akio1321

im looking to get a decent welder that isnt too expensive to start doing some minor fab work like bumpers roof racks and stuff. any advise on what i should get would be awesome!

wiggles

Buy something at the top of your budget.
Spend more and you will get more machine and a nicer machine.
I would stick with the big three; miller, Lincoln and Hobart.
Do you have access to 220v?

gottarollwithit

Figure out your 220v or 110v situation first. The 220v situation in itself can cost you extra $$.

Sticking with Hobart, Lincoln, and Miller isn't bad advice. Go visit the WeldingWeb forum. They are some pretty good welders over there. I hear Everlast has some pretty good products out nowadays.

Figure out what kinda welder you want. TIG might be a bit too fancy, precise, and slow for building bumpers and big stuff. MIG might be a bit more fitting for you b/c it'll be faster and more forgiving with dirt/oil/scale.

Lastly... search Craigslist for a couple weeks and the decide. You can save a boatload of $$$ with a big 'ol used welder on CL. If you have the space for a gigantic and uber heavy welder that you can get on the cheap, i highly recommend it.

codykrr

I am not a welder by trade. so take this for what it is. But I would say if you are a first time welder like myself a hobart handler 140 is the way to go for small piddly things. now if you are wanting to weld thicker material, defiantly go with a bigger welder. check out hobarts line up. you wont be dissapointed.

of course gas is a must! unless you are forced to do majority of your welding outside.

northern tool is the cheapest I found for hobart welders. and there made by Miller.

for the price, simplicity, and the functionality you cant beat the price.

Lyferxb9s

I am a welder by trade and I've been using Eastwood welders for a few years now with outstanding results. I would highly consider them. I believe them to be the best bang for your buck welders.

akio1321

i only have access to a 110 v

wiggles

What's the thickest steel you'd like to weld?

rawk krawler

I love my lincoln 140hd... Haven't found anything on my jeep it can't do.. I always run flux, hits 5/16.

hankthetank

miller 211

wiggles

What I was going to suggest being dual voltage, but he probably won't like the price

PocketsEmpty

After much research, I went with the Eastwood 135.

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-1...5a-output.html

Seems to definitely be the best bang for the buck. I can fine-tune the arc voltage. The other brands will either give you a high-low setting, or 4 settings for that, for the same price if not more. I also scored it on Craigslist, brand new in box for about 60 bucks cheaper. Haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I'm excited to get started with it. It also includes a gas regulator with gauges.

Here's the thread I started before I purchased it.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f59/he...please-178383/

XJwonders

He here made an excellent choice