110 welder

[1930]

110 welder

Good morning, building a home and only have access to 110.

I am an experienced welder but no experience with flux wire

What relatively inexpensive 110 welder might I find on marketplace that would be best overall bang for the buck?

Light welding to some custom pocket door frames I’ve built.

Don’t want to spend 400 plus.

After that? Who knows

EDIT: I now have AI telling me everything it thinks I need to know.
I no longer have access to human opinions except the few groups that I’m a member of hence my posting this here.
Guys on here are friendly and knowledgeable.
I don’t own a computer either, only cellphone

Thank you for your patience

 

[Lineman North Florida]

110 welder

Good morning, building a home and only have access to 110.

I am an experienced welder but no experience with flux wire

What relatively inexpensive 110 welder might I find on marketplace that would be best overall bang for the buck?

Light welding to some custom pocket door frames I’ve built.

Don’t want to spend 400 plus.

After that? Who knows

EDIT: I now have AI telling me everything it thinks I need to know.
I no longer have access to human opinions except the few groups that I’m a member of hence my posting this here.
Guys on here are friendly and knowledgeable.
I don’t own a computer either, only cellphone

Thank you for your patience

I have a Lincoln 110 that I have had for about 30 years , just used it last week building some cowpen gates and repairing a hay ring and it has never failed me for small stuff, the cleaner the surface that you are welding the better the results with flux core ( less splatter ) IMHO.

 

[2manyrocks]

Wait for a coupon sale and pickup one of the Harbor Freight mig welders plus a helmet, but buy Lincoln flux core wire.

 

[zzvyb6]

I also had the Lincoln 120V welder. Started with flux wire, but was never satisfied with the strength of the welds. Penetration just wasn't there. Splatter was a problem, too, even with Splatter Shield goop. I converted it to flux-less by adding the kit with a gas bottle and the replacement torch that handles it. Changed the breaker to 20 amps.

Works pretty well in that configuration. Short duty cycle both types of wire, but I was pleased with the results after going to gas. Sold it to the neighbor. She uses it to make metal art. Now I use a Miller 221 mig feed that runs both 120V and 240V.

BTW (off topic): I just recently bought a Miller plasma cutter: Now THERE's a handy device for cutting shapes and trimming interferences that competes with oxy-acetylene.

 

[WranglerX]

I have Hobart Handler 140 and its a 120V machine, manual states it can do up to 3/16 thick.... Have welded larger without difficulty.... If you are going with 120V the get the biggest one you can.... Also consider one that is shield gas (GMAW) capable (I use GMAW exclusively) .... Also at issue may be AC supply circuit.... I had to make up a 120V, 30 circuit as the Hobart running fill tilt draws about 24 amps (And yes its legal for welders) ....

Andf there is welding forum on this site....

 

[Suburban Plowboy]

I have a Lincoln MIG, and I also bought a Harbor Freight Titanium multi-process, on the theory that buying more tools is always the right thing to do.

I don't know if you want MIG or stick. Stick welds aren't as cute, but stick will allow you to work on really dirty metal without gas. I find it difficult, however.

I use the Titanium nearly all the time because the torch is not as clunky. The welds seem fine. You can get a Titanium 140-amp right now for $369.

Their MIG wire is very cheap, and I have had no problems with it.

I have read bad things about Harbor Freight's super-cheap Central Machinery welders.

I haven't tried flux wire welding, but you can get their flux machine for $149. If it's as good as the multi-process machine, it should be great.

 

[careyo63]

For quick small welding Harbor Frieght Stick works good with only 110. 1/16 and 3/8 I believe. Far from a professional flux/gas but old school that you can use on an extension chord 110. Had one for decades!

 

[WranglerX]

For quick small welding Harbor Frieght Stick works good with only 110. 1/16 and 3/8 I believe. Far from a professional flux/gas but old school that you can use on an extension chord 110. Had one for decades!

Most 120v welders can, manual for my Hobart Handler states 50 feet if its 12 gauge....

 

[garry1p]

Harbor Freight Titanium Easy Flux is a 120VAC / DC inverter welder $149 on sale portable at 15 lbs.

I have had one about 2 years, check it out mine works great, 20A 120V outlet, check it out on YouTube.

 

[careyo63]

Most 120v welders can, manual for my Hobart Handler states 50 feet if its 12 gauge.... with the 1/16

75' chord Just to the shed it's in then another 50' chord from a 6 plug adapter inside . 1/16 sticks Lincoln 10$ at lowes even. Simple easy to use to.

 

[chim]

My wirefeed machine is a Millermatic 175. It only runs on 240V, but can do both flux core and gas shielded. It has done some remarkable things but the duty cycle hasn't always kept up with me and not being able to weld with 120V available have been a little bit limiting. A few years ago I added a 120V/240V, 200A inverter stick welder and have become very fond of it.

Stick machines are more useful than some would have you believe. Many years ago I built my utility trailer from scratch at the FIL's farm with an old AC tombstone.

 

[stevem5215]

I have the elCheapO Harbor Freight $89 unit that runs on 110v and is Flux core. It welds. That's about it. Sums it up in two words. I've fixed a couple things a year with it. On average my welding time is around 30minutes of playing to get what needs clamped back together. It works and it's cheap. I've had mine (it's the old Blue cabinet looking one) for about 10 years or longer now. I did recently get a Temu elcheapO version in orange too. Haven't had the chance to try it out yet. Figure it'll be about the same kinda welds.

 

[crazyjake8493]

If all I had was 120v available, I'd get one of the Titanium Flux 125 from Harbor Freight. $149 but regularly on sale or with a coupon for $119-129. Get some Lincoln Innershield wire.

I've thought about getting one myself to keep in the truck. It would've really come in handy at work a few times, just carrying that around with a shoulder strap instead of wheeling out the heavy Miller from the shop over uneven ground just for a few quick welds.

 

[California]

There are a lot dual voltage Mig/flux welders on Amazon now for $200 or less. I strongly recommend dual voltage. It has broader application at little increase in price and sooner or later you'll need the added penetration, perhaps for use at a friend's house where there is 240v. Modern small welders are easily portable, no need to just work at home.

This is a market that is rapidly changing. Much better simple welders are now being sold. So long as you buy the 4 year warranty advertised alongside Amazon's price you aren't risking much.

And some of these latest models have dual display, volts and amps. I would buy that today. I bought an Amico 110/220 flux welder a few years ago and it works great, recommended, but I wish its display were more useful.

I wouldn't be afraid to buy a second-tier welder for casual use after studying YouTube reviews and the Amazon reviews.

The quality of flux wire makes a huge difference. There's a lot of junk out there that can frustrate you. Lincoln is good but expensive, 1 lb roll costs more than other's 2 lb rolls. My preference is Inetub from Italy, suggested on here by an experienced welder.

Start a thread in the Welding forum here and you will get unbiased advice. Well except for the folks who wouldn't touch gear that cost under $2k.