Welder?

Allenm301

New member
I need to buy a welder to do some patch work on my car. I found one from Harbor Freight that I was thinking about getting. It is a 170 amp-dc, 240 volt, mig/flux cored welder. I won't be using it a lot, just to do some patch work. I'm a beginner with this stuff so I am wondering if this will be suitable for me? If not, what should I buy? I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for something that won't be used all the time. Thanks!
 

Sifu

New member
As long as you can attach gas to the MIG then you should be able to do it. Smaller welders work easier for thin metals as well.
 

Allenm301

New member
Sifu":25l5f75y said:
As long as you can attach gas to the MIG then you should be able to do it. Smaller welders work easier for thin metals as well.
So I should only get it if I can hook gas up to it? What does the gas do, why should you have it?
 

Sifu

New member
The gas is used to shield the arc and improve the weld and reduce slag (poorly penetrating welds or splatter). You will get splatter even with gas but more from stick welding with no gas. A small gas tank is usually another $60 to $120 but highly recommended for clean welds.
*Edit*
I purchased a smaller Hobart 140 MIG from Northern Tool around $900 total (accessories, different wire, safety, extinguisher, tools, etc).
 

RedCelicaTRD

Moderator
Where the welder in question is flux core and from Harbor Freight I doubt you can hook gas up to it. A welder using a shielding gas to shield the molten metal from contaminates in the atmosphere. This helps create a strong weld. Flux core creates its own shielding gas by melting the flux that is in the welding wire. Flux core is useful for welding at weird angles or outdoors where wind can blow away shielding gas, but usually creates slag deposits that need to be removed. A solid wire welder will usually create a better looking weld that is ready to paint.

I would recommend finding a used Miller or Lincoln solid core welder on Craigslist over a flux core from Harbor Freight. I've seen the Harbor Freight welder used before and it isn't worth the low price in my opinion.
 

___Scott___

Active member
I did a lot of reading online reviews and advice on lots of different websites before choosing this one:

http://store.cyberweld.com/hoha190migwe1.html

For thin sheet metal, you are going to want a spool of 0.023" wire, and the welder above does not come with the correct drive roll for wire that small so the wire won't feed properly. I had to order a drive roll for that wire. After that, it has been a nice welder to use. I don't use it a lot, but I'm happy with it.
 

zero06

New member
I have a small Lincoln mig it works fairly well if you know what you are doing. You want a 75/25 argon co2 mix for best results
 
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