Welding Tips and Tricks

Alright, I am new to welding. I am thinking of taking a class on it, sometime this year. I have a cheap stick welder. I want a good one. I want a stick, mig and tig welder. My dad used to have a Miller. He died in 03 and I have no clue what happened to the thing. I saw these Bobcat 250 (Kohler), GFCI. This one seems as if it can do everything I would ever need. All but for aluminum welding. Then I saw Syncrowave 250 DX 200/230/460 V. This one would let me do aluminum, as well as some other stuff. BUT, they are expensive as hell. I thought, say I saved for the Bobcat, then got a cheaper one for aluminum stuff. So, I just joined this site and thought I would ask actual welders what they thought. Is the Bobcat 250 any good? How about the other one? What are some others that compare to these two?

Do you have access to 3 phase power?

For what you describe, I would not buy an engine drive yet.

The syncrowave is an excellent stick and tig welder.
Used prices range from $900-$2000

Then buy a good mig and you'll be all set.

3 phase power huh. Well, if I knew what that was, I would be happy to let you know. haha The only way I will be able to use a welder here, is with a generator. Some told me not to use one. But, I have no other choice. So, if there is one that would allow me to do what you are asking, I would be happy to save some money for it.

Also, I see the Syncrowave. Price is almost $3000. Same as the Everlast.

Glowzinski wrote:3 phase power huh. Well, if I knew what that was, I would be happy to let you know. haha The only way I will be able to use a welder here, is with a generator. Some told me not to use one. But, I have no other choice. So, if there is one that would allow me to do what you are asking, I would be happy to save some money for it.

Also, I see the Syncrowave. Price is almost $3000. Same as the Everlast.

Where are you that there is no electricity?

Make no mistake, the everlast is NOT in the same league as the Miller Syncrowave.
I won't get into bashing mode - just note that Miller is a long time player in this game.

Used machines will save you money.

Many will run on a generator, the syncrowave needs more power than an engine drive will deliver however.
You will need an inverter based welder.

What are you specific needs?

Transformers need a lot of power, so it's hard to get a generator to run them. New inverters use much less power so they will run better on a generator, but it needs to be a good quality one that puts out clean sine wave power. Many inverters will run fine on a generator that puts out 30 amps of 220vac current.

Sent from mobile. Not responsible for Typos

Well, my mom and step dad really don't want me to run the thing using our power. Maybe I should just see how it would work. Ask someone who knows about that kind of thing. I bet our neighbor would know.

Alright, you guys are super helpful. I am going to take the ones guys advice and not get the engine drive thing yet. He said the syncrowave is good. Ok, so, I see I can get a Tig one for $2,759. He said then get a Mig machine. Now, I see that I can add Mig to this machine. For like $406 more, I can get the version that comes with Mig. Is the added price worth it? Again, I want to thank everyone for the help. I know not a person who knows anything about welding.