welder suggestion

[wyzat520]

Im looking for a welder preferably 220v so i can weld anything I want as i can see myself doing all sorts of things. I was looking at the clarke welders here at the store how good are those? Im not sure if I like the idea of only 6 settings it seems like something with a dial would be much more accurate to adjust. Whats up with a 3 phase welder? I know they are supposed to be better and why. are those clarks 3 phase? can anyone recommend anything else around the same price range or should I scavenge craigslist?

[Len]

After reading your question I did a little research and found that Clarke welders are no longer being offered by the warehouses that I deal with. I'll be putting some other welders in the store soon.

[wyzat520]

cool Im in no rush just yet working on some sort of spray booth to get myself out of my dirty dusty garage.

Any idea where I can find some filters? Im basically converting a green house into a cross draft booth. I want to make it positive pressure by blowing air in through filters and out on the sides through another set of filters I figure that would be easier and cheaper than having to worry about drawing clean air and and exiting through a set of fans... explosion proof fans are expensive haha.

[easymoney]

you asked about three phase. most homes and a lot of small businesses do not have three phase current avaliable so you probably would not be able to use a three phase welder. they can usually be bought cheaper than single phase especially on the second hand market but not all people can use them.

[wyzat520]

ah good to know. I wouldnt have thought about that. Im assuming I do not have the ability to use a 3phase welder... which is fine really Im sure Ill have more than enough success with a regular single phase in my garage. Im just getting tired of having to borrow someone elses mig to do some sheetmetal work and such.

[Phil V]

The best mig welder I have ever used is the one I bought at a Sams club on sale for $550.
Its a 180 amp Century (American made, at least when I bought mine) with the cart 220v single phase, infinite heat and wire feed settings. Tweeco handpiece and line. Came with the gas setup, obviously. I've used several Millers and several Lincolns and I prefer my Century mig welder. Its the only welder I've used that I can dial it down to where I can weld most sheet metal without stopping and not blow any holes. Maybe my welder is out of the ordinary but I've sure been happy with it. A couple friends of mine have borrowed it who are experienced welders and they both wanted to buy it after using it. I just told them its not for sale.