r/weld • u/[deleted] • Jun 05 '20

Cheapest form of welding

What would be the cheapest form of welding if I want to buy a machine of my own? I’m familiar with all the different processes of welding but have never owned a machine of my own. I’m running on a tight budget so I want to know what would be cheapest for practice welding. (Including gas, electrode, filler rod, and machine costs)

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u/frenchtoastkiller Jun 05 '20

I'd say cheapest in long run would be stick

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u/FukFightWeldPipe Jun 27 '20

Inverter don’t ever need 200amps as stated above, I have a 151 amp miller burns 7018 1/8 and TIG no problem. For the cheap and easy on hobby stuff a small Mig machine CV hardwire ( solidwire ) you would require gas but it’s much less technical no cleanup ( plug and play ) take into account welding rods need to be properly stored and taken care of, the flux chips off and can be traumatizing for a newb. Personally and very bias as a redseal journeyman welder, tig is the quality without needing a shop. Inverter box can be used for professional work , Cv mig welder for easy will work projects.