I just wanted to say thank you. Just found your channel and I’ve been teaching myself to weld. Picked up a Lincoln 180 mig to start and having a blast! I could’ve learned earlier in life how to weld but never could find someone that was good at explaining the little details..you seem more extroverted and I enjoy your method of teaching. So thank you, and I’ll keep watching!
I have been using Longevity for about 2 years now. Had a few problems but they have always fixed them. Like every other business sometimes it takes a few days to get help but they have not left me hanging so I am happy with them. Never had the chance to use an Everlast so can't comment on them.
Hi Kevin. Enjoyed watching this older video of yours, made 11 years ago. As always the advice you gave in the video back then is so appropriate to anyone wanting to get a machine and have a go at some welding. But really interesting thing, looking at your line up of welding machines there, is how the style and size of the welders has changed over the 11 years. Regards to yourself and your good lady, David.
You are one of the most informative people on all of YT. You are truthful, honest, humble. You don't over-push your preferred welder brands. I am a beginner and you don't intimidate me, you inform me. Thank You so much for being who you are as a person and letting so many of us learn from you. (And many thanks to your Wife as it would not be as great without her!).
We met Kevin and Mary at Fabtech last year and they are both very nice people. Mary sure does add a lot to Kevin's channel and their newsletters are well written, informative. We enjoy each letter you send out! You both make a good team.
Thanks for the video! While I found it on accident, it was a perfect beginners guide to buying my first welder. My only previous experience was welding metal sculptures in college, usually with nails or steel dowels. I've always wanted my own mig welder to continue my work and I now know which I'll be buying.
Mr. Caron, thanks for making the video. Very informative. Made my decision on what type of welder I needed pretty simple. Pretty sure the 110 volt, flux core MIG welder will suit my needs (utility trailer repair/muffler and exhaust modification/lawnmower deck repair/etc.). Thanks again for the information.
Great video Kevin thanks. My first welder was an OLD Craftsman stick welder. Instead of having a dial to adjust the amperage it had taps (holes) in the front panel of the unit. You merely plugged the positive lead into the hole that was marked with the amperage you wanted to use. I tossed it in the trash one year after the insulation had broken down far enough to be very scary to use. The trash man gave me a big smile and then put the unit in the cab with him (Copper).
Thanks for this information. I'm exploring many options for my first welder. Hubby bought a portable oxy/aceteline torch, which I haven't quite got the nerve to fire up yet. I look forward to viewing more of your videos. You're a good teacher!
This was a great video. I wish I had seen it 8 years ago! I learned how to TIG weld about 5 years ago as an industrial mechanic. I had some experience MIG welding prior to that. I bought the Everlast TiG/Stick/Plasma machine a few years ago and so far I've been happy with it. Looks like I have some catching up to do with your videos. lol. Subscribed.
Wow, seriously great video! Just started getting more interested in metal work and welding and this was exactly what I was looking for. Really good suggestions and very informative! You explained the uses of each machine and listed several options on how to obtain them. Thumbs up for sure, thanks for the help, Kevin!
Good day Kevin I got hooked to your channel you make it so comfortable to work with metal welding I am an artist working with 3/8 rebar mostly , somehow I can’t get it right with the amperage and I use 7018 3/32 And I must say I got much better by watching your channel many thanks solli
Helium (He) is a chemically inert gas that is used for welding applications requiring higher heat inputs. It may improve wetting action, depth of fusion, and travel speeds. It does not produce the stable arc provided by argon. Helium has higher thermal conductivity than argon and produces a wider arc column. The higher voltage gradient provides a higher heat input than argon, promoting greater weld pool fluidity and better wetting action. From the Praxair website..
When I started welding, I took a 6 week weekend welding class at my local vo-tech. It taught me the basics and gave me a chance to try all the different types of welding machines so I could decide what was best to start with. For me, a "buzz box" was my first machine. As time, money and space have allowed, I have added tig and acetylene. Hope to add MIG in the near future.
Hi Kevin, I've just watched a couple of your videos and really just wan to say, "Great! Good Job, and thanks for being proactive and sharing about your work." I fell for metal-work in school for Industrial Design, when I built a lamp using oxyacetylene (constructive pyromania at it's best) and turning aluminum. A few years later, worked as an assistant/production goldsmith. Now in an effort to return to my roots, I'm looking to begin welding. For Christmas (today!) my wife bought me a Chicago Electric MIG 170 from Harbor Freight. Once I have the 240 outlet installed, I think this will be a nice starter unit, but something tells me based on my experience as a fabricator of gold and silver, that I will eventually wind up with TIG. I have subscribed, liked and bookmarked your channel, FBPage, and site. Keep up the good work and thanks for the inspiration. ~D
thank you for taking the time to post this video. I've been in the market for a machine for awhile. No sooner do i think I have it all figured out and going with a Miller 180 then I see some of the cheapo tig welders on Amazon and I think- maybe I should go that way. Hobart 190 or Miller 180 is my current thought, but until I part with the elusive sponduets, I'm open to all ideas.
