Budget Welding Setup

The basic tools needed to start welding today.
Recommended Tools:
Lincoln Buzz Box amzn.to/2UFcUaZ
You should be able to find a used buzz box for $150-$250 used.
Angle Grinder amzn.to/2Gcj2Qh
Budget Welding Hood I have used amzn.to/2FwZPKM
Gloves amzn.to/2FzQRfI
Slag Hammer amzn.to/2TxQIvZ
Vise Grip Clamps amzn.to/2TxWy0s
If you are interested in learning welding I recommend you continue with these videos:
AvE on Learning Welding • WELDING: THE BEST WAY ...
Fantastic and Qualified Welding Instruction • Welding 101: How To Ru...
Great Series on Stick Welding from Chucke2009 • Video
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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[@ensignj3242]

I’m a65 year old woman and I’m seriously thinking about welding as my new hobby. Thank you.

[@lulirosset]

Do it! You won't regret it!

[@realfreshfood4575]

I'm a 52 year old woman who just started welding last August. I love it! You will be able to repair sooo many things, and your creative ideas will be endless!! Go for it!

[@terrinewman7390]

I'm a 71 1/2 and weld! so go for it!

[@Kaizer357]

start out with stick then gradually go to MIG, stick and MIG go hand in hand with welding with tacking then layin' down good beads with stick. God Bless ma'am

[@phriesen]

that's too cool

[@gillihansmobilewelding]

This video is the reason I started welding and having the skill changed my life. I bought a Tombstone and now I have a mobile welding business that makes me more bread than I've ever been able to make working as a non skilled manual laborer. I'm not bragging because ANYONE can do this. He's right... start welding.. please. Thank you for this video, it has helped my family more than you will ever know. ❤

[@BlindDadGarage]

That is fantastic! Way to go man!

[@gillihansmobilewelding]

@@BlindDadGarage Thank you!

[@fordilac]

"Back in the day", all boys learned to weld in "shop" class in high school. Shop class kept a lot of boys in school as that was the only class they really wanted to take.

[@aaronmcclain1279]

Sam you right . I'm 31 just a pup still I learned to weld in ag class . I was very fortunate to grow up in small rural community in Oklahoma . Where everyone learned to weld girls and boys . We built hay rings , deer stands feed troughs all kinds of things . But the best thing I built was a dog boxe to go in the back of my dad's truck for he and I to haul our beagles in .

[@secondrickamendment4770]

@@aaronmcclain1279 I'm also 31, from Southern Oregon. I applied for "Shop, Auto, and Wood shop" all four years and all eight semesters of High School and never got one. To be honest it stung more as time went on, as my friends were able to make things and get jobs that I was unable to get. they cut metal fab and wood shop around the year I graduated. Last year I got fed up with the feeling of inadequacy in these areas, and talked to some friends who were already in the trades. They were excited to help me learn the basics of Welding, Wood working, and turning Wrenches on cars. If school won't show you, and its not in your family. People like Essential Craftsman are an amazing motivation to get over the embarrassment of "not knowing" and starting a new hobby, trade, and life skill. Thank you Scott!

[@aaronmcclain1279]

@Higor Ghunter • 64 years ago thanks whoever you are .I meant to say boys and girls learn to weld. I'm just a dumb hillbilly .does that answer you question.

[@gunchief0811]

Correct,. Yet sadly.al the trade classes have been STRIPPED from most U.S. highschool's

[@scotchmilner208]

before the communists overran the schools. I wish I learned a trade in high school instead of propaganda.

[@autodidacticartisan]

I started welding 2 years ago because of this video, and your other weldin videos. I got a 1990s miller ac/dc welder and a harbor frieght autodarkener. Now i have half a dozen welders and can mig,tig, stick and fluxcore weld. Thanks alot, i really mean it

[@DanteYewToob]

I'm learning to weld right now to offset my awful luck with some joy. I have lung cancer and recently got a scooter, and started fixing her up to bring a bit of joy to my life. Nothing like zipping around and cruising at night on an empty road. Two weeks ago, I found out my dog has cancer too... his favorite thing is car rides on my lap, and loves window time more than anything in the world. So I'm working on making a sidecar for him, so we can share a bit of happiness and freedom together. Money is tight, so I can't afford to have one made, and the only one made that might fit my scooter is 2k$ and that is not happening. I'm pretty handy, so I figured I'd make him one, a friend of mine has a few welders and offered to let me use them to learn, so here I am. Square zero. Embarking on a quest for joy. I want to make this before he gets any worse, and money is very tight especially with his new care on top of mine... but that is the magic of craftsmanship. With my own two hands I can make our dream come true if I work hard. I can start from scratch and make something important, make something useful, and make something that can improve our lives from a sketch and a pile of raw junk! That is amazing. I've always been a bit afraid of welding, but now I have proper incentive to go for it, I look forward to this journey and I hope it works out. Standing up and balancing in the car is getting more difficult for him, and I really want him to have this... and learning new skills, so I can do this for him is important to me. This is gonna be either the coolest, or deadliest sidecar ever! ... coolest I hope.

