Several years ago I decided to equip my shop with a good welder (I had no experience, & still have little) before I retired & couldn't afford to buy one. I thought about one of the cheap Chinese models, but decided to spend the money on a used Miller Dynasty that does DC & AC stick, DC/AC TIG, and everything except 'pulse' built in. Nice welder, but guess what; they're all made in China now. 

A friend bought a Chinese model (I think it was 

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/product/multi-process-tig-stick-plasma/powerpro-205s 

Note that it does *everything*, including pulse, and it does plasma cutting to boot. The learning curve for him was a lot shorter than for me. He got a few pointers from my neighbor (who welded my motor mount for me), and watched a lot of youtube videos. 

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/

He's now almost finished with a scratchbuilt Cub fuselage & tailfeathers. I'd love to sell my Miller & buy what he's got. If you really want less capability, there are lots of DC only TIG models that are really inexpensive. I wouldn't limit my search to Everlast, but as an example, here's what's available:

http://www.everlastgenerators.com/catalog-tig?field_voltage_phase_value=All&field_tig_inverter_type_value=All&field_memory_value=All&field_output_type_value=All&field_foot_pedal_value=All&field_stick_function_value=All&field_6010_cellulose_capable_value=All&field_stick_hot_start_type_value=All&field_tig_start_type_list_value=All&field_tig_pulse_value=All&field_remote_control_value=All&field_igbt_type_value=All&field_max_amps_for_filters__value=All

You can probably beat the prices shown by checking Amazon & ebay. My buddy bought his through Amazon Prime and shipping was free, just like everything else.

When I was doing my research, some of the 'old hands' on welding forums warned about service on the Chinese stuff, but now it's looking like the 'big 3' American brands are having the same issues; no parts/slow service.

Most of the inverter style welders will run on 120 or 240, with somewhat reduced capacity on 120V. And you can carry them like a briefcase, instead of with a hand truck or furniture dolly. :-)

Charlie

On Tue, Feb 2, 2016 at 1:06 PM, David Leonard <flyrotary@lancaironline.net> wrote:

I have a number of small welding projects around the home and hangar
that are starting to accumulate.  I am thinking about getting one of
those $100 welders from Harbor Freight but I have almost no welding
experience.  There is plenty of info on the web but I thought I would
put the question to my rotary friends.

Given that I just want to be able to do occasional projects around the
home and airplane, what type of welding equipment would be best for me
and what do you consider the minimum power level that is acceptable?
I will skip the desire to do anythng with aluminum.  I am thinking
that Arc or Flux Core would be easiest.  I tried to weld with
auto-feed MIG and I just couldnt keep up with the wire.  Also, most of
the airplane projects are too difficult to keep any gas bubble in
place.

Thoughts?

David Leonard

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