Harbor Freight FCAW welder

[dragoneggs]

I disagree. I use both. When FC is dialed in just right the spatter isn't bad. I use FC for most of my dirty repairs and outside welding. I use gas when I'm dabbing fresh steel in the shop. I actually probably use FC about 60% of the time. Here are some pics from a recent project where I added a weight to my box blade. Flux core wire was Lincoln NR-212 .045.View attachment 649084View attachment 649085

No argument... I am working with fresh steel or well grinded/cleaned in my shop 99% of the time. I just don't have the same dirty/outdoor requirements as you. :thumbsup:

 

[yomax4]

Flux core comes in more than 1 type and can be good or bad depending on manufacturer. Some is like 6011 and some is fair. For best results I would suggest E71T-11 as opposed to E71TGS. Big difference especially when doing multi pass. I still don't like it but it's there just in case.

 

[theg]

Sometimes you can use multiple passes. Not talking about critical or life safety welding. But on my box blade all I had access to at the time was flux core. Little time in prep and multi passes it is doing well years later.

 

[BufordBoone]

Flux core comes in more than 1 type and can be good or bad depending on manufacturer. Some is like 6011 and some is fair. For best results I would suggest E71T-11 as opposed to E71TGS. Big difference especially when doing multi pass. I still don't like it but it's there just in case.

I wondered if LINCOLN - INNERSHIELD NR-211 is the same or similar to E71T-11. I did a bit of research and believe it is. Lincoln Electric AWS E71T-11 Innershield NR-211-MP

If I'm wrong, I hope someone will chime in.

BTW, I've decided there is a place for this type of welding and am very pleased I bought the Harbor Freight Titanium flux core welder. I was able to reinforce a lock box on my gate using it. Main goal was to install a piece of rebar to prevent a bolt cutter from reaching the lock. Used a small generator to run the welder (had a thread on it on this forum) and it worked very well.

I spent less on the machine than I would have spent to get a pro down or even to rent a large generator. Now I have a tool for light repairs.

 

[yomax4]

I wondered if LINCOLN - INNERSHIELD NR-211 is the same or similar to E71T-11. I did a bit of research and believe it is. Lincoln Electric AWS E71T-11 Innershield NR-211-MP

If I'm wrong, I hope someone will chime in.

BTW, I've decided there is a place for this type of welding and am very pleased I bought the Harbor Freight Titanium flux core welder. I was able to reinforce a lock box on my gate using it. Main goal was to install a piece of rebar to prevent a bolt cutter from reaching the lock. Used a small generator to run the welder (had a thread on it on this forum) and it worked very well.

I spent less on the machine than I would have spent to get a pro down or even to rent a large generator. Now I have a tool for light repairs.

NR211 is 71T-11. You are correct.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The Titanium from HF came with a spool of wire and I am using that up. I have heard that HF FCAW wire is crap so next time I go to my LWS, I will pick up a spool of E71T-11 and see if it runs smoother.
I really like the ability to weld thin sheet metal with the little wire feed welder. I am surprised by how much I am using it lately. I think I may get a bottle of 75/25 and try my little MIG machine also.

I also want to pick up one of the little welding carts from HF to mount it all on. May even modify it a bit so it will hold both machines and the extras that go with them.

 

[Gary Fowler]

The Titanium from HF came with a spool of wire and I am using that up. I have heard that HF FCAW wire is crap so next time I go to my LWS, I will pick up a spool of E71T-11 and see if it runs smoother.
I really like the ability to weld thin sheet metal with the little wire feed welder. I am surprised by how much I am using it lately. I think I may get a bottle of 75/25 and try my little MIG machine also.

I also want to pick up one of the little welding carts from HF to mount it all on. May even modify it a bit so it will hold both machines and the extras that go with them.

 

[Buggs67]

Interesting tread.

I want to get a welder for light duty stuff. I've never welded before but I am tired of imposing on my neighbor friends and BIL (who is 40 min away) for simple repairs and fabrication. I was considering this same welder and also the HF stick welders. From what I've read the inverter technology is better; not sure it's true.

I realize I'm not giving much to go on but I'm not sure what all I'll be doing.

Any advice and feedback is appreciated.

 

[radios1]

be sure to get one with a working fan!. I bought the 70 amp inverter welder from Harbor Freight, and had to replace the fan because it was mechanically broken!..

 

[WranglerX]

Interesting tread.

I want to get a welder for light duty stuff. I've never welded before but I am tired of imposing on my neighbor friends and BIL (who is 40 min away) for simple repairs and fabrication. I was considering this same welder and also the HF stick welders. From what I've read the inverter technology is better; not sure it's true.

I realize I'm not giving much to go on but I'm not sure what all I'll be doing.

Any advice and feedback is appreciated.

Suggest you think of a little bit better machine, at least one the can do GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Weld ) which is solid wire and shield gas and can also do FCAW (Flux Core Arc Weld) which is flux cored (hollow) wire..... That way you can have best of both worlds.....

If you are not educated on "wire welding" (MIG) then suggest you go to link below and do a bit of looking....

Welding Tips and Tricks - TIG, MIG, Stick and a pantload of other info

Jody also has some very good YouTube videos....

Personally I when with Hobart Handler 140 which is top end 120 VAC MIG ..... Knowing what I know now and what I did not know at time of purchase (7 years ago) I would give serious consideration to a 240VAC machine as projects seem to get bigger and bigger....

And for those who argue "stick' welding, I gave up stick for MIG....Would not go back to stick ...Ever....

Dale