out a table which gives power and wire speed for certain metal thicknesses. I followed the table a few times with various thicknesses before realising more power less speed was required for the thicker metals.

[difflock]

To close this post, Santa is bring me a Lincoln "bester?" MiG  Welder out of Poland.

And being delivered by a Polish bloke in a van, non of that courier/ shipping nonsense.

Don't ask.

[difflock]

Actually brought on a plane, with a baby in tow.

[doobin]

1 minute ago, difflock said:

Actually brought on a plane, with a baby in tow.

Never heard of it, but made by Lincoln I don't think you can go far wrong.

[difflock]

Story, as related to me, was that a Polish bloke set up a factory to build MIG welders, and his products rapidly  gained such a reputation and market share, that Lincoln bought the business and assimilated it into their range.

Time will tell.

P.S.

Anything to avoid in buying a regulator, though I will prob price a regulator with my two local gas suppliers.

Edited January 31 by difflock

[doobin]

2 hours ago, difflock said:

Story, as related to me, was that a Polish bloke set up a factory to build MIG welders, and his products rapidly  gained such a reputation and market share, that Lincoln bought the business and assimilated it into their range.

Time will tell.

P.S.

Anything to avoid in buying a regulator, though I will prob price a regulator with my two local gas suppliers.

Basic two dial jobby will do you. No need for pea shooter type flow meters with mig. 
 

I’d just look on eBay. Parweld or similar will be fine.