Harbor Freight 170 Mig

[eastexan]

I noticed that Harbor Freight is offering its new line of mig welders, the 170 & 180 on sale at a really good price. The 170 is on sale for $199 and with a coupon it's $179. The regular price shows to be $299.

I noticed that the 170 has a different current adjustment than others have. Instead of using a dial, it has 4 switch adjustments. I don't know if that would be a negative or not.

I have a Hobart 125, but there are times I could use a more powerful 220 volt mig for thicker things. I mostly use my Miller and Lincoln stick machines.
I wasn't planning on buying a 220v mig, because I probably wouldn't be using one a lot. But with the price so low, I might go ahead and get it. And probably get the extended warranty.
I understand, of course, that they aren't near the quality of the American made ones, but still may be well worth the low price for the retired novice.

Does anyone have an opinion on these? What are your thoughts?
170 Amp MIG/Flux Wire Welder

[Shield Arc]

I just don't know about this type of Mig machine. I'd have to run one hard for a few days. Just too many things to go wrong with a Mig machine!
But then again I paid more for my Tweco model 2 and model 4 Mig guns.

[Sublifer]

I just don't know about this type of Mig machine. I'd have to run one hard for a few days. Just too many things to go wrong with a Mig machine!
But then again I paid more for my Tweco model 2 and model 4 Mig guns.

20% duty cycle at 110 amps won't really allow anyone to work it very hard...

I've got a 90amp HF FC mig and it served as a cheap entry into welding but now that I have a better welder I would never buy one of these 170/180 mig welders. I might consider that 80 amp stick welder for portability but the low duty cycle on that might make me buy something better.

[rcowan]

Depends on what and how much you plan on welding.

RC

[undercut]

Harbor Freight has a number of new welders advertised now. Are there more people entering the welding scene or is HF just trying to gain a bigger share of the market?