|
Ok, all the following is opinion ! Well, I figure that you'll want to practice at home while you're taking that class... (I did) Realistically speaking, the most bang for the buck is a simple AC buzzbox.. I'd get a Miller as my first choice... 50 to 220 amps or thereabouts will cover most anything you'd want to do. If you want to spend the bucks $$ you can get an AC/DC welder... but with the modern electrodes that are available, having DC isn't quite the issue it used to be. But do look for "infinite" amperage adjustment as a very desirable feature. I.M.H.O. Wire welders are absolutely great for production work, but the stick machine gives you more flexibiity.. as you'll find out, there are about a million different types/mfg's of rod out there...you can spend a lifetime trying them all, but will probably settle on a few as your bread and butter. Also, If you go stick, you can buy a 'little bit' of any given type to try out. It's also a lot quicker to to stick a different rod in as opposed to changing wire.... At any rate...more free advice Watch your ventilation.. welding fumes are not that good for your lungs... Watch for fire. If given the opportunity, a welder will set everything burnable on fire for about a 1 mile radius ! Protect your eyes at ALL times. Don't get UV burns.. get a chin
flap for your helmet, gauntlet gloves. Watch that hot metal. It's easy to get burned handling it AFTER you've
welded. Keep the kids away if they aren't old
enough to be aware and wearing protection.
(I struck my first arc at age 5) Have fun. Best of luck. Oh, by the way.. That 200 amps at 220V converted
to welding voltage equals about 1800 amps.
(i.e. you've got plenty of power at the shop)
bbott
bbott
| 
