Construction Equipment and Tools- Recommendations

[BoilermakerFan]

I guess this is the best forum to start this thread.

Ok guys and gals, post your recommended construction equipment, tools, jigs, etc.

My first request is for a good value MIG welder in the $500 range. Eastwood has a 180A Clarke with cart, regulator, helmet, and accessories for $540. A 130A unit is $380 with the same accessories. Any other recommended units beside Lincoln Electric? How large does a welder really need to be? The 130A model is rated up to 3/16" thick steel. Seems like it would be better to have some headroom in that area.

Also, I know one of the guys had pics of his scarf adapter for his circular saw on his build site. Can you give us more details of the jig?

[muir]

I have no experience with it, but I did see this tool on the web:

http://www.westsystem.com/webpages/prod ... m#cleaners

The West System "875 Scarffer". Hope this helps.

-Scott

[AmyH]

I just bought a Millermatic 175, which granted is a bit pricier than $500, but I love the unit! It is a 230V unit, so it can do thicker material more easily, which was something I definitely wanted. I have also been steadily collecting woodworking equipment over the past 10 years, and now my little shop (only 12' X 26') is crammed full! I have been working on creative ways to make everything fit, mostly by putting just about everything on wheels!

The scarf jig that was posted early reminded me of the Gougeon Brothers scarfing jig for scarfing plywood when boatbuilding. You can take a look at it by going to http://www.westsystem.com/ , click on "special tools" under product information. There also are a number of home built versions based on their design. I have also seen some that use a ramp and a router mounted on a board that slides down the "ramp", but this jig would really only be good for narrower board.

Amy

[Ron Dickey]

Good title but you have just talked about the trailer maken part.

here are some sites that talk of tools

the blow lists some.

http://www.kuffelcreek.com/teardrop_trailer.htm

somewhere in gages site is a list

http://www.gages-56.com/tear.html

I have been told simple tools like hand held gigsaw, hand snips (they make ones for curves), drill, power saw, I will be using a power mitersaw, sander, Air tools are always helpful but it costs a bit to get into that buy you might be able to rent or barrow, Shop Vac, clamps (many many).

I am sure those who have made them can list more.

then there are glues, etc.

[D. Tillery]

Hey Boilermakerfan, y'all did pretty good yesterday!

I weld for a living but I have no hands-on experience with Clarke Brand Welders. I have seen some of their older 3-phase machines at auctions that appear to still be going strong but none of their smaller machines. They appear to be very closely priced to Miller and Lincoln. What led you to Clarke?

Amy's MM175 is a great machine. I would definitely go with 230V input. You get a better duty cycle curve. With most .023-.030 wire applications you should be able to stay close to the 100% range. Not so with the 115V macines.

A quality welder should last you 30+ years, at least I have some that old that I still use. Don't skimp going in as they are a solid investment. If you stick with the major brands you can always find parts and consumables. I would suggest doing some on line pricing research then go to your local welder dealers and see if they will match. Buying welders and welding supplies is like buying cars. The shelf price (if one is even marked) is the list price and the sales reps have flexibility to reduce that price. Go into each shop several times and get to know the reps to find one that will work with you. Open an account. It could save you many dollars in the long run on gases, tips, wire, rods, gloves, helmets, lenses, grinding disks, wire wheels etc. All those prices are flexible.

Anyway, that's just my opinion as I ramble on. I hope that helps.
D. Tillery

[BoilermakerFan]

We squeaked out a win. That game was a lot closer than it should have been, but Penn State is always tough at home.

I found several reviews of the Clarke welders. The new one are not the same quality as the old units. They are now made in China and have poor feed mechanisms. I was looking at a Hobart Handler 180 MIG since it is made by Miller.

I have done more research and have decided to pass on a MIG. I can't afford a TIG, so I am going to go with a Henrob 2000 torch. I'm going to take a Continuing Ed. welding class this Spring. I will still have my frame professionally welded, but I want to learn to weld and like the idea of having a true multi-purpose tool, even if it takes a little longer to master.

[mexican tear]

BoilermakerFan

I do not recomend a 120 V unit. I have one and do not like it. Mine is a lincoln. I all the time blows the breaker and does not weld very well. I do not have the gas hooked up yet and am using flux wire. I would not try to weld anything bigger than sheet metal with it.

Get the 240 volt unit and love it. It is kind of like motercycles. If you start with a little bitty one, you are never happy until you get the big one.

My 2 cents worth

kai

[WarPony]

I used a Miller 120V wirefeed welder with great sucess. I think Mexican Tear doesn't have a big enough breaker in the fuse box to handle the load of a welder. I've never used a Linclon wire feed welder either so it might be the model but Lincoln has a great name in welders. If you are going to use it just once in awhile, go with a 120V machine, it will do a great job for home projects. I have used a Century welder before........JUUUUUUUUUUUUNK! I think they make Snap-on's welders. Way overpriced junk!

[BoilermakerFan]

Century is actually owned by Lincoln. It's their lower end brand to compete against the imported competition. Lincoln was a customer of mine when I lived in the Twin Cities.

The Hobart Handler 180 is a 230V welder. I would get a 230V if I was going to go that route. I have a subpanel in the unfished garage, so it's not a big deal to wire it in.

[angib]

Of course, we Yurpeens have 240v coming out of every socket in the house. Hee, hee, hee....... :laughing3:

Andrew

[Shrug53]

I think the problem is that a lot of home shops do not have 220 readily available. Not without calling in an electrician. What I did in the garage in my new house is have a 30 amp 120v outlet wired in. That way things like welders and my bir air compressor will not be popping the circuit all the time.
I am looking at a fairly small welder myself. I will be using it mostly for auto body work so it only needs to do sheet metal. I am going to have one additional crossmember welded on to the frame I am using so I will heave an easier time with my overhang, but I am just going to tow it to a local welder who is going to do the job for 30 bucks.