New Welder!!

[RPW]

I have purchased several welders over the last several years from a low end HF 120A wire feed a lincoln MP140, Miller econotig and a Miller bobcat 225nt. And for the most part I have been using the HF unit the most. What matters most IMO is the wire. The best wire I've used is the Lincoln flux then the hobart and then last is the HF wire. The hobart wire welds well but has a fair amount of splatter. The HF wire is nothing but trash IMO. My welding is mostly outside also. I have found that I have a wide variety of welding tasks so that's my reason for many machines. Like hand tools the right tool for the job at hand. I think you made a good purchase and if you find you need something better at a later time go for it. One of the next things I want to get is a spool gun for aluminum.

Good luck

 

[forgeblast]

Is there a particular model of lincoln flux i went to Browser Level Verification
to see what they have and they have a ton listed.
thanks
the link says browser level verification but it links to my lincoln electric .com

 

[RPW]

For GP welding (mild steel) I've found that .030 works very well and it's whatever is on the shelf. There are a ton of different variations but for common use I've found the NP-21 (I think as I'm not where I can look at the wire) is what I use.

Good luck.

 

[forgeblast]

Thank you, I went with the .030 also, Ill check out the lincoln one too. Appreciate it.

 

[Shield Arc]

I like Hobart's 21-B, has a lot of yield to it.

But then again Lincoln's NR-212 is nice too. :laughing:

 

[Interlaux]

Although Flux core leaves more clean-up , being able to weld outside in the wind or ???? , it is awesome .

both in the mud trying to block the wind just to fix something that a DS broke .

Although I dont know the brand , thinking that you will really like your new toy .

Yep everyone needs one of these 120V flux wire feeds. Great place to start and never loses its utility. We have an old "farmhand 125" from TSC bought in '02 when they phased out the brand. Built lots of stuff with it. Take the time to get your set up right and its like a super hot glue gun:laughing:
Keep your new/spare roll of wire in the house so it stays dry.

 

[forgeblast]

I was able to get out and do some welding today. Set up was very easy, two screws for a handle, and the 10lb spool adapter was already in place, so it was just feeding the wire into the handle.
I am still working on getting the wire feed vs voltage right. I have been just running beads on an old shovel(doesnt have a wooden handle so i can ground it easy and i can flip it to see what kind of depth i am getting on the weld.) first starting out i burnt through a couple of times, and then went too close and got the wire stuck in the opening. after that i stayed back a bit and practiced push and pull welding. All in all im very happy with its preformance. Once i build something ill post some pics. thanks all.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Flux core doesn/t work real well on thin materials like a shovel. It will over penetrate. You will have problems on metal this thin, especially as a novice.

 

[forgeblast]

Thank you, Ill have to get a thicker piece of metal to run beads on.

 

[gabeancounter]

Any updates on your opinion with this welder? Thanks