My welder.

[Babaganoosh]

Can anybody tell me if this thing is worth a darn? My Dad just say it works and thats pretty much it. We have had it for about 5 years and it only has about 20 mins on it. Best of all we only payed 100 bucks for it.

I guess my question is, could this thing like do bumpers and cages? I can't do that now but would like to learn.

http://www.toolsdirect.com/index.cfm/page/product:display/productId/WG2060/manufacturer/Campbell%20Hausfeld/categoryId/251

 

[mini_mull]

Wish I could tell you. I've been doing some research lately as I'm in the market for a welder soon. Some guys act like you can't do anything with a welder that runs on 110, but others have built their whole rigs with one. As far as the one you've got, I haven't seen any thread on that one in particular to point you to, but if you look up the specs it welds up to 3/16". Find out what welders that have been dicussed have the same specs and you'll have your answer. Plus I'm sure someone will chime in soon, just didn't want you to get lonely in here.

 

[Babaganoosh]

thats true, thanks for the advice. I have no idea where to start with a welder. Im hoping to get to know them and practice welding.

oh and by the way, its not a mig.

 

[mini_mull]

It can be. You just need the gauge set up and shielding gas. At least that's what it looks like the one you gave the link to needs.

 

[Babaganoosh]

I wrote down the number wrong. It's to late to go out to the garage. Knowing my luck you would hear this big crash bang boom sound.

 

[mini_mull]

Bummer. Post it up tomorrow.

 

[Babaganoosh]

will do.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Ok, here is the correct one

http://www.amazon.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-Factory-Reconditioned-Flux-Core-RBWF200000/dp/B000ITQDHC/ref=sr_1_3/104-8463985-4881514?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1191283597&sr=1-3
not much info looking for more right now.

 

[runamok151]

3/16" should be pretty good for most tube you'd use for a bumper. most of the thicker stuff you'd use is only going to be .120 wall thickness. plus it doesn't say anything about hooking up gas so you're probably stuck with flux core wire. it's not too bad to use. leaves a powery residue that has to be brushed off (buy a cheap $20 4" grinder and put a wire wheel on it for cleanup). nothing nearly as bad as the slag left from stick welding. you would also want to stick w/ .035 wire.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Thanks runamok. I take it this welder is only good for bumpers and stuff but not something serious like a cage?

 

[79BRUISER]

I can tell you from personal experience that I would much rather use a mig than flux cored. I have used a 110v mig for years with no problems. Multiple passes and proper beveling of thicker metal will work fine.

Flux core sux all around IMHO.

Buy what you can afford and when your ready to upgrade sell the one you have.

Bruiser

 

[noahrob]

I have a Lincoln SP135 and it is great for little projects, but does not make enough heat for thicker metals, like my bumper (3/8 plate) or tabs to the axle tube that will be under a lot of stress...Flux core can dump in more heat, but is not as easy to make nice welds...

 

[nad]

I'm using a Craftsman about that size that uses only flux core wire. It's working good so far for stuff like sheet metal to patch my floor. But it's picky about how clean the metal is. The worst part about it is that I have very little control over my heat and voltage.

 

[runamok151]

Thanks runamok. I take it this welder is only good for bumpers and stuff but not something serious like a cage?

i've only been involved in building 1 cage, helped a friend with an exo on his truck last year. he used all 2" dom .120 wall tube. even the frame is less than 1/4" thick so i don't see why these welders couldn't do it. the only limit might be welding on some thick shackle tabs. maybe someone with more experience can add their experiences.

 

[BlazerBud]

I might be old school, but I prefer stick welding for the heavy stuff. I remember you used to be able to buy a 225 AMP AC lincoln for $200, and the AC/DC version for $350-$400. At least with me, I can get full penetration without burning through using stick. I really have a hard time getting even welds with flux core or mig, The bead is always too shallow or too much on one piece of metal and not the other.