[@andreasbachlindsmann1610]

I hope you both get better, dude. Dogs are good people, and so are those that care for them. Sincerely, A. B. Lindsmann

[@vfgbnfghvfvvhfcbh1932]

I hope you and your dog are doing OK. GOD bless the both of you

[@GreeneAlien]

Sometimes I look up at the stars on a cool night and think “ man this whole thing is kinda strange” enjoy your life no matter what situation your in.

[@eduardosampoia5480]

That's all very nice...welding is a great skill to have...but the dog stuff you talk about, well that just means you are an emo snowflake. You should leave your dog where it belongs...in the back yard.

[@usernamemykel]

All dogs go to heaven.

[@offgridathiddenhills4079]

Learning to stick metal together changes everything. It opens up another world of fabricating options. Thanks for the tips for getting set up.

[@Guysm1l3y]

"World's greatest hot glue gun"

[@joshyingling]

Yeah that's what I'm terrified of 😂 I got enough money in woodworking haha

[@EvanCentopaniOfficial]

I like this guy. He's informative and has a gentle and kind way about him. 👍👍

[@iorgu_iorgovan]

Same like you. 👍

[@hbeezey]

Which is what they have been destroying for a long time.

[@swayback7375]

@@hbeezey what? You really thought that was the comment that needed to be seen? What’s your end game there, trying to raise awareness that “they” are trying to destroy the nicest coolest mentor /dad figure that I’ve seen on KZbin. Your comment is just wild I mean seriously, this is a positive place, not by accident either. Hope your good and still watching. Cheers

[@easttexascraftsman4032]

Don't forget proper ventilation! Dying slowly isn't as fun as it sounds. Great video Scott!

[@thesage1096]

@Agustin C or even under a mildly breezy open shed

[@obe22099]

Since the comment was on the topic i was most concerned about, I'll ask here and hopefully get a honest response. I live in an apartment. I started 3D printing so i have a modular enclosure that forms a vacuum. I pump out toxic fumes from molten plastic, airbrush, spray paint. I have a ridiculous amount of CFM. Is it possible to do this in an apartment? I mean safly?

[@easttexascraftsman4032]

@@obe22099 No. Not safely...

[@obe22099]

@@easttexascraftsman4032 thanks for the reply. I came to the same conclusion after seeing pros starting small fires.

[@gigel99324]

Was hoping I'd learn to weld in my apartment :(

[@matthewhoward1565]

I am a welder fabricator by trade and yet i still watched and thoroughly enjoyed this video. I had no need to watch this video yet i still did and you made it interesting to me, Scott thanks for the content, it is a welcome addition to my day.

[@shanegillespie6014]

To me, one of the best things you said was about not rewarding the behavior of a thief. I heard and seen so many times guys turning a blind eye to a thief because they were getting a "good deal".

[@joshuapotter7372]

I found an older Miller thunderbolt 225 AC machine for $80.00 on Craigslist. First 2 pieces of yard art I made with it I sold for $65.00 each.

[@jheissjr]

What yard art did you make?

[@zigzigzig]

That is awesome. I cant wait to give that a shot

[@nomadismileseeker6611]

I can honestly say being a child of a family of jack-of-all trade kind of guys. Most of the men in my family died at relatively early age before I really learned all of the skills that I had at my disposal. I still have the desire to learn those and I can honestly say that your channel has shown me the easy way to step in to these from a professional standpoint. Every time I sit and watch your videos you remind me of a wise owl and I value every piece of advice that you have.

[@mrorganic13]

Can I ask what they passed from? I’m on the labour route bud very worried about an early death

[@rcwheeler34]

Scott, I'd also recommend sending people to Jody's channel, welding tips and tricks. Lot of good information over there.

[@austinupright765]

I did some time in college for welding we watched welding tips and tricks in class

[@jamesedwards1528]

There is a way to use two 110 outlets just saying .

[@KevinSatterthwaite]

@@jamesedwards1528 lets say you have 1-Phase, 3-Wire 120/240 V coming into your panel from your power company. line 1 would have 120v and line 2 would have 120v. The third is a neutral. You could find one receptacle on line 1 and another receptacle on line 2. (line 1 and line 2 are on opposite sine waves) You could then wire these two hots to your new 240v receptacle and combine the ground wires (the neutrals don't get used). WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!, be damn sure you are using proper wire gauge for the current your pulling. Check your breakers on each of the 2 sides, are they the same or different? Things might suck if they are wrong. The last thing you need to do is start an electrical fire. I'll just put this out there, usually its easier just to wire in the 240v receptacle properly with a proper breaker.

