(Part 2) Best products from r/Welding

if you just want to get in hours and add welding to your garage I would totally recommend a dual voltage HF start tig welder. buy off amazon and get a 3 year protection plan with good reviews and don't sweat the haters. my Buddy has had a great experience with this one. you will need a bottle and a foot pedal.
https://www.amazon.com/EVERLAST-PowerARC-160STH-160amp-Voltage/dp/B00H2VETB6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538001782&sr=8-3&keywords=tig+welder+everlast

then there is this one, no idea on quality, id buy one for fun and see how it goes. just get a warranty. if it only lasts three years it cost you like 30 cents a day.
https://www.amazon.com/Torch-Inverter-Welder-Voltage-Welding/dp/B06XD7TCGN/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1538002117&sr=8-5&keywords=dual+voltage+tig+welder

Nah, those suck. You've gotta get yourself a Strong Hand Tools Adjust-O Magnet. They're pricey, but they're leagues better than the plain red ones. Being able to "turn off" the magnet makes it way easier to line up the part and you can easily clean off the metal shavings. I've had one for over a year now and I use it almost everyday. I highly recommend them.

Awesome. Thanks so much for the reply.

Is something like this what I would be looking for?

Given the amperage draw of 130, how can a regular household outlet supply it? And I can't imagine running extension cords is safe, right?

Thank you again for your response.

I don't know if it's a direct fit, but best comfort Is the Miller headgear. I modified my helmet to fit it, and it sits on my head so nicely.


https://www.amazon.com/Miller-Electric-256174-Headgear-Helmet/dp/B00826AM7A

It's made by Honeywell, but you'll see them advertised as "Fibre-Metal Pipeliner". Not sure if Fibre-Metal is what they call the material (Which seems to be some sort of fiberglass variant), or if it's a subsidiary brand of Honeywell. THIS is the right one, and the exact one I have.

But as a word of warning, I hate the stock headgear. Some people seem to love it, but I couldn't get used to it. It's basically a rubber band on a clip, and I broke mine the first day I had it. I switched it out with THIS Jackson headgear. You'll have to drill out the square hole that the existing headgear uses, and then drill a few smaller holes where the adjustment tab clicks in. I had an easy time since the hood I use for TIG is a Jackson hood that uses that same headgear so I was able to make a template. If you're interested I could try to figure out what size the holes need to be and send you a picture of the layout tomorrow.

Also, if you want a flip-lens, Sellstrom sells a flip lens mod, but it does require significant cutting. I bought one a while back, but haven't had the guts to install it yet (Plus I'm worried about the extra weight.). Very handy if you're switching between welding and grinding a lot, or if you want to save your neck and avoid doing the nod every time you strike an arc.

Outlaw Leather also sells pre-modified Pipeliners. They're a little bit too out there for me, but I've seen a couple around the shop and they definitely get a lot of looks.

I weld with this http://www.amazon.com/Jackson-Safety-SmarTIGer-Auto-Darkening-Technology/dp/B00BFJLRD4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396466077&sr=8-2&keywords=smartiger+welding+helmet

It works really well and it is about as heavy as a HF helmet(so not super light) but is really comfortable and is pretty cheap right now!(i got mine for 100 also, i think they are clearing out last years models)

Here's an album of my build. Here's an album of some improvements I made. As for the DCEN conversion, here's a comment I made elsehwere with links to the parts I used.

PARTS

1. Capacitor:
   
   33,000 uF, 63 V DC.
   Although the sellers shows a pair, they're only shipped one each, so you'll have to order 2. A single, larger capacitor is a better way to go because it's simpler, but more expensive. If you're going the single capacitor route, look for one that's something like 60,000 uF and >50VDC. These capacitors are BIG.
   
   
2. Rectifier:
   
   100A 1200V
   There are a few choices for rectifiers. There are larger ones, that will do 150A, 1600V. That's an even better option, but I went with this one since it was half the price. There's also a 3 phase one you can use. In that case, one of the three input terminals is left empty. With that one, you'll have to make your own heat sink, or place it in the welder in a way that air can reach it. If you're welder is like mine, you could put it next to the transformer, but you'll have to play around and see what works for you. Since i had the terminals passing through holes in the side, I slid heat shrink over them just in case.
   
   
3. Wire:
   
   8 AWG minimum. You could use 6 AWG, which is larger. The wire is incredibly stiff, so keep that in mind in terms of component placement.
   
   
4. Terminals:
   
   I used these 8AWG terminals. Since the transformer wires are a bit thick, you'll have to trim out some copper, but that's not an issue because the distance is so short.
   
   
5. Heat Shrink:
   
   Get that at Home Depot or something. 3/8" would be the minimum diameter you want.
   
   
6. Hardware:
   
   You'll need hardware to hold it all together. I hate Phillips screws, so I used hex cap screws with lock washers and regular nuts.
   
   RESOURCES:
   
   
7. YouTube:
   
   Matt Heere's video series. It's 8 parts. The link i copied is for part 1. Just follow what he did and it works.
   
   
8. Build photos:
   
   Two photos from mine you can see the capacitors and wiring. I added some more heat shrink just in case.
   
