Welder question

[rob989_69]

I'm looking to build some grill grates for a backyard grill. Basically just 1" square tube with 3/4" expanded steel.

My question is, I don't have a welder. I will obviously need one to put the grates together. So, what should I get?

That's kind of an open question. I've got about $200 to spend, no readily accessible 220 outlet. I'd "prefer" not to use gas but I'm not completely set against it.

And, most importantly, I don't know diddly about welding. Never done it. This'll be my first go round. I could take the parts to a local welder and pay next to nothing to get it done there but I'd rather have the welder for other projects.

Thanks for the help.

 

[silverwolf636]

A couple of years ago I bought a Lincoln 140 Mig, gas/gasless 120v but it was bout $600. If you have access to Harbor Freight, you can buy a 90 amp for about $150 gasless and up.

--ray__
(0||||0)

 

[hamrhdz]

Can you find a welding course , in your area?
I took a night course at a local tech school.

You can get into a 110 wire feed for near your budget.

 

[rob989_69]

I do have access to them. That's one that I considered actually. Main question is would that be powerfull enough to handle those types of welds. And would i handle heavier gauge steel like a propane tank??

 

[rob989_69]

Yes, I checked the local Community College and they do offer welding courses. That's something I'd consider.

 

[meat hunter]

Those small welders sold at HF or Northern tool really are not designed for heavy style welding, more or less for light guage and auto body work.

Here is something for you to consider. Years ago, my dad would go to our community college when he had major car repairs. He would give them the car to work on, he buying the parts of course. The students got some good hands on work and he got his car repaired LOL.

Same thing can be done with welding. But you might want to check out the high schools welding dept if they have one. Most of those kids dad's have a welder at home and by paying them a few bucks, you get your project done. Just an idea for ya

 

[desertlites]

Rob I used a wire feed to do my grates,was a little thicker than expanded and used 1/4" round stock-worked well turned way down-also there is a trick to it to keep from warping thin metals,I made a template to bend my stock and clamped all parts down to first tack every few inches than between those,till done.theres a pic of them in the beef section bout brisket.good luck

 

[yount]

i have a harbor freight gasless mig welder and if it died tommorow id go back and buy another i have had it for years it has saved my ass more then once and a few other of my friends for that matter.anything under 220 volt will be lacking power for thicker metal but for expanded steel and some work on the smoker schould be fine i work in a fab shop and weld every day and can bring my projects to work anyday but i still love that little mig so take it for what its worth is it a top of the line welder no will it work for household tasks yes

 

[yount]

yes with any thin or light guage lots of tacks then run the bead i do alot of aluminum and thats what we have to do

 

[rob989_69]

That's pretty much exactly what I was looking for. Thanks guys. Off to buy a welder tomorrow!!

 

[dirt guy]

If this is redundant, please forgive me--I didn't read the entire thread. I would strongly suggest you take the course--especially if you've never welded. There is a definite skill/art to it. I in a class at vo-tech about 15 years ago. A gun safe was the ultimate goal. I knew how to weld and had adequate equipment, but the vo-tech had lots of equipment I didn't have such as a big metal brake, shear, and mig welders. There was also an experienced instructor there with a wealth of knowledge.

To acclimate myself to the equipment, I built a charcoal grill that is still in use today. Then, I built the gun safe. It turned out great for a fraction of the cost of a retail model. Cost of the course back then was $135, IIRC.

That experience helped me to know what equipment I eventually wanted to own and how to use it. I ended up buying a mig and a plasma cutter to finish equipping my shop.

Hope it turns out well for you.