Thinking about getting a welder OR compressor??

[lak2004]

I am thinking about purchasing a welder or compressor. I dont have either and I dont know how to weld, but I want to buy a cheap decent MIG welder to start learning. If I were to get a compressor I could only get a 110volt one and I was looking at the oiled 25 gallon craftsman for $400. Sears item #00919541000 Mfr. model #19541


As far as welders go I was looking for some input on what to get, something I can order from Sears preferably (use my Sears Card ).

Only thing I am thinking about is the compressor is kind of weak and I would like one that is 220 but I cant afford it yet. SO what do you guys think?

 

[Jason4x4]

If you had the air tools to go with it, you would definatly use the compressor more than the welder. But the tools can get pricey very quick.

 

[lak2004]

Only air tools I have are an impact, air saw and die grinder. I would definately buy an air hammer, air ratchet and some other misc stuff. Right now I am leaning towards the welder and just adding OBA with a york and running my tools with that.

 

[Jason4x4]

well whatever you do, do not buy the cheap air tools from harbor freight, or any where else for that matter, they are garbage. I have a HF air hammer at home, and it is absolutly worthless, I have a matco one at work and it is amazing the difference between the two. same goes for impacts, my dad has some cheapies that can barely take off a lug nut, and I have the IR TNT, and it can take off just about anything.

 

[lak2004]

I have all Blue-Point stuff now, definately dont buy too many cheap tools, just depends on what it is I guess. I dont like HF anyways.

 

[lak2004]

Well I ended up buying the Lincoln 125 MIG welder today, decided I wanted to spend more on a compressor eventually and just get the 220 instead of the weaker 110. Thanks for the input!

 

[gibby2268]

Watch craigslist and ebay for compressors. I got lucky and found a biga$$ Industrial Saylor Beall,220v 5hp 80 gallon for $250 on ebay from a guy who was retiring and closing his service station. Had to drive a couple hours to get it, but I think it mighta been worth it.

 

[Dweller99]

Watch craigslist and ebay for compressors. I got lucky and found a biga$$ Industrial Saylor Beall,220v 5hp 80 gallon for $250 on ebay from a guy who was retiring and closing his service station. Had to drive a couple hours to get it, but I think it mighta been worth it.

I second the craigslist reccomendation, but in my case it was a guy getting divorced and selling his house and beautiful shop.

$250 for a huge 5HP compressor and a stack of air tools... it was a hell of a score.

 

[mxfireman]

I use my air compressor way more than my welder. So I vote air compressor and a bag of cheetos.

 

[rjfguitar]

Air compressor, you'll use it a ton more than a welder.

 

[lak2004]

I will be on the lookout on craigslist for an air compressor for sure.

 

[fryed_1]

check pawn shops too.

I got a chicago electric (junk, but works good enough) powerarc 150 there brand new for $65 including gloves, sticks and auto-dark helmet.

I also got an oxy-acetylene setup there with 3gal tanks for $35 with cutting and welding attachments. Not big or anything, but definitely worth it in a pinch if you need it quickly.