Cheap first welder decision

fleetlines · #1 02-24-2015, 02:36 PM

I know a couple hundred is not much at all to buy welder with but that's what I have to work with. There's a 90 amp flux welder for $82 (tent sale) or a 170 amp mig/flux for $160 at Harbor Freight I can swing. For the 170 amp I'd need to run 220 to the garage. I don't see me saving and getting much more of a welder this year and I'd like to do a lot of restoration with my cub collection this summer. I managed to save up and then it went to a 123 w/FEL and I'd likely get a cub or an attachment next time too. This isn't the first time that happened. I can't see me spending several hundred on a machine I have no skills using - yet. Since I'll blow the remainder of my Cub Fund I'd appriciate any advice from you guys here. Would the 170 amp mig/flux out of the box serve me much better than the 90 amp flux? Is there something else I should consider?

cubby102 · #2 02-24-2015, 03:00 PM

For a every now and then welder my 90 amp harbor freight special does me just fine. Just don't expect miracles with it. The narrow frame cub frames are pretty much as thick as you wanna weld with it. But it does work.

Sam Mac · #3 02-24-2015, 03:05 PM

I'd look for something used on C-list.

raytasch · #4 02-24-2015, 03:18 PM

If you want to do much sheet metal, go with MIG. Like suggested, try CL. If you go used MIG, find out who owns the bottle and what might be involved in getting it filled.

j4c11 · #5 02-24-2015, 03:26 PM

For light use the 90 amp Harbor Freight welder works well, and you don't need to rewire your house. Get the extended warranty with it just in case. Throw away the wire that comes with it and get some better wire, the one that's included produces a lot of spatter. Remember you will also need a helmet, an apron to protect you from the spatter, welding gloves, brushes to clean off the slag, you'll be up to $200 in no time with tax even though the welder is only $90.

If at some point in the future it no longer meets your needs put it on CList for $50, you will have lost less than what a pro welder would charge you for even a small weld.

Keep in mind that MIG, even though it produces a beautiful weld, may not work well outside in even slightly windy conditions.

cubby102 · #6 02-24-2015, 03:29 PM

The harbor freight comes with a handheld shield and a cheap brush/hammer if you can get by with that then cool. I went ahead and got the auto dark helmet at the time it was like 30 bucks. Ive made due with the hammer /brush it came with

Steve149 · #7 02-24-2015, 03:52 PM

Every time I opted for the lesser expensive tool I ended up kicking myself in the butt for not saving and getting what I want/need. You will be pushing the limits of the smaller welder, but it will work. Get what you can afford and practice practice..you may find you will be using it more than you think!!!

fleetlines · #8 02-24-2015, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubby102

For a every now and then welder my 90 amp harbor freight special does me just fine. Just dont expect miricals with it. The narrow frame cub frames are pretty much as thick as you wanna weld with it. But it does work

I've read lots of reviews on the 90 amp and most are pleased with it considering price like you. Welding a frame and it holding up would be a huge step up for me now. For the price I'm leaning toward getting this one if I can't do better soon.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam Mac

I'd look for something used on C-list.

I think I'll put a wanted ad up there. Certainly worth a try because I think I'll get something before to long. Thanks for the tip. I'd much rather a Miller or Lincoln. I'm most of an hour from any C-List towns to start with so distance cuts out a lot of what I find listed there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by j4c11

... Throw away the wire that comes with it and get some better wire ... you'll be up to $200 in no time with tax even though the welder is only $90.

I understand they have a new supplier for their wire and it isn't as bad. Just what I read of course. I was thinking about $200 for the 90 amp and $300 for the 170 when I'm done. Thanks for the input.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cubby102

The harbor freight comes with a handheld shield and a cheap brush/hammer if you can get by with that then cool. I went ahead and got the auto dark helmet at the time it was like 30 bucks. Ive made due with the hammer /brush it came with

I was building up a torch set and was just needing the bottles when we were flooded. The guages, torch and hoses filled with mud. Mask and hammer are good but I will get the auto darkening mask. I've played with a buzz box and that seems like a great deal too.

fleetlines · #9 02-24-2015, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve149

Every time I opted for the lesser expensive tool I ended up kicking myself in the butt for not saving and getting what I want/need. You will be pushing the limits of the smaller welder, but it will work. Get what you can afford and practice practice..you may find you will be using it more than you think!!!

I really shouldn't go over $200 but I could do $300 maybe. Maybe. That don't go far at all in the welding world so I don't expect much. I believe I'll be checking C-List closely till the HF tent sale.

j4c11 · #10 02-24-2015, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fleetlines

I understand they have a new supplier for their wire and it isn't as bad. Just what I read of course.

I just bought mine about 3 weeks ago, so it would have to be a really new supplier. The difference in spatter and weld quality is quite large between the included wire and a roll of INETUB wire I bought subsequently. But it works.