I have never used one. But I am a little nervous about having all my eggs in one basket. If one part goes bad will the whole machine go down!? I just don't know. Longevity was supposed to get me one to test and do a video or two on but haven't seen one yet. They are already putting the TIG and Stick together so maybe they have it figured out. But until I get to play with one I would stay away from them until they are proven. But that is just my opinion and you get what you pay for....
thank you very much for your suggestions on the welding machines. I am a student who is actually looking to become a career welder and I was wondering if you could tell me if there are machines that can tig and stick weld all in one and even mig as well? You are very knowledgeable and I did appreciate this video.
great video! sorted out my "what type do i get" question. i used to have a cheap harbor freight i did a lot of tinkering with flux core (exhuasts and what not) but i want to start aluminum welding. still be able to do steel though. so tig it is. i don't need anything serious as it will just be door panels and what not for track cars. whats the most inexpensive but halfway decent tig i could find? no 220
I want to build myself a welding table for the garage. I think I'd like a MIG eventually. Any great build your own table videos you know of? Thanks for the input!
I am sure UA-cam has a few. You really just need to look at your space and see how big you can go. A comfortable height for you, at least 4x4ft thick enough that it won't warp when you put heat to it. You can either go thick like it did or add lots of support under it to keep it flat. I always keep my table level to the floor so anything I build will stand up straight. Hope this helps and thank you for watching and posting.
Thanks. The EX seems like more welder than I need, and is about $400 more. However, I do like that it has a pulse function. I do not need the dual voltage as I have both 220 and a 30 amp 110 outlet at my welding table. I will take another look at the EX. Thanks. Do you have a video on the EX?
Kevin, thank you for the information. I appreciate you taking the time to post the videos on youtube. I am currently looking at beginning welding. I see you have a couple Longevity welders. I looked at their site and came across a PROMTS 200 it's apparently a 3 n 1 Mig/Tig/Stick welder. Do you have an opinion or any experiance with this machine? Also a second question, can you use the same gas for Mig and Tig? Thanks Doug
My first welder was an Everlast stick welder. I loved learning to weld on it. I ended up buying an Everlast mig welder a couple of years back to keep it company.
Nice video Kevin I like the solid core setup I've made some nice welds with solid-core and with flux-core but solid core doesn't have that accursed slag to deal with
Loved the video. So informative. Can you elaborate on 'harder to learn' when describing the TIG welder. Buying my first welder (inside garage use). Want longevity out of unit and not planning on upgrading in the future.
It's harder to learn because you have to use both hands and a foot if you are using the fool pedal. If you are using the trigger switch you still need both hands and they are doing something different from each other.. Just takes more practice to get comfortable with it.. If the budget is no issue go look at the Millers.. If you are like the rest of us I would point you towards the Everlast or AHP line..
I would second that. I am just starting with Tig. I went that route because of flexibility. Also cost since two things I want to be able to weld are stainless and aluminum and when I added up what it would take to do both Tig VS Mig, Tig won. Also I'm in a limited space and having lots of spatter and bouncing molten metal balls would be a safety issue.
great video. i'm starting a mobile small engine business doing mostly tractor work. i will be working out of my truck on a generator. i havent bought a generator yet and i dont know how much welding i would be doing, but in my past ive sent my parts maybe 10 to 15 times a year to our welder. i have only welded a couple of time in my past. what do u think i should use or buy for both a generator and a welder. i imagine most tractor work would be steel.
You need at least a 10K INVERTER based generator to run the newer welders. If it was me I would have an MTS machine. So you have mig, tig and stick all in one. That will get you started. Keep in mind that with a 3 in 1 machine if one part goes down you will most likely lose the whole machine. The other way to go is have 2 or 3 different machines. That keeps you working but costs more to acquire and takes up more room. I like the Everlast welder line. You can go with Miller if money is no object or Lincoln. You might find some food used machines to get started and upgrade has you go. Good luck and welcome to the club!
hi, I ordered a goplus flux core mig welder, later learned they made 110v stick welders in the same price range. I welded in high school on arc welders, but no mig/ flux core experience. from the videos I've seen, it looks fairly easy. I'm mainly going to be welding on my truck, and doing some artwork. maybe building some welding tables.
Almost every question I had answered, thank you. On the smaller welder, the 110, is it truly a 110, does it need a separate breaker/circuit, can I move it around the garage or even take it to friends house?
Good video Mate... I think I will go with a MIG Welder, for smaller projects around the garage, one of them being my muffler which needs to be fixed ASAP.
Well that's a loaded question!! If you are going to be using this machine all day, money is no object and it is your only one, I would go with the Miller. If you are going to have several machines so you won't be out of work if one stops running I would look at the Longevity. But to give you a better answer I need more information like what are you doing, what are you welding, how many people will be using this machine, that sort of thing...