[@CB_ChaosLove]

huh?@@jamesedwards1528

[@royschwaben9646]

Most 110 outlets are rated 15 amps (the actual outlet itself) sometimes 20 and often only use 12awg Romex (or smaller) going to the box. While you could do some hillbilly tweaker funky pigtail drop cord junk, it would be extremely dangerous. Not recommended at all. If you have the brains to use a multimeter and turn a screwdriver, you're able to use right breaker, right wire, etc. and just do it right.

[@evanparker]

As someone who welds, I endorse everything said in this video. The only caveat is that you can afford ANY sort afford a name brand welder, Hobart, Lincoln, Miller... that is always going to work better than something off-brand. Even a very basic one, with some miles on it is probably going to work better, and have parts support way better than something from HArbor freight or who knows where.

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

I bought a fancy machine that can do it all. Over 95% of the time I prefer to set it up for stick welding. BTW 7018 also comes in an AC version 7018 AC. I have run plain 7018 on AC with larger machines and rods. The smaller AC machines seem to have the most problem with it. After a time, you will be able to hear a good arc. It has a sound like frying bacon.

[@TheArchBodom]

I had a lot of old pipes and rebar to cut up and from what I read kzbin.infoUgkxPDBfLu68o58Aw85O_J-zIFfjJARBhp-3 this would be the tool for the job. Since I had never used one, I watched a couple of youtube videos and I'm so glad I did. Some really good safety tips, which I followed, and this tool did a splendid job. One good thing to know is the weight of the tool puts just about the right amount of pressure on the metal I was cutting, so I didn't have to use a lot of pressure, which is more likely to jam the tool. It made fast work of my job.

[@va7da]

The Canadian AC180 and AC225 are flat top cabinet machines, the same components inside. I’ve had 5 inverter welders but still am more comfortable with MMA stick. I like the E7014 and E7018AC rods in 1/16” and 1/8”.

[@INFIDEL1504]

I’ve watched many videos on this channel and this video a handful of times and just realized he’s in a shipping container. I have two shipping containers and was considering making one into a wood/metal shop. I guess I putting in doors to ventilate it better after seeing this video. I know that wasn’t the ficus of this video but thanks.

[@nickledimez4012]

This is awesome. I have an old “tombstone” Lincoln, given to me by a 89 year old retired welder. I’ve used a miller mig, but I’ve been hesitate to use the old tombstone. I think I’ll try it now. This video instills confidence more so than any class I’ve taken. Thank you

[@stovolbelinche3178]

bud never under estmate the power of tombstone lincoln or buzz box their grea and you will probley grow a atattaxhment to it

[@benkanobe7500]

Thank You, Thank You! I have my Tombstone it is old, it is ugly, but the guy I purchased it from welded with it for 35 years and astonished me with the beads he could lay down with it. I also have my Harbor Freight Flux Core. I'm going to take your advice and spend my time with the Tombstone as too many great Welders have said what you say that you got to start with and become proficient in Stick.

[@framedfigurefitness4685]

wow, I just notice your work table when you were mentioning the things you can make... That is a TABLE!!!

[@Br0ns0n]

Fantastic video. I decided now in my mid 50s that I'm going to learn to weld. Something I have wanted to do for decades. This no nonsense advice is just the ticket. Thanks for taking the time to post this.

[@rapidrhinoplumbing-monrovi3269]

I love every video this guy does,,,he's like the "handy dad" I was I had growing up as a kid.

[@ahndeux]

Chingon... He doesn't even need gloves on his working hand. This guy is LEGEND!

[@jasondoust4935]

I've inherited my Dad's welding gear and am starting this journey. Between you and my friend John who grew up in Wollongong when it was a steel city, I feel like I'm in good hands. Thank you.

[@bandido7994]

You forgot to add a bench vise and a 2 to 3 pound ball pen hammer, your fist project should be building your own work bench. Great video sir!!!

[@ifell3]

You missed the fire extinguisher ^^

[@ifell3]

@@johnp556 haha great story, yeah I was welding the outside of a MK2 escort before when my arm was getting rather warm, I was wearing a jumper and a spark went into my clothing.

[@gunchief0811]

Good call fire extinguisher...

