Good quality affordable Welding machine for a beginner

chungus

chungus

Contributor
I want to make a frame for my 3d printer, so instead of going with aluminium extrusions I'm thinking of making it out of iron or stainless steel sheets because it will be cheaper and more sturdy. I researched a little bit and found that most branded ones from ESAB, miller, lincoln, panasonic are expensive so suggest me some good ones that will last and will good enough for hobby projects.
 
I recommend you design your frame in some 3D software, note down all your dimensions and give it to your local welder. This will work out much better. You are looking for a cheap welding machine that will last, going with anything other than the standard brands will be a hit or miss.

Also you must understand, you have to buy proper glasses that are made for this thing. Any normal stuff won't work and you have to have the proper suit for shielding to protect your body from the arc radiation. Yes it's bad, if nobody cares about this in India doesn't mean you shouldn't.

So because of all this, just go to welder. Later when you have enough money then buy the right welding machine with all the protections.
 
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Heisen said:
I recommend you design your frame in some 3D software, note down all your dimensions and give it to your local welder. This will work out much better. You are looking for a cheap welding machine that will last, going with anything other than the standard brands will be a hit or miss.

Also you must understand, you have to buy proper glasses that are made for this thing. Any normal stuff won't work and you have to have the proper suit for shielding to protect your body from the arc radiation. Yes it's bad, if nobody cares about this in India doesn't mean you shouldn't.

So because of all this, just go to welder. Later when you have enough money then buy the right welding machine with all the protections.
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I made up my mind to buy it though, also I think local welders would try their best to dupe me off my money or make shitty weld. I'm not going to use it very often although I'll buy safety gear needed
 
Do you have experience in welding ? Cause its a skill which needs a lot of learning and practice. Just to get the basics right will be a course of around 6 months. Then to become good at it would take couple of years. Local welders in India are so cheap thats its a super low paying job. Compared to what a welder in a developed country would charge they are a super bargain.

I have worked in shipyards of multiple countries including Korea, Singapore, US, Nigeria and Scotland including welding in offshore installations where getting a work permit and preparation takes days or weeks of planning. Also as @Heisen mentioned you need a lot of PPE (personal protection equipment). What about the finishing equipment like a good angle grinder, welding gloves, welding pliers, maybe welding magets, a welding gig, chipping hammer, files etc. List goes on depending on the job. Its easier for a workshop as all tools are at hand. If you are making your own workshop then getting a welding machine makes sense. I would love to have a CNC and lathe workshop but I dont have the space for making a workshop like that.

Unless you are already good in welding the left weld is what is to be expected.

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ronnie_gogs said:
Do you have experience in welding ? Cause its a skill which needs a lot of learning and practice. Just to get the basics right will be a course of around 6 months. Then to become good at it would take couple of years. Local welders in India are so cheap thats its a super low paying job. Compared to what a welder in a developed country would charge they are a super bargain.

I have worked in shipyards of multiple countries including Korea, Singapore, US, Nigeria and Scotland including welding in offshore installations where getting a work permit and preparation takes days or weeks of planning. Also as @Heisen mentioned you need a lot of PPE (personal protection equipment). What about the finishing equipment like a good angle grinder, welding gloves, welding pliers, maybe welding magets, a welding gig, chipping hammer, files etc. List goes on depending on the job. Its easier for a workshop as all tools are at hand. If you are making your own workshop then getting a welding machine makes sense. I would love to have a CNC and lathe workshop but I dont have the space for making a workshop like that.

Unless you are already good in welding the left weld is what is to be expected.

View attachment 218897
Click to expand...
Im not trying to match professionals though. Things should just join and that's more than enough for me. Actually I have all the tools required but not skill.
 
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