Hi! Kevin , I just scored a Ine Skyline 1500 Stick , Tig welder for a couple hundred bucks ! Only 8lbs comes with a case , welder , leads , hammer , brush and a hand held face shield . It works great ! I used 3/32 , 1/8 rods through it and the welds were as good as my Miller maxstar 150 s ! I just got it and used 7014 , 6011 ! Today I plan on using 6013, 7018 , 6010 , yes it has a setting for cellulose electrodes , aluminum , mma , tig ! It's a really cool little machine ! 5amps to 140 stick , 5amps to 150 tig ! I had to make an adapter from 20amp 230v t to a 50amp 250 welder plug and the thing works great ! Thank you for the help ! When will this all end , I have six different machines and two oxyacetylene setups ! Lol. Sure glad I'm single , I would never hear the end of this ! What another one ! Lol. I'm also going to try some 5/32 rods too , that should be maximum thickness for this little toaster ! Compared to the Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 arc welder this is way easier to lug around ! Have a great day buddy !
Hi Kevin great channel I've just subscribed. Wanted to ask your professional opinion . I'm just started restoring fully my colchester master 6inch lathe built in 1939. And have some damage not by me but previous owner. Where the compound slide runs across the two grooves. The very corner has been broken off. And don't want to just leave it like that considering I'm fully restoring like it was, when it left the factory. Do you think I should consider purchasing a oxyacterline welder. To repair the slight damage to the corners. I'm prepared to learn before even attempting the project just want your input on what's the best way to go down. Also my workshop has not been built yet so be working outside in the garden. Also there's a few dents in the lathe tray that I need to remove. Be grateful for your advice Thanks in advance
Thanks for watching and putting me on the spot Mark! I would stay away from the O/A rig for this repair.. If it was mine I would use a tig welder.. But without seeing the damage I am not going any farther than that.
Great Video! Like you say it depends on what you want to weld. I want to cut up some old bikes and make some sort of vehicle out of them. No motor and maybe not even keeping the chain or gears, like a push cart. probably would use bed frames too. So which type would you recommend? I was leaning toward the gas one 300$ to get the portable kind.
Great video Kevin, speaking from my experience, I started with MIG and then moved to an inverter TIG that also does ARC. Boy do I miss the speed and easy of the MIG sometimes, I do mostly car work and mild steel fabrication. but being in the UK and welding outside in the rain the ARC cannot be beaten. My one bit of advice is buy the best machine you can afford and don't scrimp on a good helmet
Used to weld steel gas tanks out of VWs with a o/a torch. Sometimes with no purge on the tank... Don't worry about the wood. Life will catch up with us all in the end....
When I watch those car rebuild shows and see them "tacking" a piece of metal into place with one of those pistol grip type welders, can you tell which kind of welder that is? Is that what you call a "flux core" welder? Thanks again for your time.
Thank you for the video. I learned to weld in Highschool and was pretty good at it. Now, 18 years later I want to weld again. I'll be welding pipe fence, as well as small auto/home projects. What you think about the ESAB EMP215IC 120/230-Volt Dual Voltage Professional Grade MIG/TIG/Stick Welder? Would the ESAB Fabricator 141i Multi Process Welding System be enough?
I think the Fabricator is a fine machine. All depends on your budget and what you want to do with it over the years. Personally I like the Everlast and AHP lines better. They both have Multi process machines.
Hello Kevin, i have just bought Kawasaki 215C 1GBT inverter i guest it was a ASIAN made i wonder if you could have the same unit for demo.. appreciated all of your videos and i've learned a lot from it.... regards
Far as I know the consumables for this machine with the supplied torch are only available from Longevity. But aftermarket torches are out there also... Never heard of a "Cronatron 338" rod, sorry....
Hello, very informative video. I was interested in making wire frames for lamp shades. What do you recommend or could I get away with using a solding iron?
Kevin - helpful video as all of them are. Question. Want to get a TIG as I already have MIG, plasma cutter and Oxy set-up. Looking at Longevity welders. The 165 vs the 200 amp welde - both are AC/DC, both 110/220 and both do 1/4 inch, So, why would one choose the 200 over the 165? Thanks.
New to welding need to weld 1/4 in steel tube on a couple gokart. Will be doing it outside in the back yard. Will be useing 120 as the power source. What are my options?
Make sure you have clean metal and if you are using solid core with gas make sure you block the wind. If you are using flux core just make sure you have a good fit. For stick I would recommend 7018.
I noticed you have a few Longevity machines. How do the stack up to Miller, Lincoln, and Hobart machines? Would you recommend Longevity for use as a primary welder? Finally, how reliable are the multifunction machines? I love your channel.
Thank You very much for your reply. I have been looking for a small welder (tig/stick maybe plasma) for limited indoor space and small projects. It has been very difficult finding objective reviews/comments concerning the various brands, so your input is helpful.
What do you recommend for weilding rocker panels/body panels on a car, for the beginner, Only have 120vt. in garage. I have a small stick weider at this time.
Hi Kevin! What would you suggest for a welder that would be used for something like Jeep projects (i.e., making my own bumper systems or tire mounts, etc.)? Thanks!
