Harbor Freight FCAW welder

[fried1765]

I want to try flux core as i have to weld outside.
What size machine do I need to weld 1/8" to 1/4"
Have anybody bought a cheap machine of ebay? Like this one Mig Welder Welding Machine 27A MIG MMA TIG 3 In 1Welder Combo 11V/22V | eBay
Maybe i should just wait and buy the Everlast I mig 200

I think your Everlast idea is a GOOD one!
They seem to have a good reputation.
I have a Hobart Handler (transformer) 190 Amp Mig (220V) ....a tried & true style machine.

I would definitely stay away from the el-cheapo stuff, unless you want to buy TWO welders!

 

[WranglerX]

a rechargeable battery can go dead at the wrong moment too, and will take a while to charge, perhaps that's why they only use replaceable batteries, because it's faster to replace a battery than recharge it..

That can happen with any battery, what is the issue other than "Oh S#!+"...

My AD helmet with replaceable batteries has a "Battery Test Button", if other helmets has/had same feature the should not be a problem...

Dale

 

[WranglerX]

I want to try flux core as i have to weld outside.
What size machine do I need to weld 1/8" to 1/4"
Have anybody bought a cheap machine of ebay? Like this one Mig Welder Welding Machine 27A MIG MMA TIG 3 In 1Welder Combo 11V/22V | eBay
Maybe i should just wait and buy the Everlast I mig 200

If you are planning on a lot of 1/4 inch work, go top end 120V, 140 amp (or so) minimum..... I have Hobart Handler 140 and in the 7 years I have had it, its been a great machine, but at times it is a little small when it comes to big material...

Handler(R) 14 MIG Welder | HobartWelders

At time's I almost wish I have gotten the Handler 210MPV...

Handler(R) 21 MVP™ MIG Welder | HobartWelders

Becasue welding project seem to get bigger and bigger....

So a bit of shopping around, the are some real deals out there

Dale

 

[DXN1EL]

Thanks guys
Think i am going to wait untill Christmas to get myself a Hobart Ironman 240, it looks like Millermatic 252 without digital readout.

 

[fried1765]

If you are planning on a lot of 1/4 inch work, go top end 120V, 140 amp (or so) minimum..... I have Hobart Handler 140 and in the 7 years I have had it, its been a great machine, but at times it is a little small when it comes to big material...

Handler(R) 14 MIG Welder | HobartWelders

At time's I almost wish I have gotten the Handler 210MPV...

Handler(R) 21 MVP™ MIG Welder | HobartWelders

Becasue welding project seem to get bigger and bigger....

So a bit of shopping around, the are some real deals out there

Dale

In early 2019, I bought a NEW Hobart Handler 190 on E-bay, with the Aluminum spool gun.
I then immediately sold the spool gun, because I knew I would never use it.
My net cost, for the NEW in box, Hobart Handler 190 (220V) then became $444.
That was a GREAT deal!
There are welder deals to be found.

 

[fried1765]

Thanks guys
Think i am going to wait untill Christmas to get myself a Hobart Ironman 240, it looks like Millermatic 252 without digital readout.View attachment 684076

Miller owns Hobart!

 

[WranglerX]

Miller owns Hobart!

Not really..... Miller and Hobart are owned by Illinois Tool Works, Though they do share some facilities and parts and manufacturing supplies the are separate companies under ITW...

Dale

 

[DXN1EL]

I was checking marketace. The guys that resale returned stuff from Harbor Freight, Lowes, Home depot etc. Have some welders

The Lincoln Weldpak 180HD new with the plastic wrap and the leads still zip tied they sell it for $450
Is this thing a good welder? Would this thing weld 1/4"?

I'll ask about the Harbor Freight ones.

 

[fried1765]

I was checking marketace. The guys that resale returned stuff from Harbor Freight, Lowes, Home depot etc. Have some welders

The Lincoln Weldpak 180HD new with the plastic wrap and the leads still zip tied they sell it for $450
Is this thing a good welder? Would this thing weld 1/4"?

I'll ask about the Harbor Freight ones.

The Lincoln Weldpak 180HD is reported to be a decent low cost unit.
The Lincoln will weld 1/4" .
I would absolutely steer clear of the cheapo HF welders.
Some claim that the HF "Vulcan" welders are good, but they are not cheap.

 

[user.69169]

I was checking marketace. The guys that resale returned stuff from Harbor Freight, Lowes, Home depot etc. Have some welders

The Lincoln Weldpak 180HD new with the plastic wrap and the leads still zip tied they sell it for $450
Is this thing a good welder? Would this thing weld 1/4"?

I'll ask about the Harbor Freight ones.

180 is homeowner version of de 175 machine. I got no idea how Linclon play wid der numbers probably some skirt in sales make dem up.
175 is a rock solid machine, nice lightweight gun & flexible cable. Will weld 1/4 but dats top end for sure wid Co2. Machine likes Co2 because it cools tips & nozzle. Sweet arc dat blows HoFart away in dis class of machine. Switch & 2 knobs, no entertainment center on board for cell dwellers. Only drawback heavy but easy to build cart under wid 4 casters.