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CHEAP welder. - now with welding advice!

ashman

ashman

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sorry, I know the welder question has been done to death, but I'm looking for way low cost here.

I haven't done any welding since high school (pushing 20 years ago now :doah:), but I want to get back into it. after some much needed practice, I'll probably want to weld sheet metal, and fab up some small stuff around the house/garage.

if I decide I enjoy doing it, and can eventually produce decent welds, I may opt for a better unit, but for now, I'm just looking at cheap.

I was down at harbor freight yesterday and they have several mig/flux welders in the $100-$200 range. any of those worth my time?
http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/mig-flux-welders.html

if so, which one? what should I be looking for that is a must have, vs. nice to have?
 
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I have the hobart 140 and with c25 argon mix and .024 wire it does sheet metal pretty nice. I would not attempt to do alot of sheet work with flux wire fyi. Only thing i would like is if it had the "infinate" amperage adjusting dial, instead of the 1,2,3,4 step dial. Just for more precise, but i would doubt if any 100-200 dollar welder would have that. I love my welder though and with argon its sweet. But more of the $400+ range and more with gas cylinder. I would save for a better unit cuz you will prolly end up wanting one. Or search craigslist for a deal.
 
well, from the sounds of that review, I'd have to be real careful not to break the damn thing. :( a couple of the follow on comments made it seem like it would be a reasonable starter welder as long as I bought the warranty to go with it.

I did check out several pawn shops yesterday, and there were plenty of welders, but not knowing what I'm looking for, I couldn't tell whether they were in decent shape, had the right features, or if they were priced decent. /sigh
 
I wouldnt mess with pawn shops. Not only will they treat there stuff like gold, but they arent selling it for its value like someone on cl would be for a used one. You really will get what you pay for with welders. The bigger the machine, normally the more it can weld on both ends of the spectrum (thickee to thinner metal)
 
http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html

This is the one I bought, found it on sale with free shipping for $300

So far Ive put 3 2lb spools of flux core wire and a 10lb spool of .030 mig wire through it and welded everything from 1/4" steel plate to 26ga sheet metal with no problems over the last 6 months. I used it to do all of the welding on my roll cage/tube work on my truggy also.

My dad also has a hobart 140 that Ive used and as far as I can tell mine is of equal quality. My dad is an experienced welder and was supprised at the quality of my "cheap" welder. If you are an occasional welder or just do your own projects I highly recommend it.
 
@big dan: that looks like we're getting close to my price range. maybe I'll see if I can find that baby used or something.

@dueling: yeah, I'm pretty sure I'm not going to find any real deals in a pawn shop. I'll just keep checking ksl and CL.
 
You can never go wrong with Hobart / Miller. I have a Hobart Handler180 I got at tractor supply about 6 years ago and it still works great!
 
ashman said:
well, from the sounds of that review, I'd have to be real careful not to break the damn thing. :( a couple of the follow on comments made it seem like it would be a reasonable starter welder as long as I bought the warranty to go with it.

I did check out several pawn shops yesterday, and there were plenty of welders, but not knowing what I'm looking for, I couldn't tell whether they were in decent shape, had the right features, or if they were priced decent. /sigh
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Well I don't know he kinda sounds like a professional welder that likes his welding tools a certain way. You are after all paying for a $200 welder here lets be realistic. If it puts down a solid weld you should be happy. And by that he appears to be able to do that.

I also have this welder and have welded a few things with it. I'm in no way a professional welder and my welds look no where near his welds. But I was able to weld my muffler on without a problem. I haven't had a problem with the thing.
 
I say keep an eye on KSL or RME for a good used Miller, Lincoln or Hobart for a good price.
I have a Miller 251 at home and a 150 Hobart handler at work and there is no comparison between the two, but the 150 is really no slouch either. A 150 like mine used would probably only go for a couple hundred bucks used and would do most anything you want for a long time. I've had my 150 handler since the mid 90s.
 
nsxxtreme;3043297 I also have this welder and have welded a few things with it. I'm in no way a professional welder and my welds look no where near his welds. But I was able to weld my muffler on without a problem. I haven't had a problem with the thing.[/quote said:
cool, thanks. always good to hear from someone that actually owns what I'm looking at.

still looking, so keep the replies coming if you have more to add.
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If you can find a Hobart, I've had great luck with their machines. I also have a Chinese longevity welder, not a bad multifunction for the price either FWIW.

It's about the season for folks to unload old stuff after Christmas :)
 
I just bought this from Harbor Freight. 90 amp flux wire welder.
I used it to do some basic frame repairs on my K5. Worked good. Not too expensive. If you have a subsciption to Petersons 4x4 magazines (any) there's a coupon in there where you can buy this welder for $89.99.
Cant get much cheaper than that. good luck and have fun.
 
ended up going with the eastwood 135 that big dan recommended.
any suggestions on the bottle? what size? lease or buy? how much is a good price, ect...?
 
ashman said:
ended up going with the eastwood 135 that big dan recommended.
any suggestions on the bottle? what size? lease or buy? how much is a good price, ect...?
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this is where I'm leaching on :thumb:

I'm practicing my welds on scrape right now, don't really have a project yet :whistle: I'm looking to give gas a try. Right now I'm running .035 flux, playing with voltages and speeds.
 
K85 Octane said:
this is where I'm leaching on :thumb:

I'm practicing my welds on scrape right now, don't really have a project yet :whistle: I'm looking to give gas a try. Right now I'm running .035 flux, playing with voltages and speeds.
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You cant think of a project? Make a welding cart! That should be everyones first project lol.
 
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