Welding Tips and Tricks

I have some questions about engine drive welders.
I am looking into buying used but just don't know which way to go ill be doing mostly farm work fence repair or fabrication and maybe some repairs , but nothing heavy duty just yet I've used a lincoln ranger 250gxt and I liked that alot just the way it welds but am not sure about miller or if I should consider an old SA200 anybody have any insights or personal expierences or preferences and why you prefer them??
Thanks
Zach

I am also 17 and still in high school if that makes any difference

The only difference is mostly at that age your budget is somewhat limited ! I think it makes a difference how many hours say a week you plan on welding & what sort of thickness material you will encounter - if welding is only part of your planned work & not too thick then nearly any gas powered unit will suffice as your first machine - you may even want to look at that combined air compressor / welder that guys on here found to funny - it is well suited to occasional farm repair work giving you welding / mains power & air - or retro-fit a welding alternator on your truck is an option - but if you expect to put many hours in then maybe try & find a deal on a diesel Ranger or trailblazer - some would say start with what you can afford & if the jobs come in buy better - others will say buy the best at the start & don't have to keep upgrading - I'm sure you'll get plenty of opinion - but a little more detail on your budget & expected use will help others give good advice.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Portable-Engine ... 4d1adf5627
I found this thing on ebay a couple weeks ago. I actually thought about getting one to mount on the tractor for situations like what you described. I do not know anything about this device. I cannot speak for how good it is, but if it works good I say it would be a good option for farm work. Go to "general shop talk" thread and look at the post titled "Gem I found today" that I posted a while back. You will find the air compressor welder thing that was mentioned above and links for it.

Doesn't "factory direct" usually mean "not good enough to sell in stores"... ?

Buy in on a running SA200 is steep, even for older welders.
-Jonathan

I'll sell you my SA300.
Been sitting for 30years.
Just kidding, just had to show you.
I think the engine is seized...

But,
That was no help,
I would look for a Bobcat or Ranger.
Used them both, best middle range machines.

Craigslist.

Everyday.

~John

AKweldshop wrote:I'll sell you my SA300.
Been sitting for 30years.

IMG_1341.JPG

IMG_1342.JPG

Just kidding, just had to show you.
I think the engine is seized...

But,
That was no help,
I would look for a Bobcat or Ranger.
Used them both, best middle range machines.

Craigslist.

Everyday.

~John

Haha thanks John

I see them all the time for $1500, you cant beat that...

Just saying,

~John

I got a Ranger 250G as my first machine and it worked great for the stuff i used it for at the time. I have a 305G now and looking to sell it. It is a good machine just not the right machine for the work I am getting in to. I have the sa200 for that. The benefits to the Rangers and TrailBlazers is the AC power output. You can run a lot off of them.