How to Get Started in Welding
Updated: Dec. 04, 2020
Whether you’d like to build custom cars or just fix a cracked lawn mower deck, learning to weld gives your mechanical skills a serious boost.
Welding Basics
All of these welding systems work essentially the same: An electric arc generates enough heat between the electrode (stick or wire) and the metal being joined to melt both together and create the bond. To ensure a strong bond, the super-hot area around the weld is surrounded by a cloud of inert gas to prevent oxygen and contaminants in the air from weakening the weld. That gas is provided either by the flux inside or around the electrode, or by a bottle of gas that feeds the joint as you weld.
Choosing Your First Welder
How Much to Spend
To get started, you’ll likely spend $200 to $400 for a quality welding machine. Check online to see the range of what’s available because most home centers carry only one or two models. A 120-volt welder, powered by a conventional outlet, can weld metal up to 5/16 in. thick. You’ll need at least a 20-amp (preferably a 30-amp) circuit.
What is Amp Output?
The higher your machine’s amp output, the thicker the material it can weld. Most people work with angle iron and tube steel no thicker than 1/4-in. Any 120-volt machine will suffice for this.
Which Machine to Buy
If you’re really serious about welding and want more flexibility for future projects, get a 240-volt machine powered by a 50-amp circuit. A 240-volt machine makes welding thick material much easier and faster. Most welding machines have a chart inside a flip-up hood detailing the exact setup you’ll need (amps, electrode size, etc.) for a given thickness of material. You can buy a single machine capable of MIG, TIG and stick, but it’ll cost about $1,200.
Besides the welding machine, set aside about $200 for basic accessories.
Build this perfect welding table for your workshop.
These are the 20 products DIYers should always buy at Harbor Freight:
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Variable Speed Rotary Tool
Rotary tools are amazingly versatile, and this ultra-light and ergonomic Bauer model from Harbor Freight is great addition to your DIY kit. With speed settings up to 20,000 RPM and the ability to accept almost any 1/8-in. rotary tool accessory, it will quickly become your go-to choice for everything from polishing jewelry to cutting drywall.
Light-Duty Table Saw
The venerable table saw is one of the most useful tools in a DIYer's workshop. If you're looking to purchase one for your workshop, then you owe it to yourself to check out this table saw from Harbor Freight. It has a 3-3/16-in. maximum cut depth, built-in dust collection, a 45-degree bevel and an adjustable miter gauge to help you get the perfect cut, every time. It's a great solution for DIYers who want to rip the occasional board without breaking the bank.
Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool
Many DIYers aren't familiar with oscillating multi-tools, but they should be! This Hercules model allows you to make controlled, precise cuts in spots that ordinary power tools simply can't reach. To making life even easier, the LED key light illuminates the area you're working on. And a keyless blade change system means blade swaps are a breeze. Note that this model is sold without a battery or charger. That's a great option for people who've already bought into the Hercules power tool system.
Compound Miter Saw
We've already talked about table saws. Now it's time to take a look at a miter saw. The Hercules miter saw from Harbor Freight is a good choice for precision work. The sliding mechanism gives you a 14-in. horizontal cut capacity, with 6-3/4-in. vertical capacity. It comes bundled with a 60-tooth saw blade to get you started immediately.
Light-Duty Cordless Drill/Driver
The Warrior line from Harbor Freight is designed to be affordable and accessible, without the frills of the mid-grade Bauer or higher-end Hercules models. That simplicity is what makes the Warrior 12v cordless drill/driver a great selection for DIYers. With a lightweight 12-volt battery, this model is easy to carry around from task to task. It's worth picking up a trio of them, one for the house, a second for the garage and a third to stash in the truck.
Suction Cup Lifter
For some reason, not everyone has discovered the incredible usefulness of suction cups. Any time you're moving a bulky object with a hard surface, you'll be much happier if you break out the cups and give yourself a helping hand. This model from Laguna can hold 125 lbs. allowing you to easily move everything from windows and doors to refrigerators and stoves.
Magnetic Parts Holder
A magnetic parts holder may seem like a simple device, but it can be a lifesaver when you're on top of a ladder. Ever fumble to get your last screw onto a drill head, hoping it doesn't slip off and tumble two stories before disappearing into the lawn? Then you know what we mean. This model holds up to 10 lbs. of loose parts, and its non-marring rubber base protects delicate surfaces.
