welder for horseshoe art

ClarkDaniels · Sep 4, 2011

Hello there, I am looking for some help decided on what MIG welder to get as a starter, Preferably gasless, just to do horseshoe art with as a hobby. I would really love to get some input on whats the best sort of MIG welder to get for doing this, (Hopefully a cheap beginners one lol. Don't want to drop 400 bucks on a welder for a hobby =/) Thanks all for the info if you reply

hope to post some pics of when I start.

shenion · Sep 4, 2011

Check Craigs list for an Lincoln 225 arc welder. Usually can be gotten for under $200. Will be cheapest option. MIG is more expensive.

You do not say where you are as there are some regional suppliers that may have a different selection. Also can you provide a 220V outlet?

Welcome to the forums :hug:

Most smaller MIGs will do a cold weld on heavy steel like horseshoes. You would want something that will do more than what a 120V outlet will provide. A 130A MIG might work to just stick things together.

outofthefire · Sep 5, 2011

If your just tacking shoes together a cheap arc welder would do fine, here's what I've done with old shoes.

chunkolini · Sep 5, 2011

I would reccomend a Mig welder say 130-150 amps, I did loads of sculpture using my Clarke 130 amp machine. If you are going to start making sculptures and dabbling in the arty farty end of metalworking Mig welding is much more versatile than arc, you can use it to build up and refine shapes, apply surface texturing, oh and stick things together with it.

Chunko'.

shenion · Sep 5, 2011

I had a Clarke 130EN to start with. It was a nice machine.

Too bad for the OP that Clarke machines are hard to get in the US as the distributor went bankrupt.

Windy Miller · Sep 5, 2011

outofthefire said:
If your just tacking shoes together a cheap arc welder would do fine, here's what I've done with old shoes.

Blimey!

That looks a bit like one I did earlier this year!

Great minds think alike!

mandy · Sep 11, 2012

outofthefire said:
If your just tacking shoes together a cheap arc welder would do fine, here's what I've done with old shoes.

Hi Outofthefire, please could you quote me for making the hanging horseshoe hearts as in the middle photo, also could you make from my own horses shoes? I am in Huddersfield...Thanks

outofthefire · Sep 11, 2012

mandy said:
Hi Outofthefire, please could you quote me for making the hanging horseshoe hearts as in the middle photo, also could you make from my own horses shoes? I am in Huddersfield...Thanks

Hi Mandy PM sent

Lowrider · Feb 14, 2014

outofthefire said:
If your just tacking shoes together a cheap arc welder would do fine, here's what I've done with old shoes.

Are these for sale, the horseshoe hanging hearts?

outofthefire · Feb 14, 2014

Lowrider said:
Are these for sale, the horseshoe hanging hearts?

I might have some in the workshop, but if I haven't I can make you a pair.

Just noticed your in Baltimore, i've sent a couple of pairs to the states but the postage is dear it was about £30.00

Fredy · Feb 24, 2015

What kind of chain do you use. Looks amazing

norlander · Feb 24, 2015

If you can afford it, get a decent MIG, maybe a Miller or Lincoln if prices in the USA are cheaper than here in europe. I lean towards Miller because they seem to me to acknowledge the hobby user more than Lincoln do.
You should get excellent after sales support and advice from both "red" and "blue". And you are buying american.

The reason I say get a decent quality set is that they do produce better results in the main, and whilst you will start off tacking horseshoes together, you will most likely progress into welding them into supports/frames/figures/utility items and so on.

Kent · Feb 24, 2015

Stick (MMA) will suit the job far better and be far cheaper to buy a good set on a lower budget. Going cored wire? even more reason to leave the MIGs in the store. Buy one of say 160amp plus run a 3.2mm rod 6013 type something like 120amp + or - . Your going to get better fusion and be able to handle a bit more crud

Richard. · Feb 24, 2015

You say you don't want to spend $400 on a mig welder (£260 ish) then I'd say your really pushing things because the mig welder is just one bit of the kit. Your still gonna need wire mask grinder etc. I'd say if you can do it all for 400usd then your doing well. I'm also thinking about a mig this year and I have most of the stuff needed, I'll still be looking 400-500 quid to keep aside. (700-850usd).

the snooper · Feb 24, 2015

I would imagine the op has got this sorted the thread was started in 2011

daleyd · Feb 24, 2015

Zbro from another thread wouldn't have made his mind up yet........ :laughing:

the snooper · Feb 24, 2015

daleyd said:
Zbro from another thread wouldn't have made his mind up yet........

cant argue with that :laughing:

Richard. · Feb 24, 2015

the snooper said:
I would imagine the op has got this sorted the thread was started in 2011

Ha ha ha oh yeah dint see that.
:ashamed:

norlander · Feb 24, 2015

it doesn't matter how old threads are if there still constructive posts to be added, as they still come up in searches.

outofthefire · Feb 24, 2015

welder for horseshoe art

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