$50 Arc welder?

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I just noticed that HF now has a $50 arc welder... Anyone tried it? I might pick it up to learn Arc welding on... I have been dieing to try my hand at welding... because JB weld doesnt work very well... lol...

Its reconditioned, but I imagine stores carry it...

Gets good reviews, but what about you guys? http://www.harborfreight.com/welding/arc-welders/arc-120-welder.html Good little starter kit? I know its low amp... but I dont plan on welding any I-beams any time soon....

 

[Bluethunder3320]

wowowow

and it gets even cheaper

i got a harbor freight 90 amp flux core and it does the job.

its my first welder got it 3 days ago for 110 bucks.

 

[redsox985]

Two completely different machines. Your flux core welder has a lot more guts to it. This is basically an adjustable amp output device. I've heard the HF leads are weak and getting ones rated to like 300 amps cheap at HF is nicer. And 120 amp is plenty for sticking together a kart. Just get good rods once you have learned.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

no, harbor freight, i know they are different.

i think he was worried about the brand not over stick vs. wirefeed

 

[redsox985]

I thought you were commenting on how you just bought a welded for $110 and you can now get one for $55. Sorry, I was saying the prices are different because the wirefeed has more to make it work. Which also means there's less to go wrong in the stick.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

i think the stick welder would be fine but its harder for a beginner.

arc welding is more of a skill that takes practice, and wire feed is more like a hot glue gun.

professional MIG welders make about 10 bucks an hour, and ARC welders make more, im not sure exactly how much. that is because ARC takes more skill.

not saying MIG takes no skill its just the easiest.

 

[devino246]

professional MIG welders make about 10 bucks an hour, and ARC welders make more, im not sure exactly how much. that is because ARC takes more skill.

not saying MIG takes no skill its just the easiest.

It really depends on what industry the welder is in, not just the type of welding.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Those buggers took it down... now the only things left are the $100 Arc, and the $110 Flux... your opinions?

After a 20% Coupon, it comes to $80 and $88 respectively...

 

[Bluethunder3320]

get flux.

i have it works great so far.

if you got any questions i can go look at it 4 u.

 

[redsox985]

Go with the 150ish amp because it can be switched to MIG in the future which will be great because MIG welds compared to flux cored are much nicer. No slag or spatter. And they're a nice silver. Plus, with gas shielded MIG, you can weld stainless and aluminum, you just need different wire and gas bottles.

 

[newrider3]

Arc will take a bit more practice, but you can get the welds to look much nicer, be stronger and have a ton less spatter. I have the HF flux core and it works OK, but makes a fvcking mess. If I were to do it again I would have saved up for a used older arc welder (Lincoln buzz box).

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

So I should go with the Arc... Unfortunately that is my price range.. else I would go with an AC/DC Buzz Box... hell I'd get a TIG welder.... but unfortunately not for a while...

 

[KieranM]

Arc welder with hilco red 6013 rods - Excellent

 

[redsox985]

You can get a better arc welder for the same price but, personally, I'd take a flux core welder with good wire. Not the HF junk.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

How about their 80amp Inverter Arc Welder... It also gets good reviews... plus its DC, so a TIG torch can be added... that gets even better marks... although it is a little more money, the duty cycle is better too...

 

[devino246]

How about their 80amp Inverter Arc Welder... It also gets good reviews... plus its DC, so a TIG torch can be added... that gets even better marks... although it is a little more money, the duty cycle is better too...

TIG can be AC or DC. DC TIG is only good for mild steel and the like. You cant add a TIG torch to that welder. A TIG welder has to have a gas valve built in so the argon doesnt flow all the time. I dont think 80 amps is very good for a stick welder anyway.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

i did a bunch of welding today i can take some pics if you want.

i still am using the HF wire because i cant go to home depot till tuesday.

guys remember he probably gets his money from mowing the lawn like me so it takes forever to get 100 bucks.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

TIG can be AC or DC. DC TIG is only good for mild steel and the like. You cant add a TIG torch to that welder. A TIG welder has to have a gas valve built in so the argon doesnt flow all the time. I dont think 80 amps is very good for a stick welder anyway.

People reviewing it, say they've done it...

As for money... I dont mow lawns... I have a summer job that pays almost 2k/summer... but 1/2 goes to insurance fund, 1/4 went to $500 vet bill... 3/16 went to woodworking tools...

 

[Bluethunder3320]

woah. thts a sh!tload of cash. i make 400-600 a year if im lucky between birthday, christmas, and house jobs.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Its not really all that much... You'd be amazed how quick you burn through a grand... Planer: $220, Mitre saw $200 Lumber: $2/ 2x4(per project I ususally can expect to burn through 10) $50/sheet of 3/4 ply, Screws: $10/case , bandsaw blades: $20/ea. It all quickly adds up... And then stuff goes wrong thats unexpected, such as my Graphics Card burning out... that was $200... vet bill was $500... It all adds up quick...

I'm lucky though... I've been working since about 12... making a grand a year, up until this year.... This is really the only year that I have spent any of it...