[@justasbudreckas8460]

I had it my pants on fire cutting hardox it wosint fun at least i didnt have ti shave my junk for vuite a while (no tisue damage)

[@ParkerUAS]

In the vein of doing it on the cheap, you can of course pick up a small extinguisher at just about any home improvement store. Welding supply stores will have a larger option, but you should look up fire extinguisher suppliers in your area. Quite often they will have some budget and maybe even free extinguishers that are off of old job sites and might have a little too much rust or just be beyond the age limit. They are perfectly fine for the home hobbyist. I have two 20 lb. ABC and 5 lb K extinguisher that were in my suppliers free bin.

[@jasondoust4935]

Good point. So many shed and bushfires caused by otherwise good folks welding and grinding in summer over the years!

[@3434abab]

when i was 12 yrs old my dad showed me how to stick weld. This nice gentleman reminds me a bit of him. rip Dad. you were a thorn in my side at times but i miss you a lot.

[@ironh2017]

I like how informative and natural your videos are. Thanks 👍

[@JD-mf6ny]

Great advice! Thanks for the videos. I took a SMAW (stick welding) class at a community college. Well worth the time and money. I've never needed anything else but the AC buzz box. I use 6013 and 7018AC to weld 99% of my projects and repairs. Good times.

[@jharris0341]

I've got a bachelor's in anthropology, a master's in history, and finished about 30 hours of towards a PhD in history. The best class I ever took was a SMAW class at a community college.

[@Chris-hi8gc]

Scott! This video has been in the back of my mind for years. You’re probably never gonna see this, but I finally bit the bullet and picked up an ac/dc Lincoln buzzbox (and a bench grinder) from Craigslist a few hours ago. Brand new, never even plugged in. Which is fitting, because I’ve never tried to weld before. I’m off on a journey, and you’re the guy who gave me the directions. Thanks for doing what you do!

[@joeyamandareyes4589]

Great video! I like the easy going music in background, usually I have to turn down other videos that crank up music.

[@lnjbautista]

Thank you so much. You were so inspirational. I’ve recently have got the urge to really start welding and you have just fortified that feeling of mine. I will no longer pay anybody to work on my horse trailers. Thank you again👏

[@SkylerKing]

I haven't yet taken the dive into blacksmithing, but you're speaking my language with this video. My welder and grinder are my bread and butter. Without a doubt, learning to weld was the most valuable skill I've ever learned.

[@usernamemykel]

Jeez, don't they taste awful???

[@SkylerKing]

usernamemykel once you get past the tongue numbness, they’re not so bad.

[@tp7886]

This is the Mr Rogers Neighborhood episode I needed.

[@bobhudson3875]

Thank you so much for this and all your videos. For not talking down to all of us wanting to learn and for sharing your knowledge.

[@bmay8818]

I really like your approach for showing people new to things a simple, affordable way to get started. It's easy to get sucked into "I need the snazzy new stuff!" but it's not necessary. And I always advocate for buying good quality used tools when possible and it makes sense, so I appreciate that that's your thinking.

[@BoneStockShtBox]

Man you remind me so much of how my grandpa was, it makes a tear come to my eye. Thank you for your videos.

[@RedneckSavant]

Wow, on my walk home I was just thinking "I should get a welder with my tax return." Sit down, open my computer, and see this. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@armaletalia3254]

It's an omen.

[@intelligentcomputing]

I've noticed that Google can read minds now!

[@dwighthapeman6590]

Scott, thank you so much for making this video. I have always wanted to learn to weld but never got around to it. My career as an electrical contractor just didn’t require me to do this. Now, at 68 years old, I AM FINALLY GOING TO DO IT! IT would be very helpful if you could post a few videos with some newbie lessons and exercises. Like what kind of scrap iron to use, what rods to use, etc. I already know I want to run a bead with my initials for display. :). Maybe I just need to take an adult evening class to get started. Craig’s list, here I come! By the way, I love your channel so much. Also, to everyone reading this, forget the amateurish, uninformed comments about plugging a buzz box into an electric dryer outlet with an adapter or jury rigging electric power for this welder. The welder Scott is demonstrating requires a minimum electrical circuit of 50 amps at 240 volts. GET A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN to install this for you. If you are able to weld near your electrical panel, this should only cost a few hundred dollars at most to do it right. Who is going to weld in their laundry room anyway?

[@usernamemykel]

Ummm, the clothes dryer outlet is on the PATIO. And, Amazon sells a "S7 Plug Adapter" to allow one to use a 3 prong 220V clothes dryer outlet as the welder's power source.