Hydraulic Bottle Jack
A bottle jack is one of those tools that doesn't get a lot of use until you need it. Then it's an absolute game-changer. This hydraulic jack from Pittsburgh provides easy lifting of heavy equipment, and comes with a twist top for precise adjustments. Whether you're using it to lift a car, correct a cupped joist or support a garage door during a repair, it packs 12 tons of power into a tiny package.
Floor Blower
A floor blower is an all-around useful tool. While it doesn't cool as efficiently as a box fan, it moves a concentrated stream of air well enough. This Bauer model is a perfect choice to dry water-permeated floors and carpet, ventilate tight spaces or draw dust out of a workspace (it won't collect the dust, however). The three speeds allow you to select the right power level for your specific situation. And the adjustable blowing angles — zero, 45 and 90 degrees — lets you put the air movement exactly where you need it.
Submersible Utility Pump
Submersible pumps are a perfect way to remove water from flooded areas. This Drummond submersible unit can pump water down to less than 1/4-inch, saving you from water damage and getting you back in business quickly. Conveniently, it comes with two garden hose adapters (straight and 90 degrees). It's great for all kinds of situations, from emptying a flooded room or a pool to draining standing water from your yard.
Soft-Bottom Tool Bag
Every DIYer needs a dependable way to carry tools from project to project, and one of the best options is a soft-bottom tool bag. A padded bottom protects the items inside the bag. It also prevents scratches and dings to hardwood floors or countertops. The 16-inch-wide opening can accommodate most handheld tools. The six interior pockets are rugged enough to handle bits, blades and accessories.
Ultra-Bright LED Flashlight
Modern flashlights use LED technology to put out far more light than similar devices did even a few years ago. This 3,700 lumen LED Quantum flashlight provides long range illumination with a run time of 13 hours, along with an easy-to-grip aluminum barrel. The Quantum uses a whopping 12 AAA batteries, and the first dozen are included with purchase.
Retractable Utility Knife
Knives like this retractable model from Doyle are designed for dependability and tool-free blade replacement. The knife body also stores up to five replacement blades, while an integrated trimmer lets you use it to trim string and wire without opening the blade.
Magnetic Accessory Holder
Keep your tools close at hand with a magnetic caddy from U.S. General. The rubber-coated magnets attach to any ferrous metal without marring the surface, and you'll have easy access to up to two spray cans and five screwdrivers. If those aren't the tools you need most often, Harbor Freight carries lots of magnetic options, covering everything from paper towel holders to latex glove dispensers.
Low-Profile Automotive Creeper
Tired of sliding back and forth on a dirty piece of cardboard every time you work on your car? Upgrade the quality of your creeper and be kind to your back with this caster-mounted creeper from Pittsburgh Automotive. The PVC body won't rust and it's easy to clean off dirt and grime. The padded headrest makes your work a little more comfortable, and the easy-glide casters make the inch-by-inch shimmy to get under a vehicle a thing of the past.
Diamond Grit Hole Saw
A diamond hole saw lets you cut into tile, stone, glass, granite and brick. This tool option comes with a side ejection slot to allow easy plug disposal. It's available in 5/16-in. and 3/18-in. bit diameters.
Three-Ply Disposable Face Masks
During the pandemic, the world learned a lot about face masks. For DIYers who crawl around in a dusty attic or other dirty environment, this 10-pack of three-ply face masks is a great choice. The tough fabric is designed to withstand a full day's work in a garage or workshop.
Rechargeable Lantern and Bug Zapper
This rechargeable lantern and bug zapper is intended for campers, but the 200-lumen output also instantly brightens your workspace. Easily hung overhead, it's especially useful in summer as it doubles as a bug zapper. This will help keep unwanted insects (and the critters who feed on them!) out of your garage or workshop. With up to 20 hours of run time, don't fret about keeping batteries on hand. Just recharge with the micro-USB port, and you're ready to go again. Best of all, rain isn't an issue — it's rated IPX6 waterproof.
Utility Rope
Whether you're tying down lumber in your truck bed or lashing stakes to support a post, every workshop needs dependable rope! This 75-ft. rope is a great choice. The nylon-polyester blend fiber resistants rot and mildew, while the diamond braid minimizes stretching. It safely handles working loads of more than 300 lbs.
Rechargeable Jump Starter
A jump starter isn't the kind of tool that you use every day. But when you actually need it, you'll be glad you picked one up at Harbor Freight. This rechargeable jump starter from Viking has the power to jump V8 gas engines and V6 diesels. It comes with a USB port to make it easy to charge your phones and tablets, plus an LED emergency light. This all-in-one package will be there when you need it. Originally Published: December 04, 2020