   
9. Wiring Diagram:
   
   Mine
   
   If you have any other questions, please feel free to PM me.

Get a fliphood hood with an auto darkening lens. This is what I use everyday and I would never go back to the other hoods. When I need to grind flip up and full face protection. When I weld flip down and auto darkening

(1). Fibre-Metal by Honeywell Classic https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007NL1S5K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.AhRDbG4Y6KVY




(2). ArcOne T240-10 Tradesman https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003WE9XXQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UzhRDbB3SG6EQ


Just make sure to use 3 protective lense

(3). Protective lense. " https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QC67KR8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_yEhRDb8CTXD1B


One for the front when it’s down. And when it’s up, One on the hood to protect your face. And the last one again when it’s up to protect the backside of the auto darkening lense.

Also the auto darkening lense and the protective cover are called 2x4. And 2x4 lense should fit In the hood.

You do not need pants. I just use jeans, and the the apron over a jacket. Here is what I use:

Get one of these for sure.
http://www.amazon.com/3M-Face-piece-Reusable-Respirator-Assembly/dp/B000FTEDMM/ref=pd_bxgy_hi_img_y
+
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00328IAO0/ref=oh_details_o03_s02_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gloves - I bought a few pairs. You will use them up at first, till you learn what not to hold on to :) http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MRQAJG/ref=oh_details_o08_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Jacket has some options. Sleeves and an apron:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AKIRIA/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
+
http://www.amazon.com/Welding-Sleeves-Leather-Elastic-Resistant/dp/B002GI9A3C/ref=pd_sim_hi_48

or a plain jacket, but look around. This price on amazon seems high. You might be able to find something like this locally for less.
http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-770488-Leather-Welding-Jacket/dp/B002VECL3W/ref=pd_sim_hi_42

And I use this :http://www.amazon.com/Miller-Genuine-Leather-Indura-Welding/dp/B003IL2RCM/ref=sr_1_10?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1382001569&sr=1-10&keywords=miller+jacket

Does he have his own helmet? The miller classic series that has auto darkening is under 100 and it's what I'm using in class right now.

miller classic series auto darkening #251-292
https://www.amazon.com/Welding-Helmet-Shade-8-12-Black/dp/B005J4P2SM

There might be better ones but for 80 bucks if he don't have one it's a great starter.

Sounds like BS the welds will outlast the pipes. Flux core is a bit harder to weld that thin stuff than gas shielded, but use slip joints if you can and you will have much less chance of blowing through. This tool is the bomb for stretching tube just enough to allow the pipes to slip over each other https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-34400-Exhaust-Pipe-Stretcher/dp/B0002STSPS

• If you're going to weld a lot, use a respirator, at the very least a disposable one but I'm using this one from 3m and it's worthwhile, although the filters can get expensive.
  I had fume extraction at my welding school and it still didn't do the job, although stick is even worse than MIG. Nowadays I'd never weld without a respirator.
  
  
• If you're doing stringers in T joints, rest the nozzle on the bottom plate and they will come out perfect
  
  
• If they have synergic and non synergic machines, use the non synergic ones or you won't learn to set up the wire feed and voltage separately, I find I've learned more with older machines that you have to fine tune to perfection than with newer machines that will run smooth almost no matter what you dial
  
  
• Don't hold any questions for yourself, be annoying if you have to, but get the most out of your teachers now in school and later when you work try to stick around the good welders and ask a lot of questions

a set of torches is around $200 to $300 and where i am you have to rent the bigger tanks and i dont know what small tanks cost. go to a welding store and rent a K cylinder of oxygen, buy a set of harris torches and get a propane tip then hook the fuel regulator to your BBQ tank if you have one at home and you are in business. here are cheap regulators, dont buy used ones. https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-HARRIS-Model-601-Regulator-Set-Oxygen-Acetylene-Cutting-Welding-Torch/163627986056?hash=item2618fcec88:g:8DIAAOSw3XZcokQO

you can buy some cheap chinese sets, they are probably fine. look on ebay. if you want to just cut and save money then use propane, acetylene is a rip off. here is a good set. https://www.amazon.com/Harris-Ironworker-Oxygen-Acetylene-4400366/dp/B01DN2OWIW/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=harris+torch+set&qid=1572326696&sr=8-2

Thanks for the quick replies. I've been reading as much as I can, but I really wanted to hear from people with actual experience. As long as I have your attention, would this be a good unit:

http://www.amazon.com/Hobart-500559-Handler/dp/B009X43F38/

I'm not buying anything before I take a class, but this is in my price range and has excellent reviews.

I actually use an Sellstrom Pipeliner sith an ArcOne HD 240 Lens. I prefer that combo to any factory auto dark that I have used. And then you have a flip front auto dark for less than 200 bucks!

Hood is $57.55 on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Sellstrom-S28301-Lightweight-Retainer-Seperately/dp/B005I4OR3O/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1550342455&sr=8-8&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=sellstrom+welding+helmet&dpPl=1&dpID=41G1Mzat10L&ref=plSrch

Lens is $81.33 on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/ArcOne-S240-10-Horizontal-Auto-Darkening-Welding/dp/B00206Y4B8/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550342517&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=arcone+singles+240+hd&dpPl=1&dpID=31eQwi4jRUL&ref=plSrch

Hope this helps! I have 3 of these setups now and I won't go back!

