yoderjac
5 year old buck +
I ended up buggering up the center boom on my 55 gal Fimco sprayer. I tried to order another, but the one they sent was the wrong size. I pulled off the old boom to see if I could somehow make the one they sent work. Not so much. While I had it apart, I decided to try to bend it back so it was straight again. I was able to get it pretty straight, but of course, the metal is badly cracked and it certainly won't hold. I'm sure I could have some angle iron welded on to repair the two spots where it was bent back into position.
I could just take it to someone but I don't need it repaired until spring so there is no hurry. I've always wanted to have a welder for the farm and learn to weld. There are always things that need fixed. I have very little experience with welding. I spent the holidays a year or so ago at my brother-in-law's place. He has a Miller 211 or 215 (can't recall). My nephew gave me a crash course in mig-welding but he is not highly experienced. I was able to mig-weld well enough to get by. I've never tried any other welding process but I would not mind learning.
I understand stick welding is the tried and true for farming because it is mobile, can handle thick metal, and can handle less than pristine metal conditions. I understand flux-core wire handles dirty metal as well. I can't think of anything I'd need to weld in the field that I could not bring back to the barn. This opens me up to 120v and/or 240v options. I'm sure there are a lot of equivalent brands, but I'm familiar with Miller, know it is good quality, and I was happy with the limited amount of time I used it. I don't currently see a "need" to tig weld, and I certainly don't have any skills in that area, but as I retire and have more time, you never know. I've been looking at the Miller 215, 235, and 220. They are running about $1,600, $2,400, and $3,100 respectively. The first two are tig capable but don't come with the tig kit at those prices. The 220 includes the tig accessories. The 235 is 240v only with a significantly higher duty cycle and they others are dual voltage. The selling point of the 220 is that it can do AC Tig (aluminum). All of these machines have some kind of pro-set feature that would help a beginner like me.
I did some poking around and found that Miller regularly has early calendar year rebates. They have none going on now but I'm in no rush. The 235 is new so I think the current price is still carrying a premium. I'm guessing it will drop to about $2,100 in time.
So my feeling right now is that Mig, Flux-core, and Stick capability are a must and tig is a nice to have. I'm leaning toward the 215 right now. For occasional farm use and hobby project here and there, I don't think I really need the higher duty cycle of the 235. I like the fact that it is physically smaller and can use 120v if I do need to go mobile. I also like the lower cost. I don't think I'm willing to pay the high premium for AC tig without knowing if I'll rally use it and I certainly don't think I need it.
I'm looking for input:
- Does my general reasoning hold for my intended use?
- I'm not interested in Harbor Freight quality but I'm open to other high quality brands like Miller.
- Any suggestions for other welders to compare to these?
- Any tips on learning?
Thanks,
Jack
I could just take it to someone but I don't need it repaired until spring so there is no hurry. I've always wanted to have a welder for the farm and learn to weld. There are always things that need fixed. I have very little experience with welding. I spent the holidays a year or so ago at my brother-in-law's place. He has a Miller 211 or 215 (can't recall). My nephew gave me a crash course in mig-welding but he is not highly experienced. I was able to mig-weld well enough to get by. I've never tried any other welding process but I would not mind learning.
I understand stick welding is the tried and true for farming because it is mobile, can handle thick metal, and can handle less than pristine metal conditions. I understand flux-core wire handles dirty metal as well. I can't think of anything I'd need to weld in the field that I could not bring back to the barn. This opens me up to 120v and/or 240v options. I'm sure there are a lot of equivalent brands, but I'm familiar with Miller, know it is good quality, and I was happy with the limited amount of time I used it. I don't currently see a "need" to tig weld, and I certainly don't have any skills in that area, but as I retire and have more time, you never know. I've been looking at the Miller 215, 235, and 220. They are running about $1,600, $2,400, and $3,100 respectively. The first two are tig capable but don't come with the tig kit at those prices. The 220 includes the tig accessories. The 235 is 240v only with a significantly higher duty cycle and they others are dual voltage. The selling point of the 220 is that it can do AC Tig (aluminum). All of these machines have some kind of pro-set feature that would help a beginner like me.
I did some poking around and found that Miller regularly has early calendar year rebates. They have none going on now but I'm in no rush. The 235 is new so I think the current price is still carrying a premium. I'm guessing it will drop to about $2,100 in time.
So my feeling right now is that Mig, Flux-core, and Stick capability are a must and tig is a nice to have. I'm leaning toward the 215 right now. For occasional farm use and hobby project here and there, I don't think I really need the higher duty cycle of the 235. I like the fact that it is physically smaller and can use 120v if I do need to go mobile. I also like the lower cost. I don't think I'm willing to pay the high premium for AC tig without knowing if I'll rally use it and I certainly don't think I need it.
I'm looking for input:
- Does my general reasoning hold for my intended use?
- I'm not interested in Harbor Freight quality but I'm open to other high quality brands like Miller.
- Any suggestions for other welders to compare to these?
- Any tips on learning?
Thanks,
Jack