Light Duty Welder
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Joined: Nov 2009
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Light Duty Welder
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!!
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!!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
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.
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.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
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From: Clarksburg WV
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,165
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From: Union Lake MI
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....
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....
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 0
From: Union Lake MI
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.
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
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.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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light duty welder
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.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
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.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,165
Likes: 0
From: Union Lake MI
It was at Cyberweld. best price in town. $266
Cranky Old Guy
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,562
Likes: 6
From: Raphine, Virginia
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.
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