New need a welder

[RGM]

Just got a qoute on some steel post I want for a barn. Steel would be around 2000 and the labor 10,000. Good excuse to finally buy a welder. So this would probably by the biggest job I would ever need a welder for. It would consist of 8 post of 5X5 3/8 HSS tubing with a 3/4" base plate. I would also like the ability to weld alumium and stainless steel. What would your recomendation be.

[kvwall]

Just don't buy a 110v machine.

[Matrix]

I think the machine I have is perfect for that job. It's the 211 Autoset.

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/...p?model=M00245

With a self shielded wire you'd be fine building your structure outdoors. Once you had the building up and you could get indoors you can set up the machine for both aluminium and stainless. Aluminum would require an optional gun and both would require a shield gas, so put up your buliding first. The machine requires 25A @ 220V using a 6-50 connection. It will run on 110 but not nearly as well.

[Broccoli1]

3/8" is max for the MM211 and would probably stress the little machine on the Barn project as well as hitting duty cycle quickly.

best bang for the $ is the Hobart Ironman 230

$2000.00 includes shipping and 20' Spool gun

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...=%7Bkeyword%7D

[Broccoli1]

3/8" is max for the MM211

on the Barn project you'll hit the duty cycle way too soon.

Look at the Hobart Ironman 230 with spoolgun at Northern Tool.

I'd include a link but the post gets delayed because of the link

[Matrix]

The HSS is 3/8".
That means a 3/8" fillet to the 3/4" plate if I am reading that correctly.
And either 3/8" fillets or grooves between HSS pieces.
There won't be any 3/4" welds.
Not that I even believe in those thickness ratings anyway.
Steel is steel. If you need more weld you run more passes.
The only rating that matters is amperage and duty cycle.
Thickness is irrelevant.

The OP says this is the biggest task by far that he'll ever use it for and since he needed an excuse to buy a welder I think it's safe to say this building is not a paying job so it won't be go-go-go-go-go! Rather something he will do in spare time. The duty cycle will likely be fine too as long as he runs it on 220, uses small wire and doesn't treat the task as thought he's being paid by the inch.

I've built bigger stuff with smaller equipment and it's still standing. The 211 is plenty big enough.

[cruizer]

Since you apparently don't really need a welder machine for the long run, why don't you just rent say a 300 amp engine drive

[go2building]

I'd get a Syncrowave 200. SMAW the tube and now you have a welder for tig welding aluminum and stainless steel later. Down side is its not portable. I'd rather stick weld with a low amp welder than mig with low amp welder. Just my .02
Kevin

[Cgotto6]

Have you ever welded before? We need to know your skill level to give any advice.

[Packers To Super Bowl !!]

Agreed with the 211.I only hit my temp overload after a 6' fillet weld on 3/16 using 035. New with full tank ran me $1,100. Spool gun works pretty good too. I'm definitely envious of your project! Good luck!