[@kengamble8595]

Oh, and make sure you have a 220 volt place to plug it in ! 😊 Thanks for sharing and take care. 👍

[@gSlover4reel]

Ken Gamble good point. That is the biggest obstacle for me, don't have a 220 in my old house. Cost a bundle to upgrade the power, I imagine

[@BruceS42]

@@gSlover4reel Do you not have 220 at all? IOW, is there only one "hot" service line, going to a single bus bar in your panel? If you have 220 at the panel, but just don't have any 220 circuits, it shouldn't be too hard to put one in, assuming there are free spaces in the panel. Of course, that's definitely not a job for those who don't know what they're doing, so most should hire a qualified electrician. If you really mean no 220 to the house at all, then wow, I think you're right that it would be expensive to upgrade, depending in large part on how far you are from the grid.

[@augustreil]

@@gSlover4reel, Do you have an electric clothes dryer, oven, water heater ? If you do, then you have 220. I've yet to see a house without 220. Hope all goes well.

[@MattsAwesomeStuff]

Yeah, for $300 all-in, you can get into welding with a 220v stick machine. Plus permits, cable, breaker, renovations, and running wire out to your garage. Call it $1000 by the time you're done if you can luck out and not need to demolish much to get the power line out. OR... for $150 all-in for a 120v flux-core welder/helmet/gloves/etc that you can plug into any outlet and start using immediately. No bottle rental, no having to learn multiple skills at the same time. Pull the trigger and watch the puddle.

[@benningtoncamper2852]

@@MattsAwesomeStuff Which, however, is not what Scott is recommending in this and previous videos for a beginner. Stay with the program...

[@1ghosthorse]

Another amazing video! This week I begin a night school welding class, for my own edification. The certificate will only be for self actualization since I'm 53 & a carpenter. The technology in hoods is more than I expected. Thank you, sir

[@thomasl.tishii3444]

Thank you for this series of videos! Based on your recommendation, I took my time and after ~20 days found an AC/DC 225/125 for... $120. Immaculate condition. It's awesome and came with boxes of 8010/8011/8013/7018 sticks. Needless to say, I'm underway on several projects. Again, the videos are exceptional. I'm off to practice. Thanks again.

[@every_thing_wood1251]

What outlet do you plug in to? Breaker size and all that fun stuff. I really want to get a welder, but that's crippling my crusade quite a bit

[@giacomoandreoli2457]

Well i moved from Italy to Iceland 3 years ago where i bought a 1870 house, i started welding and doing all sort of works (wich i ve never did before). Thank you. You helped me a lot.

[@ffjsb]

Another essential tool is a magnet holder to hold pieces in place to weld them. Dirt cheap and indispensable IMO. If you don't have availability of 240 to run a buzz box, I think a basic Mig welder with flux core wire does very nicely, and isn't very expensive. You don't have to use the gas right away. I see you have a container set up as a shop, I did that for my wood working shop.

[@kennetharntson5912]

I learned how to weld first by gas welding. My dad had a Victor gas cutting set that came with gas welding tips. It was really a great way to understand the welding process since it was slow and you could see the metal melting and flowing together and the wire weld rod melting and filling the gap. I was slow waiting to see the metal you were going to weld melt and start flowing then adding the weldind rod to the flow to fill the gap between metal being welded this gave me a better idea of what was happening when arc welding. I taught myself to weld in all positions even overhead. Gas welding is cheap and great for thin metal that will give you a strong weld too. Since my dad never bought a arc welder, I was forced to gas weld many of my home projects like my first go-kart. I actually got so good at gas welding some welders thought I used a MIG welder. Never the less when I got ny first summer job working on a pipeline job. I was passing X-rays on pipe welds in 2 months, practicing on scrap.

[@MartilloWorkshop]

It's nice to see a video like this - straight Essential Craftsman goodness

[@Kevin_747]

Started on a tomb stone AC box in 1969. Learned ox/acetylene in A&P school 1972. Still welding and fabricating in 2019. Hard telling how many people were influenced and trained on those basic Lincoln tomb stones. Great way to learn.

[@MauledByBears]

You can always buy a $30 rectifier and make an AC/DC welder out of a buzzbox. And after that, making a scratch start TIG rig is pretty simple and relatively cheap! Thanks Scott

[@62forged]

My grandfather was a welder and machinist. The man could make anything.

[@frankortiz5008]

So I learned how to stick weld in HS. Forgot just how easy it was. Thank you for the videos you post. Im motivated to get some work now. Thank you again.

[@bobvogel5398]

I took a welding class at a local voc tech high school. Cheap, educational. Highly recommended.

[@audenhector]

My dad should have taught me these things. Thank you sir because of you I can learn so many craft things and pass it onto my boys. You taught me how to handle a chain saw and now to weld. Thank you.

[@adortiz8811]

I found one of these in great shape today off of Craigslist, the gentleman Mark was asking $175 and he gave it to me for $100. Thanks for the video and confidence. Subbed. And God bless the fella today who helped me out with what I think was a good deal and I can help someone else as I learn welding as well. Now to get some power run to the garage lol I can’t wait to burn some rod and learn a little.