It is an excellent description of the equipment and processes available for amateur and light fabrication welding It is judicious to omit processes like submerged arc as they are used exclusively in heavy fabrication I insist that it is important to choose a machine that is not too small for your application Usually, when you use your welding machine in the upper range of output, the arc is much less stable and you're likely to overheat your machine going for trouble very soon this combination leads to a much more difficult learning for a beginner. Choosing a more powerful and a more complete machine worth every penny on the long run as these machines are more enjoyable to use and you'll not be tempted to exchange it at the first occsion
Hi ! Kevin , I sure wish I could get some vacation time and go to Arizona ! My little 8# INE Skyline 1500 welder burned everything I put in the electrode holder even 5/32 6010 ! This Spaghetti welder is really great ! comes in a kit with everything you need except Electrodes and TIG setup ! I don't know about the chili , how's about some Chinese tamales ! Hey I thought were all Italians ! Fugitaboutit !
Great video. I have always wanted to know how to weld but know nothing about it. I am a tinkerer and always messing around in my garage with a lot of times making something where i wish I had a welder and knew how to weld. That being said, harbor freight has a 90 amp flux welder on sale for $99.00 made by Chicago electric. Would a person like myself who is a beginner wanting to learn but also not wanting to invest a lot of $$ initially until I know more be wise in purchasing that welder? Is a "flux" welder a good beginner welder? Also, I do have 220 in my garage wich is really the only place I would ever be welding except maybe my driveway if a bigger project arose. Thanks for the video
Getting my first welder soon. The Harbor Freight flux-core is not a great one, is what I can afford. But if I make a few things with it and sell them, won't take long before I will get an Everlast!!!! Am excited, perhaps will get an oxy-acetylene welder to bend metal, and a plasma cutter to makr some artistic fence panels for decks. Thanks for the inspiration on getting into welding.
+Jeffrey Beyer Make some money and then upgrade to a real welder is an excellent plan. Everlast has a few good welders to choose from so the experience making things now will help you choose what kind of welder you want in the future.
+Brent Weiser Will have to start out small and slow, many projects to get done around the house. Have to go flux core or stick welding since have no shop building yet.
Got a HF flux really cheap and I saved the cost on a repair we needed to make so I don't feel bad, but... I would not make that choice again. You want a Mig that can go gas at a minimum because the flux only are really limited and the cheapie HF is AC so the splatter is really bad.
I just wanted to say thank you. Just found your channel and I’ve been teaching myself to weld. Picked up a Lincoln 180 mig to start and having a blast! I could’ve learned earlier in life how to weld but never could find someone that was good at explaining the little details..you seem more extroverted and I enjoy your method of teaching. So thank you, and I’ll keep watching!
Thank you for watching and posting. Welcome to the club!
I have been using Longevity for about 2 years now. Had a few problems but they have always fixed them. Like every other business sometimes it takes a few days to get help but they have not left me hanging so I am happy with them.
Never had the chance to use an Everlast so can't comment on them.
Hi Kevin.
Enjoyed watching this older video of yours, made 11 years ago. As always the advice you gave in the video back then is so appropriate to anyone wanting to get a machine and have a go at some welding. But really interesting thing, looking at your line up of welding machines there, is how the style and size of the welders has changed over the 11 years.
Regards to yourself and your good lady,
David.
Glad you enjoyed it
You are one of the most informative people on all of YT. You are truthful, honest, humble. You don't over-push your preferred welder brands. I am a beginner and you don't intimidate me, you inform me. Thank You so much for being who you are as a person and letting so many of us learn from you. (And many thanks to your Wife as it would not be as great without her!).
WOW! Thank you so much for these wonderful words. May I use them in my literature?
Of course
I am addicted to this channel. Simply put.
I'm barely starting with welding and i'm trying to pick a welding method. This video gave me a comprehensive list of considerations. Thank you.
Thanks for watching. If you get the chance please click on an ad or two. It helps pay for the videos.
Thanks for stopping by.
We met Kevin and Mary at Fabtech last year and they are both very nice people. Mary sure does add a lot to Kevin's channel and their newsletters are well written, informative.
We enjoy each letter you send out! You both make a good team.
I do what I love and love what I am doing..
Glad to offer what I have learned.......
Both very nice machines!
Thanks for the video! While I found it on accident, it was a perfect beginners guide to buying my first welder. My only previous experience was welding metal sculptures in college, usually with nails or steel dowels. I've always wanted my own mig welder to continue my work and I now know which I'll be buying.
Really appreciate you and "the voice" making these videos for the rest of us.
+DFWKen
We have fun making them.. nice to know people are watching...
Excellent explanation of the welder's many options. Thanks, guys.
Mr. Caron, thanks for making the video. Very informative. Made my decision on what type of welder I needed pretty simple. Pretty sure the 110 volt, flux core MIG welder will suit my needs (utility trailer repair/muffler and exhaust modification/lawnmower deck repair/etc.). Thanks again for the information.