This one's been going strong for 2 years. I did have to drill an extra hole it two for the little pins that adjust the to make it work, but it's better than what the hood came with

Hi there. Could I get your opinion on the really cheap welders on Amazon (<$200)? This guy reviewed one and seemed impressed by what is could do at such a low price: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIK-M5ryHYY

​

I've never welded, am a hobbyist, and just want to get a cheap one to play around with.

​

Edit: That one seems out of stock. Maybe someone could let me know what I can do with this series of welders? https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HCGXB1O/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=AB1I4LWR4CPW0&psc=1

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I really just want to get some metal, merge some pieces, engrave pieces, and make some cuts.

That's the perfect usage for a plasma.

I got the plasma before the bandsaw and realized I mostly need bandsaw for my usage. Cutting tubes and angle iron and the like.

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6232-21-Deep-Band-5619-20/dp/B006YCWJBG/

Mmmm try these out...

They're super comfy!

​

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https://www.amazon.com/Miller-263344-Armor-Welding-X-Large/dp/B00HRH5GYY/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=welding+gloves+box&qid=1556665596&s=gateway&sr=8-7

I recommend the Lincoln Electric Procedure Manual of Arc Welding, note, I am also trained as a Mechanical Engineer, but do mainly highly specialized Industrial Engineering these days (System Safety and Explosive Safety) ...https://www.amazon.com/Procedure-Handbook-Welding-Lincoln-Foundation/dp/9990022968

I really want to get a 2x4 flip lens with a progressive of shades, not sure what gold has to do with it though. Then have a auto dark lens to put in when I'm feeling fancy or whatever

Edit: After snooping through some the comments helmet suggestions, I have quite liked your miller. Found this one

You can also use vice grips if you need to attach to something small. These would make an excellent ground on any pipe. Just attach your ground to the vice grips.

I know a guy who swears by this helmet he got on the cheap while attending trade school. And Lanse from Youtube (Chucke2009) likes the brand, too. He did a review on a more expensive one, but this one should be fine for a budget starter. I have a Miller one and a Radnor one, both $250+

Yeah it’s I higher end hood I also have a fiber metal pipeliner hood with a auto tint filter lenses Auto tint filter lenses that set up would be like $140 ish maybe lower that is a very rugged hood they last forever

https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Tools-MSA46-HD-4-375-Inch-3-75-Inch/dp/B000VH8040/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503423344&sr=8-1&keywords=strong+hand+magnet

You can thank me later.

/u/BrandonSmash posted exactly 3 minutes afterwards.

>https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Tools-MSA46-HD-4-375-Inch-3-75-Inch/dp/B000VH8040/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1503423344&sr=8-1&keywords=strong+hand+magnet

>You can thank me later.

I'm guessing you'll want a TIG machine with High Frequency start.

Here's one for $488 on Amazon.

Click Me for their website.

[Here's a video of the machine in action.]
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CblpZF54_uM)

I'm no expert but, I'm fairly certain that's what you're looking for. Maybe someone else can chime in.

can’t go wrong with the pipeliner by fibre metal. I cut off the front and put a sellstrom flip front and an auto darkening lens in. The clear lenses should be supplied at just about every employer and they are cheap anyway.

hood

flip front adapter

auto lens

clear lenses

I also have a Lincoln viking 3350 and I absolutely recommend it but I prefer my custom pipeliner.

Edit: Also, you can keep the fixed shade in your bag just in case your auto lens malfunctions.

Extra space is the one thing I don't have! It does however give the idea of using some sort of mobile/temporary partition attached to my welding table that would make the fumes easier to contain and extract.

I don't do much grinding at all so I'm really only worried about the welding fumes. I'm going to try one of these which is the same concept I'm currently using with a squirrel cage fan but this should move a lot more air.

https://www.amazon.com/SHZOND-Utility-Portable-Ventilator-Velocity/dp/B076P2GWQX

Estwing chipping hammer: https://www.amazon.com/Estwing-BLUE-Welding-Chipping-Hammer/dp/B00047EZSC/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1526009450&sr=8-27&keywords=welding+tools

Stronghand magnet: https://www.amazon.com/Strong-Tools-MSA46-HD-4-375-Inch-3-75-Inch/dp/B000VH8040/ref=sr_1_55?ie=UTF8&qid=1526009494&sr=8-55&keywords=welding+tools

I have this one.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00206Y4B8/ref=sr_ph_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482617170&sr=sr-1&keywords=arcone+s240

This https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00826AM7A/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499195233&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=miller+headgear&dpPl=1&dpID=41v%2BVoT0zAL&ref=plSrch

Plugs into a regular outlet with 90 amps. Tig stick with footpedal

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00H2VETB6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1464282986&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=everlast+160&dpPl=1&dpID=51X3Ug%2BOP4L&ref=plSrch

"Jackson 370 headgear"

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00826AM7A?pc_redir=1407399360&robot_redir=1

This one

Just get one of these

How about THIS one?