Looking for advice on a cheap 115v Buzz Box

[KevinD]

I'm bumping this back to the top because I have the same question as the OP. (original poster)

Pardon my ignorance but when somebody refers to a "buzz box..." Is that a stick welder?

I'm thinking about buying the Clarke that Jose recommends below. Is the welder below a stick welder?

I've never done any arc welding. Should I consider something else? Keep in mind that it needs to be cheap... The consumables need to be cheap too because I'm going to be going through them practicing.

Originally Posted by Jose Gomez

If this will do what you need then go for it. If not then you might look into this Clarke 131E Arc Welder - 120V, 130 Amp, Model# WE6519 it's a lot more machine for a little more money.

[Jose Gomez]

Buzz-box is a nick name for an alternating current stick welder (you will know why the first time you use one). These small units are not extremely powerfull machines, but they work fine for small projects. As far as consumables go, the only thing that you have to replace while you are using a stick welder is the welding rod itself. Stick welders are also typically the least expensive machines to buy, maintain, and operate. Just make sure that you have enough electrical power available (near enough to the welding area) to operate whichever machine you chose to buy, or you will have to budget in some cash for a propper extension cord to match your new machine.

[maddog]

I suggest one of those little wire feeds that lincoln & hobart/miller make. They run off 110v and they are very easy to use. They can do up to 1/4" Even larger if you preheat though the welds are not the best. I think they run about $150. Even if you do later upgrade to a bigger rig, its always nice to have something light that runs on a regular wall outlet. If you have $550 you can get a mig version which is very nice. Definitely go for a quality name brand. Avoid all the cheap stuff.

I would stay away from stick until you can get 220v. Stick is much tougher to learn and very tricky with low currents. The fatter the rod the higher the current which means a more stable arc. AC is trickier too. If you do get a stick box, get DC if you can. Theres also a wider range of rods for DC and smiths often weld funny metals together.

Any kind of welding takes practice. Its not a glue gun. The wire feeds are easiest but you still need to spend some time running beads and evaluating. I used to run beads for 20 mins every evening.

[Mike BR]

If you can afford it -- a big if -- look at a Lincoln Invertec V-155 or a Miller Maxstar 150. Either of those will plug into a 120V outlet and give you enough amps and duty cycle for light to medium work. If and when you get access to 240, the same welder will plug into that and give you enough power for about anything you're likely to do. Unless you decide to build a battleship. Both machines are also DC TIG capable.

[Quenchcrack]

I agree with Mad Dog. I have an AC 225 and a Lincoln Pro Cor 100 flux core wire rig. I use the wire rig almost exclusively because I am not welding heavy sections. It is a messy process, however so buy some of those spatter cloths at Harbor Freight to keep your work cleaner.

[KevinD]

I just wanted to come back to this thread to say "Thanks" for the replies.