Harbor Freight 2409v Arc Tig

paulharvey · Jan 2, 2014

http://m.harborfreight.com/welding/tig-arc-welders/240-volt-inverter-arc-tig-welder-66787.html

Anyone own this welder? I have a $30 gift card and a $89 gift return, and im thinking about buying this welder. I currently have a 50/70 amp CF 110 volt AC welder. It does work but poorly, auto shut off for duty cycle doesn't work so you stop weldig when you smell the leads burning. It will run 3/32 6011 which is all ive ever used, but it seems under powered for it. I know there will be a couple peoople who say save up $500 and buy up or buy everlast-longevity , but I dont see spending that kind of money on what is basically a toy for me, also over 50% of my budget is in HF currency.

So... the TiG toorch and accessories are listed as included and buy seperate on same web page, which is it? (It says collets, cup, and tungstens are included and torch, regulator and of coarse tank are not, why would tungstens be included if torch isnt..)

How much does a gas supplier charge for 120 cf of argon?

This welder is very small and light, does that mean it is more prone to overheating and damage?

My 70 amp welder has about zero complications and when internal wiring cooks i can take cover off and add half an inch of electric tape and roll on; how about the DC inverted weldrrs?

I know that AC TiG is for aluminium But ive seen several people online say that you can scratch start a DC on copper and move too aluminium with it for crude aluminum work.

I keep alot of my tools in a 3 walled shed, out of rain, but it gets very humid here, I wouldnt want to keep a TV or computer in similar conditions, would an inverter be ok in a humid dusty environment or do they need to be stored inside?

I wouldnt be using TiG too start with, and im also wondering how much of an upgrade in Arc welding quality, and ease I would be gaining. Is DC that much better? How about the anti stick and other features.

If this is trash I wouuld rather just hold off or go with out...

paulharvey · Jan 2, 2014

If any one could fix the title I would be thankful. It should be 240v of corase, not 2409....

newbury · Jan 2, 2014

If you go into "Edit" and then "Advanced" you've got a few hours to fix the title.

It seems the main problem with the HF welders are that their cords are to short for being a good boat anchor.

kenmac · Jan 2, 2014

Your $$ spend like you wish. This welder won't be much better if any than the 1 you have. There is a reason it's cheap. Duty cycle will be low and built with cheap parts. If you buy it , use it as much as you can within 30 days, That way when it gives out you can return it

CNC Dan · Jan 2, 2014

Look for a used Lincoln, Hobart or Miller AC/DC stick welder. Much more power, cheap price, reliable.

Arc weld · Jan 3, 2014

Not worth even considering.:thumbdown: Get an Everlast or Longevity inverter for not much more money and have a much better machine. The 90 day warranty should be a BIG red flag!

Shield Arc · Jan 3, 2014

I didn't see a foot pedal with that machine. Not that you need one, but it does make life easier. If it were me I'd buy a Tig rig, flow meter, bottle, and a used buzz box off Craigs list first.
I used this buzz box for years to Tig weld with.

HTP Argon CO2 MIG TIG Flow Meter Regulator Welding Weld | eBay

rankrank1 · Jan 3, 2014

Well it boils down to how much risk you willing to accept? Normally I would no way but since you already have over half the money in HF bucks well then it might be worth a gamble but do realize it is a gamble. HF does usually offer extended warranties for additional monies. I do think this unit would be slightly better than the 115 unit stick machine that you are currently using but that is not really saying much. Assuming it comes with a manual valve tig torch then that part is always worth $50 or so and it could be transferred to another power source if the HF power source craps out.

Likely this HF 230 volt input 130 amp output unit is somewhat similar to the stripped down versions (no dual voltage) of the Longevity 140 and the Everlast 140. While the Longevity and Everlast do carry 5 year warranties which may seem like a good warranty deal on the surface, but is it really? With the Everlast and Longevity warranties you pay the shipping both ways when problems are encountered. In this case likely $70 or so to return it to the importer and then another $70 or so for the importer to return it to you. Who wants to pay $140 or so in shipping on a roughly $200 unit when problems are encountered. Any way you slice it consider it a disposable unit as you will not be able to fix it when something breaks. And something will break. You tell me what is the longest that a desktop computer, or laptop computer has lasted you? If you reach that with a cheapo welder full of ciruitboards then you did good.

If you want the safe bet, buy a used 230 volt AC/DC buzzbox of craigslist (bulletproof). Use your HF bucks on something else. I actually like HF for some things but their welders are not one of them usually.

PS: Try some 5/64 6013 with your current little 115 volt 70 amp crapbox. I have a similar crapbox only 50 amp fixed output. It will burn 5/64" 6013 and 1/16" 7014 and that is it. I actually hate 1/16" diameter rods but ease of 7014 makes them somewhat tolerable. For this little unit I actually prefer the 5/64" 6013. That said, you are pushing your little crap box way too hard if you are melting smoking wires. The 115 volt stick welders are not really made for building large projects as they have way low duty cycle. Consider it more a quick repair type unit and you will have better luck with it as they can easily handle a quick repair assuming repair is within their amp capabilities. Course I also have a Miller Thunderbolt AC225/DC150 buzzbox so my little 50 amp crapbox rarely gets used but I do use it for giggles occasionally.

Mark @ Everlast · Jan 3, 2014

Actually,
Everlast pays shipping both ways in the first 30 days if anything happens. The most likely time for these type electronics to fail is either right out of the box or soon after. Yes, you pay shipping after that. But the 200 amp units cost very little to ship, usually, not half that depending on where you live. I've shipped things coast to coast via US mail, heavier and bigger, insured with tracking for 45.00 for units costing 4 times that much and weighing more.

This unit is not made in the same factory or is a version of the Everlast 140 period. No similar design, not even close, never was, never will be. This unit is likely a Mosfet design.

paulharvey · Jan 3, 2014

I looked at the Longevity-Everlast 140s and was surprised they where not that much more than the Chicago Electric one. I saw one (not sure which) was listed at $250 including TiG torch. Im sure shipping is extra... and the 5 year warranties sound rather cumbersome to use. Im currently lean towards neither and getting new electrode holder and leads for the 70 amp.... or maybe ill just randomly stop by and just by the HF.... wonder how much the 2 yr warranty costs...

The point that over heats is the cheesy copper cripped coupler that hoods copper leads to the aluminium windings. Ive had to recrimp multiple times and retape them. No quick connects, would soldering in addition to crimping improve the quality if connection? Would upgrading the 14 ga plug to 12 ga or 10 ga help any? Heavier leads? I dont want to drop more than maybe another $25/30 into this welder knowing that it no matter what it wont actually meet my demands fully.