[@josepimann7384]

This morning I was telling my wife I need to begin welding, awesome timing.

[@davenag957]

I learned to weld in 1979 on my first job at 16 as a maintenance guy for a circuit board company. It was an old Dayton buzz box and I fabbed all kinds of brackets and contraptions to help automate production processes. Pretty ugly at first but I found my way by just doing it. Learned to Braze with oxy acetylene too which is really a great way to join dissimilar metals at lower temps. Later on I used a Miller mig 250 and a Lincoln tig 300 in the same company welding stainless, titanium, aluminum and steel brackets, braces, tables and machine frames. Got a bunch of tips from many guys along the way too.. Haven't welded since 2001 but after watching your videos I've got the itch again. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@jayprice5840]

Scott, you are very lucky for your son, who knew his dad was genius and knew there would be serious demand for what you know. I’ve come to appreciate that you likely praise the Lord daily for all of your children (and your wife) and This son has given you a special blessing.

[@user-rd5nc1nb9f]

This channel is a gem

[@jonathanhansen5208]

Thank you for putting out such approachable content, this is my first semester in a technology education program and while I took shop in high school and loved it, my dad was too busy to take the time to teach me these valuable lessons and being the youngest in my family generation both sets of grandparents died before I was old enough to inquire about these things. I just found a welding set for sale on marketplace I'm going to get when I get home, I am very excited and I've seen a couple of beginner projects like making your own chipping hammer and tools to help hold your work while you weld. These are going to be some of the projects I assign as a shop teacher. Just like you have said about always finding improvment, I'll may just play your video on the first day of class hahaha. Thank you for the inspiration

[@stevevasquez7754]

Your a good instructor.

[@edancoll3250]

Thanks for the good information. I really liked the remark about stolen equipment; it's an important thing to keep in mind when buying any pre-owned product. Also, gloves are a must at all skill levels! The radiation alone is a potential killer.

[@MulderXfile]

I'm so glad my father allowed me to build and make big messes in his garage when I was still a young kid.

[@edwardpnts]

What a Gentleman 🏆

[@hunterx8736]

I just bought an used 4x8 utility trailer for 100$ and I completely gutted out and I was thinking dam if I had a welder I could make some nice adjustments etc. It’s funny now I just got this video in my noticed.. thank you sir for your great content I am a believer of the more knowledge then more wealth. Jack of all traits it’s better then being a master at just one thing..

[@johnnorth9355]

Just started to learn to weld at the grand old age of 65 . I have a £15 buzz box A/C welder - second hand - and a £70 A/C 130 amp flux core (cant justify the cost of gas MIG). The buzz box is easy with 6013 to strike an arc and lay a (messy) bead but the flux core is temperamental and just plain messy ! Conclusion - I will use the stick welder for all but the thinnest gauges and hope that as I get more experienced the flux core will get better results. Nothing as satisfying as the sound of a rod sizzling away.

[@paweskarpetowski8124]

Very versatile video. Arc welding was the first one i learned living in Western Europe. As you told in your previous video if you can arc welding you can learn any welding technique. You are really decent teacher :). Thanks a lot.

[@farmingvintage302]

I found one of these on Craig’s list picked it up for 75 bucks probably only been used about 5 times and came with 40 pounds of rod

[@richardmourdock2719]

I took a quick, inexpensive class a few years ago using stick welders. Then bought a wire welder. Used it this week to make some parts for my motorcycle (a tool tube that hangs under the front of the engine on an adventure bike). A great hobby, lets you be creative and useful, and in retirement, both of those are good things!

[@jamesbramlett5407]

About 2 years ago, after deciding to do a frame off original resto of an old, rusted POS 1947 Chevy Truck, we soon learned that we needed a welder and needed to learn how to weld sheet metal. I wish we would have bought a stick like yours, just to learn, but the MIG ended being the perfect tool for the job, for the price, as we couldn't afford TIG at the time. Later, after all the sheet metal work was done and after we thought we were master welders, we went back and bought a stick as we had to box in the frame. Boy did we soon learn that we were NOT at ALL master anythings! Take Scott's advice, get a stick and learn the basics before you even think about buying a MIG.

[@Harrstein]

While big buzzboxes sure have their place and charms, I'd not undersell those modern cheap inverter based machines. 150 amp is quite often more than enough for stuff around the shop and the added mobility sure come to use. and if you shell out a bit more and get one of the bigger brands they also last pretty long. I have a 15 y/o ESAB Origo Arc 150 here that is usually stored in a not so dry place in a shed and is handled very rough but hasnt missed a beat in those years.