Thank you.
I always try to listen to myself and talk the way I would want to hear.
Great video Kevin thanks.
My first welder was an OLD Craftsman stick welder. Instead of having a dial to adjust the amperage it had taps (holes) in the front panel of the unit. You merely plugged the positive lead into the hole that was marked with the amperage you wanted to use. I tossed it in the trash one year after the insulation had broken down far enough to be very scary to use. The trash man gave me a big smile and then put the unit in the cab with him (Copper).
nice thought out video for beginners who are looking to get into MIG. Great job guys.
- Very good video Mr. Welder 👍. No bluff, no fat, no nonsense. Right to the point.
Thank you. Have you been to my website yet? Lots to see there also.
Totally agree with you!!
Great point. You have to have the knowledge to go with the welder.
Thank you for posting.
Amen to both! Just got a new helmet and wish I had popped for the Miller instead...
Thanks for this information. I'm exploring many options for my first welder. Hubby bought a portable oxy/aceteline torch, which I haven't quite got the nerve to fire up yet. I look forward to viewing more of your videos. You're a good teacher!
What a great channel to learn from to work with metal! Thank you for what you do.
This was a great video. I wish I had seen it 8 years ago! I learned how to TIG weld about 5 years ago as an industrial mechanic. I had some experience MIG welding prior to that. I bought the Everlast TiG/Stick/Plasma machine a few years ago and so far I've been happy with it. Looks like I have some catching up to do with your videos. lol. Subscribed.
Thank you!
Wow, seriously great video! Just started getting more interested in metal work and welding and this was exactly what I was looking for. Really good suggestions and very informative! You explained the uses of each machine and listed several options on how to obtain them. Thumbs up for sure, thanks for the help, Kevin!
Good day Kevin I got hooked to your channel you make it so comfortable to work with metal welding I am an artist working with 3/8 rebar mostly ,
somehow I can’t get it right with the amperage and I use 7018 3/32
And I must say I got much better by watching your channel many thanks solli
Thanks 👍 Don't do much stick anymore. Too many fumes for me.
Helium (He) is a chemically inert gas that is used for welding applications requiring higher heat inputs. It may improve wetting action, depth of fusion, and travel speeds. It does not produce the stable arc provided by argon. Helium has higher thermal conductivity than argon and produces a wider arc column. The higher voltage gradient provides a higher heat input than argon, promoting greater weld pool fluidity and better wetting action. From the Praxair website..
Thanks again Kevin. Just had a quick look, great site. I am in the UK so a call would be costly but worth knowing about.
Yes mate great lot of rust removal cleaning, polishing, sanding filling. The list go's on & on. But sure is alot of fun.
Never seen the StickWeld machines.
I don't do much stick welding anymore. Usually just grab the MIG.
When I started welding, I took a 6 week weekend welding class at my local vo-tech. It taught me the basics and gave me a chance to try all the different types of welding machines so I could decide what was best to start with.
For me, a "buzz box" was my first machine. As time, money and space have allowed, I have added tig and acetylene. Hope to add MIG in the near future.
Hi Kevin, I've just watched a couple of your videos and really just wan to say, "Great! Good Job, and thanks for being proactive and sharing about your work." I fell for metal-work in school for Industrial Design, when I built a lamp using oxyacetylene (constructive pyromania at it's best) and turning aluminum. A few years later, worked as an assistant/production goldsmith. Now in an effort to return to my roots, I'm looking to begin welding. For Christmas (today!) my wife bought me a Chicago Electric MIG 170 from Harbor Freight. Once I have the 240 outlet installed, I think this will be a nice starter unit, but something tells me based on my experience as a fabricator of gold and silver, that I will eventually wind up with TIG. I have subscribed, liked and bookmarked your channel, FBPage, and site. Keep up the good work and thanks for the inspiration. ~D
thank you for taking the time to post this video. I've been in the market for a machine for awhile. No sooner do i think I have it all figured out and going with a Miller 180 then I see some of the cheapo tig welders on Amazon and I think- maybe I should go that way. Hobart 190 or Miller 180 is my current thought, but until I part with the elusive sponduets, I'm open to all ideas.
Thank you for putting out this video. It helped me make my decision on which type of welder I want at home vs. The TIG welder I use at work.
I have never used one. But I am a little nervous about having all my eggs in one basket. If one part goes bad will the whole machine go down!? I just don't know. Longevity was supposed to get me one to test and do a video or two on but haven't seen one yet. They are already putting the TIG and Stick together so maybe they have it figured out. But until I get to play with one I would stay away from them until they are proven. But that is just my opinion and you get what you pay for....
great video Kevin, currently i use my oxy ace for finer work in my small engine shop but hopefully i can get a tig
for someone looking into welding, these videos are great. thanks for posting
Kevin (and wife!), awesome video. Exactly what I needed to push myself in a direction. Looking forward to getting started!
Thanks for watching!
