whats a better buy arc welder or compressor

[beastmode986]

what should i buy an arc welder or air compressor? my compressor broke so ive been needing to buy a new one what do you guys think?

[battlelava]

Arc welding. I assume u mean stick (smaw) is only useful if you have thicker material (although its possible with 1/16 rods to for sheetmetal, not easy to learn for a beginner) and is kind of difficult to learn but is pritty cheap. Just my. 02.

[Gun Freak]

Depends on what you would use more... Compressors are very useful and a must for any DIYer but I personally lack a welder and would love to have one. I use my compressor A LOT so I say you get one. What size tank were you looking at?

[Fnord]

Speaking for everyone I think I can say...
We have no idea!
We don't have any clue what you want to build first, since you don't seem to know yourself.

I just went through your recent posts. Out of 80, you made 6 that were not for help-me threads.

Just stop planning and go build something for once. Then post a picture so we can check and help you fix any hazardous parts.


To answer your question, personally I'd get a welder. But I'm not you. Until you get into high-pressure stuff you probably won't need one.

[beastmode986]

ok thanks ill probably look for a used 20 gal on craigslist

[budabob07]

I'd say compressor. I have a (very old) 30gal one and it is useful for almost every project, even if its just for clearing junk out of things I cut. Of course, if you're building any kind of pneumatic launcher, its a must-have.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

I can tell you from experience that arc welding with a compressor is extremely difficult.

[mattyzip77]

Whichever you would need more at the current moment. This is kinda like the tattoo question in another thread. Depends on YOUR personal preference!!

[Desmo]

Depends what work you want to do. A compressor is fairly universal where as the stick is limited to fairly basic welding work unless you're super good at it. For spud gunning the compressor would be the better deal tbh.

[jsefcik]

Depends on what your doing

You can weld a tank together for a compressor;)

Its not too hard to use,, I just started my last year in votech,, nd its not that hard to learn honestly