I'm looking to get a welder just to learn how to weld, and do a couple small things, the thickest things i have planned are 1/4" but this welder is a recommended max thickness of 3/16", people say they slow down and can weld up to 1/2" with it, but i don't know how reliable that would be. basically what im asking, is this welder any good just for learning? (i can get it off kijiji for $100) and would it be able to do 1/4"?

heres a link with the specs
http://www.csnwelders.com/Campbell-H...V-CHP1799.html

 

I understand you say it's for learnin purposes, but I would think you would expect to only buy once for this tool.

I personally wouldn't spend that kinda $ for a C&H, if your lookin to purchase a welder, I'd recommend purchasin a Lincoln from Home Depot or Lowes. Same retail price range. Just my O2!

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

well that being a mig welder, and that C&H in stores is 449.99, the lincoln mig is around 549.99

 

I would learn to weld first, then purchase the welder after.

 

well i need the welder to learn. i don't know anyone that owns a welder, there was a guy that works at a shop next to me that was going to teach me to weld, but he is no longer there, and classes are too much

 

I looked into classes at my local community college and it wasn't bad at all price wise. But thats just what I would, do whatever you want to.

 

night school is around $300, for one night 2.5 hours a week, 8 weeks, i can do a 2 weekend 9-5 course for $450. and they are basically just going to teach me a couple safety things, and then give me some scrap metal and tell me to practice right? at least thats what i assume, there actually isn't any description of the course or anything, it pretty much just says 'learn to be a professional welder in your spare time'

 

I don't know you'd have to talk to someone there about it. The one down the road from me is just awesome, the instructor has been doing it for like 40 years, he's retired now and does this on the side. Super nice guy, he'll help you out even if it requires him staying after to show you something. I have a couple of friends that have taken the class and loved it.

 

So far I agree, with all so far my thing is I would get a welder 230 volt not a 120 volt
also when get your money together don't forget your gas bottle CO2 /Argon or just CO2.
I use Gaspony (gaspony.com) to lease a tank could cost from $300 to $400 or if you own your own tanks that you haven't filled in a while it could be a little less