Nice overview. Thanks. I like your candor.
do you have a video on using different rods for the Longevity Stickwed 200? Great videos...have learned a lot. Thanks
My first welder was an everlast stick welder. I now have three more everlast welders. Welding is addictive and should have a warning label.
thank you very much for your suggestions on the welding machines. I am a student who is actually looking to become a career welder and I was wondering if you could tell me if there are machines that can tig and stick weld all in one and even mig as well? You are very knowledgeable and I did appreciate this video.
Thank You .Mr.Kevin C. Your videos are really good ,well explained for beginners like me.
great video! sorted out my "what type do i get" question. i used to have a cheap harbor freight i did a lot of tinkering with flux core (exhuasts and what not) but i want to start aluminum welding. still be able to do steel though. so tig it is. i don't need anything serious as it will just be door panels and what not for track cars. whats the most inexpensive but halfway decent tig i could find? no 220
I want to build myself a welding table for the garage. I think I'd like a MIG eventually. Any great build your own table videos you know of?
Thanks for the input!
I am sure UA-cam has a few. You really just need to look at your space and see how big you can go. A comfortable height for you, at least 4x4ft thick enough that it won't warp when you put heat to it. You can either go thick like it did or add lots of support under it to keep it flat. I always keep my table level to the floor so anything I build will stand up straight. Hope this helps and thank you for watching and posting.
Thanks. The EX seems like more welder than I need, and is about $400 more. However, I do like that it has a pulse function. I do not need the dual voltage as I have both 220 and a 30 amp 110 outlet at my welding table. I will take another look at the EX. Thanks. Do you have a video on the EX?
Really appritiate the video brotha. Thank you for taking the time to share that
No problem 👍
I am not sure on this one. I have a bottle of tri/mix for Miging stainless. That's what the guy at the welding store recommended.
Kevin, thank you for the information. I appreciate you taking the time to post the videos on youtube. I am currently looking at beginning welding. I see you have a couple Longevity welders. I looked at their site and came across a PROMTS 200 it's apparently a 3 n 1 Mig/Tig/Stick welder. Do you have an opinion or any experiance with this machine?
Also a second question, can you use the same gas for Mig and Tig?
Thanks
Doug
My first welder was an Everlast stick welder. I loved learning to weld on it. I ended up buying an Everlast mig welder a couple of years back to keep it company.
Been a good line of machines for my work.
Nice video Kevin I like the solid core setup
I've made some nice welds with solid-core and with flux-core but solid core doesn't have that accursed slag to deal with
Thanks Kevin! you're videos are always a big help.
very informative in for beginners such as myself
Thanks mate.
You are welcome.. Thanks for watching...
Loved the video. So informative. Can you elaborate on 'harder to learn' when describing the TIG welder. Buying my first welder (inside garage use). Want longevity out of unit and not planning on upgrading in the future.
It's harder to learn because you have to use both hands and a foot if you are using the fool pedal. If you are using the trigger switch you still need both hands and they are doing something different from each other.. Just takes more practice to get comfortable with it.. If the budget is no issue go look at the Millers.. If you are like the rest of us I would point you towards the Everlast or AHP line..
I would second that. I am just starting with Tig. I went that route because of flexibility. Also cost since two things I want to be able to weld are stainless and aluminum and when I added up what it would take to do both Tig VS Mig, Tig won. Also I'm in a limited space and having lots of spatter and bouncing molten metal balls would be a safety issue.
Have not used one but should be an OK machine.
Very similar to the Longevity with the same specs,
great video. i'm starting a mobile small engine business doing mostly tractor work. i will be working out of my truck on a generator. i havent bought a generator yet and i dont know how much welding i would be doing, but in my past ive sent my parts maybe 10 to 15 times a year to our welder. i have only welded a couple of time in my past. what do u think i should use or buy for both a generator and a welder. i imagine most tractor work would be steel.
You need at least a 10K INVERTER based generator to run the newer welders. If it was me I would have an MTS machine. So you have mig, tig and stick all in one. That will get you started. Keep in mind that with a 3 in 1 machine if one part goes down you will most likely lose the whole machine. The other way to go is have 2 or 3 different machines. That keeps you working but costs more to acquire and takes up more room. I like the Everlast welder line. You can go with Miller if money is no object or Lincoln. You might find some food used machines to get started and upgrade has you go. Good luck and welcome to the club!
Thank you for your time in answering my question, I will search for the mig welder than, any other suggestions I will appreciate.thanks again!!!
hi, I ordered a goplus flux core mig welder, later learned they made 110v stick welders in the same price range. I welded in high school on arc welders, but no mig/ flux core experience. from the videos I've seen, it looks fairly easy. I'm mainly going to be welding on my truck, and doing some artwork. maybe building some welding tables.
Cool, welcome to the club!
hey kevin I have a lincon 225 ac stick welder and this is a good video thanks
This was a very helpful and concise video. Thanks a lot!
Thanks. Glad you liked my work.....
