I have always wanted to learn to weld, and want to buy a welding unit. I am a quick learner, and if I can watch a video or have someone show me something once I can do it.
I will preface by saying, I am not building anything with them. Just want a welder I can use a couple times a year to fix stuff. Seems every time I need something welded, I gotta load everything up and take it to someone.
Is something like this from Harbor Freight worth a crap? I understand their products are not the best in the world. I am just wanting one to fix odds and ends
http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-68887-8494.html
Well if you are going to buy one then get the 170amp. model. Also it will at least well thicker steel, that 90 is kinda small. Juust my thoughts. I have a Lincon 170.
Go MIG setup right off the bat, with flux core you'll think you really suck at welding when really its about the best the flux core will ever produce.
I have a fairly cheap setup I bought new 8 years ago and have welded everything from thin sheet metal to thick rusty farm machinery.
more amps the better with all welders but at the time I was limited to 110/120 volt only so I get a Clarke 130EN and a bigger bottle for MIG gas.
Its paid for itself over and over and over
Miller welders are about the best you'll find at premium price.
Hobart are great also for the mid-level price tags
entry level Lincoln, Clarke ect...
If you've ever used a stick welder and a mig welder, you'd probably choose the stick welder. For me it was easier to run a bead with a stick than it was with the wire. The wire always came out looking like a bird took a dump on the weld.
One of my friends owns a sheet metal business and did some welding on my trailer. I asked him what a good home welding unit would cost for the occasional use. He told me that I'd be looking at spending around $300 for a decent welder. He told me to check out Northern Tool if I was going to buy one.
They have a Hobart one that sells for 300. You'll also have to run a 220v line to power it.
If you've ever used a stick welder and a mig welder, you'd probably choose the stick welder. For me it was easier to run a bead with a stick than it was with the wire. The wire always came out looking like a bird took a dump on the weld.
One of my friends owns a sheet metal business and did some welding on my trailer. I asked him what a good home welding unit would cost for the occasional use. He told me that I'd be looking at spending around $300 for a decent welder. He told me to check out Northern Tool if I was going to buy one.
They have a Hobart one that sells for 300. You'll also have to run a 220v line to power it.
guess its personal preference then, i've learned on stick then mig and would stick to mig over stick..
now someday once I build the extra garage and have room for it the best welding in the world is down with TIG.. Last shop I worked for before the move down here had TIG and they couldn't keep me off it.. but thats a 1000 setup
my first welder was a very old 90 amp but on MIG setup.. worked ok
things to consider when looking at them:
what voltage you want 220 or 110?
higher amp models need some type of cooling (most are fan)
cost of gas regulator (if not included)
cost of cart (if not included)
initial cost of gas bottle and then refills after that (and where you can get it from local)
package deals with all but the gas bottle seem like more $$ but in the end are better deals.
good luck w/ searching
