Well I'm looking for a welder to add to my collection of tools, but not looking to weld anything too big/major, really only looking to weld things here and there, and little projects for my parents cabin. I see Harbor Freight has some pretty cheap welders, and plus the 20% discount FTE members get.

I was looking at the 90 AMP Flux Welder for $150, and the 110 AMP/220 VOLT Flux and Mig Welder for $250. Again, I'm just looking to do small projects and light fabrication things. Do you guys think the first welder would suffice, or should I really be getting the Flux and Mig welder? Any insight would be greatly appreciated!!

 

The first one is not good for much of anything, because it only has two settings. You really need a lot more adjustability with a flux core or a dual shield wire. It also has a 10-18% duty cycle.
The 110a one only has four settings, which is better but not a whole lot.
If you're set on going to HF, get the Dual-Mig 171. It has an adjustment **** for both wire speed and power, and has a much better duty cycle. Just because you don't see yourself doing anything heavy doesn't mean you should make it impossible to do any heavy work. It's a $300 machine, but should be worth it.

 

FWIW, I have a Sears 80 amp gasless mig that I've had for...hmmm...probably 6-7 years now at least? I think I spent $180 on it way back then and it has more than paid for itself. It's super handy and I've used it for everything from body repairs to welding in subframe connectors on my Thunderbird. It has a pretty good duty cycle too. It's a nice little welder for odd jobs, it just throws a lot of splatter since it's flux core.

 

Do not get a POS Harbor Frieght unit

Get a Ford Blue Miller 135 MIG with a tank.
It is a great light duty welder & still works on 3/8th's steel.

I have a new one & keep .023 wire on it for sheet metal.
Never get a flux core unless you like to wire brush the entire area. It take more time to clean up after flux core than it takes to weld it.

Remember Miller is FORD BLUE....

 

You get what you pay for and sometimes you don't even get that. Get a Miller as Broncoholic1 posted, or a Hobart Handler 140. Pick it up used if the cost is prohibitive. Craigslist, and the local buy and sell papers that are in most area's are a good place to look. The cleanup isn't the only thing, you will do better welds with the MIG welders and learn faster.

 

10X on that you will learn in about an hour with a quality Miller, practice on an old car frame. Weld some 1/4 inch plates together. Once you get it down you will never forget.

I use mine every night, Almost do it blind folded...


Oh BTW Nice EB ya got there.

 

I went thru a couple cheap welders and finally bought a MillerMatic 211, 120/210v unit. Set the gauge of metal and weld. Best investment I ever made. Pricey for the person that welds once a year, but one fine unit. Plus it will run on my generator making it portable. I've tackled stuff with it I could have never done.

 

I have been looking at welders also, and although I would like a Miller 135 it cost about over 500 buck new. the same with the Hobart. I have read many reviews and have seen the Harbor Freight welders on sale this week for $99. I have never read anything good about them. I did find a welder at northwestentool.com that is their own brand and can weld flux core/mig weld capable. that you can also weld aluminium as well as steel for $299 that has customer good reviews.

 

"Capable" usually means you have to buy the gas kit seperate, $100 give or take, aluminum will need a spool gun, more money. Factor all this in when you price them.

 

They have the new 140 auto set,
Look for a 135 on Craigs list I got mine almost new for $600
cart & 5' tank the deals are out there just do not settle on crap.

 

Northern Tools reviews are not believable. I bought some stuff from them a couple years back, and keep getting invites for a prize drawing where all you have to do to enter is write a review of something. You get a double entry if you actually bought the item.

 

Ditto on the Hobart Handler 140. I've had mine for 6 years or so and love it. Get an auto dark hood while you're at it...

 

I just got the Elite Series from Miller for my Bday from my lovely wife & kidz.

It was at Cyberweld. best price in town. $266

 

Nice hood! I can beat the price though. Bought a Hobart at Tractor Supply and when they rang it up it must have been mistagged and got it for $19.95. Normally I'm honest, but I've spent so much money there I just paid and walked out smiling.