Thank you Kevin, excellent video
Glad you enjoyed it
You're a great instructor!
Almost every question I had answered, thank you.
On the smaller welder, the 110, is it truly a 110, does it need a separate breaker/circuit, can I move it around the garage or even take it to friends house?
Runs on a standard household circuit. Likes to have a 20amp, but runs fine on 15.
Thank you!
Thanks man. Good early beginners guide there.
Great video. Very helpful
That was fantastic Kevin! Thanks for pointing me in a good direction. Helped consolidate my thoughts on it. Subscribed.
Good video Mate... I think I will go with a MIG Welder, for smaller projects around the garage, one of them being my muffler which needs to be fixed ASAP.
*****
I removed the muffler from the vehicle already, it needed some straightening.
Well that's a loaded question!!
If you are going to be using this machine all day, money is no object and it is your only one, I would go with the Miller. If you are going to have several machines so you won't be out of work if one stops running I would look at the Longevity. But to give you a better answer I need more information like what are you doing, what are you welding, how many people will be using this machine, that sort of thing...
Very nice video with interesting advice. Many thanks.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hi! Kevin , I just scored a Ine Skyline 1500 Stick , Tig welder for a couple hundred bucks ! Only 8lbs comes with a case , welder , leads , hammer , brush and a hand held face shield . It works great ! I used 3/32 , 1/8 rods through it and the welds were as good as my Miller maxstar 150 s ! I just got it and used 7014 , 6011 ! Today I plan on using 6013, 7018 , 6010 , yes it has a setting for cellulose electrodes , aluminum , mma , tig ! It's a really cool little machine ! 5amps to 140 stick , 5amps to 150 tig ! I had to make an adapter from 20amp 230v t to a 50amp 250 welder plug and the thing works great ! Thank you for the help ! When will this all end , I have six different machines and two oxyacetylene setups ! Lol. Sure glad I'm single , I would never hear the end of this ! What another one ! Lol. I'm also going to try some 5/32 rods too , that should be maximum thickness for this little toaster ! Compared to the Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 arc welder this is way easier to lug around ! Have a great day buddy !
+Mr. Heiss Awesome!! I thought Skyline made chili in Cinni...??!!
Good Job; very helpful information.
Thanks for watching!
Hey Kevin just want you to know that i bought me a Northern Industrial Mig Welder 135 from Northern tools this little welder is AWESOME!!!!!!!
Thank you That was very helpful I wanted To ask you another question Some people tell me that tig welding can cause cancer Is that true???
Hi Kevin great channel I've just subscribed. Wanted to ask your professional opinion . I'm just started restoring fully my colchester master 6inch lathe built in 1939. And have some damage not by me but previous owner. Where the compound slide runs across the two grooves. The very corner has been broken off. And don't want to just leave it like that considering I'm fully restoring like it was, when it left the factory. Do you think I should consider purchasing a oxyacterline welder. To repair the slight damage to the corners. I'm prepared to learn before even attempting the project just want your input on what's the best way to go down. Also my workshop has not been built yet so be working outside in the garden. Also there's a few dents in the lathe tray that I need to remove. Be grateful for your advice Thanks in advance
Thanks for watching and putting me on the spot Mark!
I would stay away from the O/A rig for this repair.. If it was mine I would use a tig welder.. But without seeing the damage I am not going any farther than that.
Great Video! Like you say it depends on what you want to weld. I want to cut up some old bikes and make some sort of vehicle out of them. No motor and maybe not even keeping the chain or gears, like a push cart. probably would use bed frames too. So which type would you recommend? I was leaning toward the gas one 300$ to get the portable kind.
I would say a small mig.. something in the 200 amp range..
I got one of those everlast mig welders that can stick weld too. Great little welder.
Great video Kevin, speaking from my experience, I started with MIG and then moved to an inverter TIG that also does ARC. Boy do I miss the speed and easy of the MIG sometimes, I do mostly car work and mild steel fabrication. but being in the UK and welding outside in the rain the ARC cannot be beaten. My one bit of advice is buy the best machine you can afford and don't scrimp on a good helmet
Absolutely brilliant video! Thank you so much!!!
Used to weld steel gas tanks out of VWs with a o/a torch. Sometimes with no purge on the tank... Don't worry about the wood. Life will catch up with us all in the end....
When I watch those car rebuild shows and see them "tacking" a piece of metal into place with one of those pistol grip type welders, can you tell which kind of welder that is? Is that what you call a "flux core" welder? Thanks again for your time.
Thank you for the video. I learned to weld in Highschool and was pretty good at it. Now, 18 years later I want to weld again. I'll be welding pipe fence, as well as small auto/home projects. What you think about the ESAB EMP215IC 120/230-Volt Dual Voltage Professional Grade MIG/TIG/Stick Welder? Would the ESAB Fabricator 141i Multi Process Welding System be enough?
I think the Fabricator is a fine machine. All depends on your budget and what you want to do with it over the years. Personally I like the Everlast and AHP lines better. They both have Multi process machines.
