Welder

[72 Cheyenne402]

Is this welder any good for $119.00.

http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...o?itemid=44567


http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/...pe=RET&simple=

[ChevyDude]

Nope .... , LOL.... but a Miller 175 sure is. In all seriousness, it's my opinion you can scrimp in some areas and then there are some that you really can't. I wouldn't buy a discount welder just cause it's a hundred bucks and change. The Miller will a great job for years and years!

JMHO

Alex

[72 Cheyenne402]

How about this one?

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS...4+3966&pos=n24

Lincoln Mig welder

[72 Cheyenne402]

Wat is the best welder I can get for about 250.00. I plan to use it just for patch pannels and light duty?

[ChevyDude]

You'll have to get some of the welding pro's of the board to chime in, I'm sure they will help you.

[cdowns]

from what i've seen cheap crappy welders are good for cheap crappy welds

[72 Cheyenne402]

I really do not want a cheep welder but my funds are limited. So I am looking for the best bang for the buck.

[seanu]

I think as long as you stick to Lincoln, Miller or Hobart (which I think is made by Miller anyway)..you'll be ok.

I have a small Lincoln (mig-pak 100) that I got from Homedepot like 8 years ago..and it still runs like new! I think it was $299 or just over $300...they have the Weld-Pak 100 for $339. That would be a nice welder for patch panels and light metal repairs. But I would recommend converting it to gas...for better welds and it's easier on the thinner metals.

[72 Cheyenne402]

how about this one

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

[seanu]

I wouldn't get that one...if you look at the entry level welders for Lincoln, Miller or Hobart...your only going to spend maybe $75-$100 more..and you'll get a much better welder.

That Sears one looks to only have an adjustment for speed, and most likely you can't convert it to gas...

[faribran]

... like these guys are telling you.... dont go "cheap" on a welder....be sure to get gas shielding

[72 Cheyenne402]

I called the local welding shop the Lincoln 135 is what they recomended but the cost was thice my budget. Harbor freight is off, but I still have to find a machine within my price range. I'm thinking about stopping by Home Depot and see what they have

[AesC10s]

well i just spent $1200 on a millermatic 210 i am very pleased wit it. MILLER ALL THE WAY!! dont get a cheapy, and if u have to just save up some money and get a better welder. saving up for a better 1 will be better in the long run man.

[1972C10]

Hobart Handler 125 will work I have the 135 but with gas kit its almost 400 if not a shade more ?

Like already said cheap welders = Cheap Results. I ran mine on flux for years then got a 180 dollar gas bottle and regretted not doing it from the start. I got a 125Cf bottle You could use a small 40 cf or not use gas at all but the welds wont be near as clean.

[72 Cheyenne402]

I know you guys are right I plan on getting a Lincoln 135 or 175. I may try and find a quality Craftsman made by Centry or Lincoln.

[BigMike]

I bought my Lincoln 135 (Nascar version) at the big Pomona Car Show/ Swap Meet for $330. Cost another $135 for an 85 ci tank. The welder came with the kit to accept Argon Gas. I have welded in the "C" Notch in my frame with no problems and fixed my rockers and filled the chrome holes with it, it is very versitile. A buddy of mine has a cheap Harbor Freight Mig and it is the worst. If it does not jam up, it binds the wire insde at the roller and makes a freaking mess.

I would not scrimp on quality unless you only expect to use it just a few times. And if you only use it a couple times, just go rent one for the day and don't worry about buying one.

My $.02

Mike

[seanu]

You don't have to break your bank to get a fairly decent welder....unless your planning on welding frames up, you can do just fine with a 100, 125 or 135 series welder...and in the $300-$400 price range.

Most of them come standard as flux core, and you can add the gas when you have the extra money...that's what I did. I used my Lincoln with flux for years before I bought the gas kit ($99) and a bottle ($140).

[Brainchild]

I have This Lincoln fluxcore welder.I have used it nearly 2 years without a problem,and no complaints.Welded my mufflers on today with it,and use it nearly everyday for something.It was a good buy and just over $200 at Lowes.

I would stick with a name brand too,maybe the pawnshop would be a good place to get a nice welder for cheap.Just an idea.

[RicksTrucks]

Would this be the best spent $500?

Lincoln Electric
Weld Pak 3200HD Wire Feed Welder
Model K2190-1
Price: $459.00/ea

[samwise68]

i have a little Lincoln 110V from Home Depot. bought it for...150? i think? regardless, it's only fluxcore. and the other guys are right, sheilding gas will obviousley make a better and cleaner weld. but i've yet to have any problems with it while welding on my cab, more fenders, my doors...i've run about 10 pounds of wire through it without a glitch. and, thats alot of sheetmetal welding. granted, there are burn throughs, and ugly welds. but, its all part of the learning process.

if you don't mind getting the hang of fluxcore, dealing with a little bit more grinding, and such, then fluxcore is fine.

i took a couple metals classes at school last year, and got to use the 220v gas MIGs, Hobarts i think. they're fun and make beautiful welds. but, kinda overkill for a shadetree mechanic doing sheetmetal work. TIG is also fun, and makes quite possible the best welds i've ever seen or beaded out. but, kinda overkill if you're just doing some cab corners and rockers, etc.

maybe it's my inexperience speaking, but, i say...buy what you can afford. use it. don't abuse it. and make some progress.

-shrug-

my 2 cents, before tax.

just another 18 year old shop rat.

.later days.
.sam.

[seanu]

naw...Sam, I think you got it just right...'nuf said

[Brainchild]

Totally

[cojnit]

biggest difference between the Licon and the miller is the wire feed mechanism on the Lincon is plastic, and the millers is metal. other than that they are both great little machines. I personally went for the miller, just becasue after spending that money, and knowing how my luck is, I wasnt going to ruin a machine over 100 bucks.

[TravisH]

Originally Posted by 72 Cheyenne402

I called the local welding shop the Lincoln 135 is what they recomended but the cost was thice my budget. Harbor freight is off, but I still have to find a machine within my price range. I'm thinking about stopping by Home Depot and see what they have

If you want new thats the price. Harbour freight isn't an option

If you can't afford new, you've still got a few options:
- used one from bargain finder
- rent one
- pay someone to do it or rent space + tools from a shop
- borrow one off someone you know. Odds are very good someone has one you just don't know it

[72 Cheyenne402]

Thanks guys, I think I may be saving up for a little longer untill I can get a good Miller, or Lincoln.