[@makerlifeco]

completely agree! Mine have served me well!

[@nando3922]

Have have decided to learn stick welding this coming new year, in part of Essential Craftsman guidance! I love all of this great content!

[@rwallace1625]

Scott, I bought all the stuff, now I'm hoping YOU make a video on how to weld because your confidence and style makes me feel I can do anything.

[@ColinForBooks]

thanks for the encouragement. You make it seem like it's not such a huge thing to try to get into.

[@taprockcenturylink]

Another great video. Very information for the beginner. I remember my first it was a Free Craftsman welder . The leaders were all cracked so I taped them up and started welding.The first thing I welded up was a welding table from A scrap yard drop of 3/8th plate and some well pipe. I still have it in the shop.

[@reset_failed5987]

I’ve never welded before but I have an interview tomorrow. I’m really excited since my dad was a welder and it looks like fun honestly. Thanks for theses videos they help on learning some of the basics so I can surprise them at the interview

[@frederikmare9002]

I suppose you didn't get the job!?... If you got the job, you're a great bullshitter!

[@MrCrazyChemist]

Well dang this is my exact setup. Built my first charcoal forge with it and am now building a gas forge

[@usernamemykel]

Well, don't let us stop you, forge on...

[@jeffreyclement3564]

Honestly a bit dissapointed. Was so happy to find this guy who seemed to be a perfect teacher just to hear him say to find someone else on KZbin. I would have loved a how to series with this guy.

[@MMA-zs9lh]

I inherited a life time of welding tools 4 welders, gonna start learning!

[@sheepdawg6946]

After watching this video, I made the plunge. Bought a Hobart stick mate 160 off amazon and gave it a go with 6011. I spent a few hours just doing beads and it wasn’t pretty but I had a blast. Highly recommend.

[@JRock17991]

Great point about the insulative reassurance of the gloves. I try to wear them when I weld to protect my hands from the UVs (as well as holding hot steel)

[@metroplexchl]

I love how practical and realistic your advice is. thanks

[@davidtraugot1405]

It's hard to put a dedicated 50-amp circuit into our 60-amp apartment service panel in my shared basement, but if we turn off everything except the fridge maybe I can run a Buzz Box... I sure do want to be able to weld here! I have a bunch of salvaged angle-iron bed frames and lots of ideas for machine bases, frames, shelving... I was thrown into welding briefly, long ago. I worked at a company that built playground equipment from timber and metal. One morning on my way to work, I had a traffic accident which tore loose a front fender of my '68 VW Bug... I used the shop welder to reattach the fender, learning how to avoid (or at least minimize) burning holes in the sheet metal. Real-world immediate necessity! But I haven't had the opportunity since; that's gotta change.

[@Fireontire]

I have not welded since school and I have been wanting to get back into it, I want to be mroe independent and be able to fix stuff myself, for example welding my car. Thanks for giving me the spark so to say to get back into it.

[@davidbartholomew8543]

And with this video, the price of craigslist welders has skyrocketed.

[@armageddonsengineer3182]

They go up and down based on the price of the copper inside. Even those who know how, very few people want to stick weld if they have other gear. If you got the cash for MIG/TIG, most will go for that, and put their old stick welder back up for sale.

[@POOKIE5592]

@@armageddonsengineer3182 That's the dumbest thing I've read all week. Do scrap steel prices affect the prices on the used car market too?

[@ofp8574]

Scrap prices certainly do affect the used car market. As someone who buys cheap cars, when scrap goes up, all the good deals end up scrapped and parted out. When scrap was low, I could buy these cars for $150. Now I see people wanting $800 for worse vehicles, at least during high periods.

[@ecrusch]

Good basic knowledge shared in a friendly and experienced way. I have to say Scott, I'm awful grateful I found your channel way back when you started. You & Nate have helped me a LOT. Thanks man. Eric central Florida

[@essentialcraftsman]

Thank you Eric!

[@nickcrimi9657]

Love this channel. I’m a welder. Been a welder for 15 years. Gonna say this because frankly I’m an American and I can. Welding industry is very prevalent in our society, but if you wanna make any kind of money you deserve. Work for yourself. Working for small fab shops and learning machining along the way only lines the pockets of your superior. You will be disappointed.

[@varealestate77]

thank you. I am 69, and I want to learn to weld. necessary skill in the country

[@tkendr01]

Excellent introduction of the topic from an equipment perspective. Auto-dark helmets are well worth the investment. That welder weighs about 114 pounds by itself, so a metal cart or kids wagon makes it so much easier to move out of the way. Welding rod and copper leads add to the weight. Any practice metal takes time to cool off but it's the same color as other steel that is stone cold. Gloves warm quickly when used to pick up the hot stuff.

