need a welder

[ram_man87]

This is my first post, I am doing some body work to my truck, putting in a couple patch panels, now im to the point I need a welder, I found this at HF http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94056, would this work, I know I should get a hobart or lincoln, or try to find a used one, but its not a option , Im on a budget. Taking it to a body shop is out of the question, not one around here for a 100 miles, any opinions please.

[Len]

That is a "flux core" welder which means that you don't use gas with it. The problem is that it won't do as nice a job as a MIG, the welds will be more porous and you may need to remove the flus. If the have a MIG I'd go with that before spending money on a flux core machine.

[68-chevyman]

Whatever you do don't buy that welder!
I had one. About the thinist it will weld is exzaust pipe. And even then you must be a very good welder to get it done. I think if I were on that tight of a budget I would use alot of Fusor and self taping screws or look at a cheap torch. You "sweat" a patch panal on with a torch and some lead or just fill rust with lead it will hold up. Wear protechtive close and a mask

[CDJr]

I agree with chevyman. The only thing that welder will do is...1) make you angry and/or frustrated, 2) make you wonder why they would sell such an item, and 3) make your wallet a little lighter. I buy things from HF and most function well, but something such as a welder is not a tool that you can "get by with" using one thats inferior. Thats one area that you cannot cut corners. :)

[TimG]

Another point on cheap welders,make sure the wire is controlled by the trigger,and not always "Hot"
First machine I had at home was a Chicago Electric I got out of the local Pennysaver,can't count how many times I flashed myself,and had to stop untill I could see again!

[70bee]

anyone have some suggestions...kinda in the same boat. Is it possible to get a mig that runs on 110-120v?

Would going with a bonding type system be any better? (glue or epoxy)

[Len]

I've been carrying the Firepower welder for about two years and found that they perform quite well for the price. Check them out at the link below.


http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/FIR-14440308.jpg

Firepower Link (http://autobodystore.net/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=FQMW)

[BradNes1]

if you want a welder that runs on 110V I would take a look at that firepower that len sells...I have heard pretty decent things about those for the price. I personally own a Lincoln Electric 3200HD and absolutely love it. Comes with everything you need to start welding including two spools of wire (one flux core and one solid core) The only thing you will need to supply is the gas tank if you want to do MIG welding (the 3200HD comes with regulator and hoses) I got mine brand new on ebay for 385 bucks but they regularly sell for about 450 at Home Depot and other places like that. The lincoln will weld 5/16 inch mild steel and it runs on 110 volts. If you are just a hobbiest I'm sure the firepower would work out fine for you, otherwise if this is something that you may use a lot I'd go for the Lincoln personally.

[rustyramblers]

One other thing to consider is checking with a local welding supplier (you'll need a place to get gas anyway so you may as well pick one out). They should be able to help choose a budget friendly machine (or at least help you decide what features you need). I have a Century 130 MIG that I picked up about 9 years ago from a home center. I haven't used it much until the last few years but I've never had a problem with it. Hobart or Lincoln will probably be better from a duty-cycle standpoint.

Regardless of what you choose on the welder, I do have three tips for you:

1) Store your wire in zip lock bags so it doesn't surface rust (rust causes problems with feeding the wire).
2) Don't buy the little gas tank (it's about the size of a 2 liter pop bottle but taller). Bigger tanks cost more initially but don't cost much more to refill and hold a lot more gas.
3) Make your first project a cart for the welder. Thicker steel is easier to weld than thinner and since the cart doesn't need to be a thing of beauty, this will give you an opportunity to get a feel for the welder.

Matt

[barthmonster]

I have a welder from Harbor Frieght that is very similar. Mine came as a flux core welder (85 amp) with a MIG option. I sucked at first, until I threw away the flux-core wire and bought a bottle of quality welding gas. Now I'm better by quite a bit, but I still don't know if its me or the cheapo welder messing up. If you buy a quality product that has a good reputation, then if theres a problem, you'll know its you.
I need a new welder too...

[Blaze9t8]

When I took my certification for I-Car automotive structural welding we had both a miller and a lincoln 110 volt welders to practice with. I ended up using the lincoln for the test because I could adjust both the wire speed and the amperage. The were not preset click settings.