HFT ac/dc welder

[kossetx]

I need an oppinion. I have a lincoln ac machine but have always wanted a dc machine. Has anyone used the arc welders from Harbor Freight and have any oppinions of them? I buy some things from them and some aren't. I usually avoid their electrical equipment though. They have a 230amp ac/dc arc welder on sale right now for 129.00. That's just cheap. I only weld maybe 10 hrs a year so the price is right for amount of useage. any opinions on thier welders? Thanks in advance.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

I'd go to the Hobart Forum and ask. From what I've "heard" (means I have'nt run a bead with one), you'll get what you pay for. $129 won't even buy one of the cables on my Miller Trailblazer. If I was you, I'd throw another couple hundred with it and get a decent brand name unit (preferablly a 220 volt vs a 110). THEN, get a good auto darkening helmet. BobG in VA

 

[Soundguy]

Hmm.. hard one. Generally you can get a CH for 220 and a hobart for 230-240 and a lincoln for 250 .. ac machines. Jump to 320 and a hobart 230/160 ac dc machine.

Still.. for limited welding.. 129 is way cheap... makes ya have to think about it..

Soundguy

 

[MadReferee]

Cheap usually equals low duty cycle, about 10% or so, usually due to poor quality windings in the transformer. Pay the extra and get something that will last for more than one project. You always get what you pay for. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[slowrev]

You don't always get what you pay for. I bought a HF autodark hood, Hobart had EXACTLY the same item for $75 more. Part number on auto module was even the same, just different sticker on the outside. Expensive sticker I guess.
Ben

 

[kossetx]

See, here is the problem. I already have an ac machine. It's not worth the cost to buy another "name brand" machine as I will just keep using the one that I have for the amount of use it gets. I was wondering if anyone had a HFT arc welder and could give me an opinion of it's quality, or lack there of.

 

[Soundguy]

What's the part number.. I looked for it and couldn't find it?

Soundguy

 

[Gumby6]

Kosetx,

I bought that exact unit last month. Like you, I have limited need for it, but the price was right. I generally do all my welding with my MIG machine. But there are times I need the extra depth when welding 1/4 plate or thicker. The DC option comes in handy at these times.

Keep in mind that due to the AMP ratings on this unit you will be wanting to use 3/32 rods MAX. Not always readily available at your local supply as they generally deal in the larger sticks.

The duty cycle is low at the higher amperages, but keeping to the thinner sticks will help.

All in all I believe I made a good purchase. I used an additional 20% off (any single item) coupon. Making my cost $ 103 plus the governments levy. I can drop that at dinner with the wife. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

If I find myself leaning toward the stick welding more often, I will cross the longevity issue at that time...but then it would be easier to justify the higher priced units also.

On a side note - and no high-jacking intended...

The 30 AMP Plasma Cutter at Harbor Freight comes highly recommended by my brother...a DIYer of the nth degree when it comes to cutting and welding of auto frames and the like. He is more than pleased although he suggests getting the extended warranty as the low price affords that luxury. His first unit arrived dead in the box and they exchanged it without question. Have the local store match the online price, apply the 20% coupon and you can get that puppy for $415.00 before extended warranty. It's on my list of wants. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[kossetx]

soundguy, looks like 44568, but I need reading glasses. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[kossetx]

I was wrong, it's 230v, 130A AC, 200A DC, 119.00 FYI

 

[Soundguy]

Is that price an only in store price? I see it online and it is 179$. I see what you mean.. duty cycle on the dc is 15% at 100a.. so i guess something like 7.5% on 200a.

Funny to see a unit with more dc amps than ac amps. Most of the big name units are 225a ac and 160 dc.. etc..

Soundguy

 

[jimgerken]

Soundguy, good catch on that AC/DC rating. It may be printed backwards. The same transformer output is either fed directly to the welding leads for AC, or rectified and then fed out for DC. The rectification drops the voltage, hence the lower current. I bet its posted incorrectly.
In fact Kossetx, if you simply rectified your old Lincoln output with a large stud-mount diode, you'd have a DC output. Four diodes would be smoother yet, allowing a bridge configuration.

 

[kossetx]

Jim, You're above my head on that. Can you explain farther? MP

 

[Soundguy]

Most common way to get dc from ac source is to rectify it... diodes are the components that do this. A single diode providing rectification is termed 'half wave'.. and looks like half an ac sine waveform. full wave rectification is much smoother.. near steady state dc... requires 4 diodes if using a non centertapped secondary ont he transformer, or 2 diodes if using a secondary that is center tapped.

Soundguy

 

[Hydraman]

Another point is that once you start welding with a dc rig, ya probably will not spend much time with the ac unit again. Don

 

[Soundguy]

I'd say that is a subjective response there.

I've weldedon a big mig, and on ac/dc stick machines.. and also just ac machines. .. I only have an ac machine myself.. but have access to the big mig and ac/dc stick any time I want at work.... I find the ac stick I have at home fine.

More options do not always obsolete 'older' options... that's more of a personal preference kind of thing, IMHO.

Soundguy

 

[Hydraman]

All that being said, I have a good ac machine, and I have a good ac/dc machine. Guess which one gets used.