[@natto_4]

You had it right - 6011 and 6013 are great AC rods. 6010 is DCEP rod like 7018. Love your video! Keep it up

[@bradymcreynolds9634]

I have a Lincoln welder like that and it was my great Grandpa's

[@unregistereduser2]

For truly old-skool, oxy-acetylene is a fun process. Super versatile; you can basically weld anything from the tiniest jewelry work to the biggest structural work, and from steel to aluminum and copper and really anything metallic.

[@johndowe7003]

except bottle refueling costs about 110$ for 4 hours of cutting/welding

[@horacerumpole6912]

He's talking about fusion welding, not running a cutting torch-

[@johndowe7003]

@@horacerumpole6912 i knew what he was talking about lol, it still costs more to run in the broader sense of things. no need to make corrections

[@horacerumpole6912]

Many people reading these comments are beginners, and mis-leading them about the cost of oxy-acetylene welding is to be avoided

[@unregistereduser2]

@@horacerumpole6912 - well, oxy-fuel IS somewhat pricey. Bottles, regulators, hoses, torches.... a stick welder or small mig box is definitely cheaper. Nowhere nearly as versatile, though

[@Tictacpanter]

I found a Lincoln AC225 for $20 because someone cut all the cables from it. $50 in cable and some donated parts she’s up and running!

[@dallasbeus2117]

I bought a Lincoln AC welder in the early 90s and have used it for homestead repairs and it has been great. I will say that there are a lot more choices in welders that are cheaper and operate on 120v/20a circuits which would probably do the job a lot cheaper.

[@bunkstagner298]

With a cut off wheel in an angle grinder you need a full face shield . Also and safety glasses to use under the welding hood. But good video thank you.

[@thresh0014]

Safely glasses under your hood?! You're the kind of guy who reads the manual and follows the instructions. You're what's wrong with the planet. May God have mercy on your soul.

[@winstonzeb2842]

You just motivated me to finally pull the trigger! Thank you

[@JR737400]

sounds like MIG, not stick

[@winstonzeb2842]

@@JR737400 hahaha

[@JesseWright68]

A couple of clarifying points. The script at 1:00 says 6010 even though you spoke 6011. 6010's will not work on AC current. There's a version of the 7018, the 7018AC that works great with AC welders. Tractor Supply and Home Depot even carry them. For use with an AC-only machine, it's tough to beat 6011 for everything. 7014 is nice too. 6013's AKA Farmer Rods are prone to worm track on you. Also, if you value your vision, don't use a grinder with a cutoff disk without the guard. When those wheels come apart (and they do) you don't want one flying off in your eye. Finally, don't weld while wearing synthetic clothing. Including your sandals.

[@MONNIEHOLT]

Thought I would check all the replies before I committed, you are the only one that caught what he said about the 6010, you are correct 6010 will not run on AC, 👍

[@joshlvn7732]

You sir are a Legit B-A!! Have you written a book on all these extraordinary tricks and tips? If not I recommend doing so, I would purchase a copy in a heartbeat! I’ve grown up doing all sorts of building, crafting, automotive, blah blah due to my fathers far reaching talent and ability to adjust to his surroundings. Plus working along other hardworking old school fellas. Anyway love your work and have come across some tricks you show that even catch me sideways. Keep it up!

[@bobhumphries3998]

I use 7018AC rods made by Lincoln on my Tombstone welder all the time. They are great rods.

[@CPUDOCTHE1]

You can't beat the Lincoln buzz boxes for cheap/reliable/usable welders. I have a HF auto darkening helmet. I have had it probably 8 years or so. It does not get much use, but still works. They go on sale for $34.99. The first angle grinder I got came from HF. It was on sale for $9,99. It lasted for a couple of years of light use. I think the brushes went bad and it came with a spare set of brushes, but by then, I decided they were useful enough that I got a Dewalt.I had to replace the brushes once iafter about 6 years on the Dewalt. The brushes cost about 2/3 as much as the HF angle grinder.

[@DIYMechanic1]

Wait, what!? No 7018 on an AC machine? I use 7018's on my AC machine all the time? Is this some kind of unknown faux pas that I wasn't aware of? I'm not exactly new to welding but I'm certainly no expert either. By the way, a video on rod selection for common welding jobs would be an EXCELLENT idea.

[@JBidensucks]

No man your good the guy in the video doesn't know what he's talking about. There is 7018 for ac also 6010 is a DC rod not ac

[@wjcallihan]

@@JBidensucks yeah, he was right in the audio (he says 6011 for AC) but not in the screen text (where he says 6010 instead).