Is that galvanized pipe? If so, be careful about the fumes.
Hello Kevin, i have just bought Kawasaki 215C 1GBT inverter i guest it was a ASIAN made i wonder if you could have the same unit for demo.. appreciated all of your videos and i've learned a lot from it.... regards
Love the steady production quality increase lately. Great work! =)
Far as I know the consumables for this machine with the supplied torch are only available from Longevity. But aftermarket torches are out there also...
Never heard of a "Cronatron 338" rod, sorry....
Kevin, Whaddya think of those multipurpose machines; TIG and Plasma cutters?...or just get dedicated machine?
Thanks
Dave
Hello, very informative video. I was interested in making wire frames for lamp shades. What do you recommend or could I get away with using a solding iron?
Kevin - helpful video as all of them are. Question. Want to get a TIG as I already have MIG, plasma cutter and Oxy set-up. Looking at Longevity welders. The 165 vs the 200 amp welde - both are AC/DC, both 110/220 and both do 1/4 inch, So, why would one choose the 200 over the 165? Thanks.
Would you personally recommend the longevity migweld 140 based on its quality and ability to weld up to maybe a max of 1/4" steel
New to welding need to weld 1/4 in steel tube on a couple gokart. Will be doing it outside in the back yard. Will be useing 120 as the power source. What are my options?
Make sure you have clean metal and if you are using solid core with gas make sure you block the wind. If you are using flux core just make sure you have a good fit. For stick I would recommend 7018.
Thank you sir for spending the time to make this video!
Welcome to the club!!
Now get out there and have fun!!
I noticed you have a few Longevity machines. How do the stack up to Miller, Lincoln, and Hobart machines? Would you recommend Longevity for use as a primary welder? Finally, how reliable are the multifunction machines? I love your channel.
Thank You very much for your reply. I have been looking for a small welder (tig/stick maybe plasma) for limited indoor space and small projects. It has been very difficult finding objective reviews/comments concerning the various brands, so your input is helpful.
What do you recommend for weilding rocker panels/body panels on a car, for the beginner, Only have 120vt. in garage. I have a small stick weider at this time.
Thanks for the video Kevin!
Thanks for watching Bill.
If you get the chance , stop by me website and see the rest of me work.
Kevin Caron, Artist will do, I'll take all the advice I can get with my welds.
hey kev just wanted to say hi. feel like i know u guys always a pleasure to c ur vids keep up the good work.
Hi Kevin! What would you suggest for a welder that would be used for something like Jeep projects (i.e., making my own bumper systems or tire mounts, etc.)? Thanks!
It is an excellent description of the equipment and processes available for amateur and light fabrication welding
It is judicious to omit processes like submerged arc as they are used exclusively in heavy fabrication
I insist that it is important to choose a machine that is not too small for your application
Usually, when you use your welding machine in the upper range of output, the arc is much less stable and you're likely to overheat your machine going for trouble very soon
this combination leads to a much more difficult learning for a beginner.
Choosing a more powerful and a more complete machine worth every penny on the long run as these machines are more enjoyable to use and you'll not be tempted to exchange it at the first occsion
Thanks Chief!
Hi ! Kevin , I sure wish I could get some vacation time and go to Arizona ! My little 8# INE Skyline 1500 welder burned everything I put in the electrode holder even 5/32 6010 ! This Spaghetti welder is really great ! comes in a kit with everything you need except Electrodes and TIG setup ! I don't know about the chili , how's about some Chinese tamales ! Hey I thought were all Italians ! Fugitaboutit !
Great video. I have always wanted to know how to weld but know nothing about it. I am a tinkerer and always messing around in my garage with a lot of times making something where i wish I had a welder and knew how to weld. That being said, harbor freight has a 90 amp flux welder on sale for $99.00 made by Chicago electric. Would a person like myself who is a beginner wanting to learn but also not wanting to invest a lot of $$ initially until I know more be wise in purchasing that welder? Is a "flux" welder a good beginner welder? Also, I do have 220 in my garage wich is really the only place I would ever be welding except maybe my driveway if a bigger project arose. Thanks for the video
Getting my first welder soon. The Harbor Freight flux-core is not a great one, is what I can afford. But if I make a few things with it and sell them, won't take long before I will get an Everlast!!!! Am excited, perhaps will get an oxy-acetylene welder to bend metal, and a plasma cutter to makr some artistic fence panels for decks. Thanks for the inspiration on getting into welding.
+Jeffrey Beyer Make some money and then upgrade to a real welder is an excellent plan. Everlast has a few good welders to choose from so the experience making things now will help you choose what kind of welder you want in the future.
+Brent Weiser Will have to start out small and slow, many projects to get done around the house. Have to go flux core or stick welding since have no shop building yet.
Got a HF flux really cheap and I saved the cost on a repair we needed to make so I don't feel bad, but... I would not make that choice again. You want a Mig that can go gas at a minimum because the flux only are really limited and the cheapie HF is AC so the splatter is really bad.