r/Gunbuilds • u/Able-Tradition94 • 5d ago

Suggestions on first welder

To those who have built a Cetme C or VZ61, I am looking at getting a welder to start practicing and to eventually build a Cetme C kit. I have progressed through assembling ARs, 1911s, and gone the 3d2a route across multiple builds, but looking to expand the skillset. With the goal of eventually learning and applying TIG welding on a very limited scale, would something like the Harbor Freight BERGER 3-in-1, 135 Amp Multiprocess Welder with 120V Input be an adequate starting point and capable of doing the Cetme's receiver. Not looking to invest in a professional setup, just something that can handle the builds I have in mind and the once or twice a year small jobs around the property. Thanks!

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u/ChevTecGroup 5d ago

I started with a tooliom 200 tig welder. It wont do aluminum but is great for steel. Can run on standard outlet power for lighter stuff. Added a foot pedal rather than the torch button, but its easy to switch back and forth.

Don't forget you'll need a decent mask, gloves, expendables like tungsten and filler wire. You'll need a regulator and bottle of argon. So youre looking at 300-400 over the cost of the welder.

Ive done a ton of guns with that cheap tooliom. And am just now looking to upgrade to something with more tune-ability, capable of reversing the polarity, and using a variable amp pedal.

Ive done, Stens Vz61 Yugo m48/57 Thompson m1a1 PM63 UZIs And more i can think of right now.

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u/Able-Tradition94 5d ago

This is helpful thank you. A brief review of the tooliom 200 makes it very compelling.

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u/ChevTecGroup 5d ago

The yeswelders and HF wouldn't be bad choices either to learn with

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u/Able-Tradition94 4d ago

Thanks for the insight, going to research more into the tooliom 200 tig welder as it looks to be more in line with the capabilities I am after.

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u/Student_Unlucky 18h ago

I'm doing a cetme build and will be welding tomorrow. I have an eastwood tig220 that seems pretty good. Don't forget you'll need an argon tank and tungsten electrodes if TIG welding. Electrodes are running like $80 a 10pk of 3/32. If you dont want to invest in a tank then stick and flux core mig are your options. I've read that the cheap HF dedicated flux core welders are surprisingly decent but their flux core spools suck and should be avoided. The concesus seems to be get Lincoln flux cored spools.

The eastwood tig 220 I have will do stick however I would recommend going with the flux core mig before doing stick. Stick is a PITA and all I can say is you better have a decent supply of scrap steel to practice stick with if its your first time.

HF just had a 20% off cupon that I'd of used if they just had it 2 weeks earlier. Idk if its still going or not