Debating on learning how to weld

[superhomunculus]

When I was in your position years ago I was looking at the 190 as well. I ended up with the 210MVP. It has been nice to be able to run off 110 to do some small things, especially when the 220 outlet was too far away or the cord too short to reach the project. Either way I think you'll enjoy the machine. I was able to repair my frame and build a couple WIY bumpers. I really wanted a TIG machine but some of the repairs I had to do required blind welding around a corner, which would have been impossible with a TIG setup.

I actually might want the 210 instead. I don't think the 190 will be enough for frame work.

 

[thegipper]

I bought a Century FC90 welder a couple years ago (flux core only). I was limited to 110v because of the wiring to my detached garage was limited. I wanted something powerful enough to do basic repairs and projects. So far, it has been a really nice little welder. I think I paid under 200 bucks for it. The best part about it is no gas because it's flux core. The whole unit weighs under 20 pounds and can easily be transported. I always bring it up to our hunting cabin because half the time we are up there, something breaks (food plot equipment, tree stands, vehicles etc). I've welded up to 3/16" plate with no issues. My only complaint with it is the grounding clamp is pretty weak but you can just buy a better one ($20) and upgrade that.

If someone wants a welder for basic repairs or projects but doesn't have a lot of money to spend, it's the perfect welder for it. Even if you eventually buy a bigger welder (a true Mig welder etc), it's still nice to have to throw in the back of your truck and have that mobility away from your house. I've also used it with my 2500w generator out in the woods to fix a couple tree stand ladders and it worked great.

I work at a metal fab shop so when I need to do any kind of large welding project, I just do it at work.

 

[jbtvt]

I actually might want the 210 instead. I don't think the 190 will be enough for frame work.

The frame on the 3rd gen 4Runner is around 1/8" thick, I think? So you could easily do frame work with a 125 amp unit and .030 wire. 95% of my welding is done with an old Italian made transformer welder, 130 amp 120v Astro, bought used for I think $175 at least 10 years ago. Seen them for as cheap as $100 recently. They're tanks, although the plastic feed clamp frequently breaks as they age, I just use a c clamp to tension mine. They also built the Mac and I believe Snap On units back in the 80s. My 220v unit almost never gets used.

 

[D'arce]

Whichever machine you end up getting, one accessory I would suggest springing for up front would be a gun with a flexible tip. If your welding on your frame your gonna be upside down and sideways down there and the flexible tip will allow you to get into tight spots much easier.

Just FYI, the rear coil brackets I got from Toyota for my frame repair were not 1/8". More like 3/16" and if you want to weld on a Barnes diff cover or similar they are pretty thick as well. You may end up doing multiple passes over the same weld to get it sealed up and flux core would be a pain because you have to clean the slag off between passes. I use flux core on my tractor and such out in the field where the gas would be blown away and useless.

 

[superhomunculus]

I did this year's ago. Living in the rust belt myself. If your planning on welding the frames. I would buy a 125 /220 mig siekd gas welder. As the 115 really isn't quite have enough amps to weld 1/8 easily. Yes you can do it but it's alot easier with 220 volt welder. My build thread is full of welding of frames photos etc. If your curious how I do it.

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Just finally got around to looking through your build. You are now my inspiration. I ran some wire to my shop last weekend for my future welder. I'll probably go welder shopping in the next week or so. I think I decided on the Hobart 210. And after that I will have spent all my allowance and will have to wait to buy everything else. LOL

 

[brillo_76]

Just finally got around to looking through your build. You are now my inspiration. I ran some wire to my shop last weekend for my future welder. I'll probably go welder shopping in the next week or so. I think I decided on the Hobart 210. And after that I will have spent all my allowance and will have to wait to buy everything else. LOL

Ah picking a 240/120 volt welder.. Not a bad idea as if you are doing frame welding its best to have 240 as an option. Yup my build thread is full of frame repairs. All those repairs were done on Jack stands. I am hoping to move to
to a lift (its on my wish list) to do my repairs on. I have shown several ways to do the repairs on the entire frame of this vehicles.

From what I have Observed, Its best to plate the inside of your frame. You want to keep all the geometry in tact and its best to get rid of all rotted steel and yet seal it up.. My thought is that if you can seal up the from holes while repairing and coat the inside. How can garbage get into the frame including salt water. Once sealed up and heavily coated rust inhibitors. I don't see how the frame rot out. Paint is only an indicator of how the steel is doing. These boxed frames rot from the inside out. Thus Why I do my repairs this way..

 

[oliveryoungtqw]

I've always wanted to learn how to weld. Much respect to those who are good at it.

same for me. I have tried multiple times, and I always failed :bored: I have noticed that its much easier for me to study theoretical things, than to implement it on practice. For example, I was always good at school and college. I've been using different websites and stuff in order to make studying more interesting and fun, like lor example the flashcards from https://quizzes.studymoose.com. But when it comes to doing some real stuff, it is really difficult for me..