Found the perfect welder!

[oscaryu1]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=40388

Gonna be $99 at the sidewalk sale right on the week of summer vacation.

Now... how do I use it? No idea

I've read on some ways how to start the arc, but have no idea what I'll need from there.

 

[kibble]

My friend has that welder, it's kinda difficult to start a decent arc running only 120V. It's doable but difficult.

 

[AutoMX]

it also comes with almost no instructions, ive had mine sitting for a year and haven't gotten around to splicing on a 220v plug. i have no idea where the ~2 page manual is either so it may sit till i find it to get the wiring diagram.
i did pay only $70 for mine, just went and picked it up at the camarillo warehouse.

 

[zenki86]

i have no idea where the ~2 page manual is either so it may sit till i find it to get the wiring diagram.

you can download the manual

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/manuals.taf?f=form&ItemID=40388

 

[oscaryu1]

Does that manual give you clear step by step instructions?

And would it trip a 15A breaker?

 

[AutoMX]

"Warning! If Arc Welder is operated at 115 V~, be sure not to regulate the current over 70 A, or the 30 A breaker in your house line will trip."

by the way, thanks, this manual is more complete than what i got in the box

 

[oscaryu1]

Dangit... that's nice to know...

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

For $100, I would rather have the homier distributing, "speedway series" 125 amp flux core wire feed welder. Runs on 110@15amps and works great for anything up to 1/4" plate where you have to make a pass on each side. Only downside is amperage is either high or low and selected with a rocker switch. Perfect for cart work, what I used to fix my broken manco frame.

 

[oscaryu1]

Where would you get that welder from?

 

[newrider3]

I just got this one at the sale for $99, works great except for my lack of skill.:rolleyes3:

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Where would you get that welder from?

A homier distributing tool sale.

 

[oscaryu1]

Darn... I don't think I have one close to here

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

Its a temp thing, they are usually at my local fairgrounds every few moths, they send an ad in the mail.

 

[oscaryu1]

Ah.. that explains it.

 

[ineed2fly]

If you are going to get a welder, get the $80 wirefeed there, far easier to use than a traditional arc welder, I taught myself to weld wirefeed, and I woun't touch a traditional arc without help.

 

[oscaryu1]

Where would you get that type? What's the... name?

 

[ineed2fly]

They have them at HF as well, they are usually a bit more $ but are far easier to use, and you will be happier in the long run. I'd look at this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=55250
If you have that kind of voltage hooked up in your garage, the bonus with that is later on you can run gas, which is better.

Or this one:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94056

But if you can run it, the first one is better, I am pretty sure you can run gas through it.

 

[oscaryu1]

Nope... I don't have 230V However, the washer room is right next to the garage....

Oooh the 2nd one looks perfect though. 15A? Done. 90A? Great!

Both are automatic wire feed?

 

[ineed2fly]

Yes they are, they will prevent tons of headaches. And while you are there get a .30 10 lb spool of FLUX core wire. You will blow through the small ones, and the bigger ones are better buys.

 

[oscaryu1]

Can all this be found at any Harbor Freight store?

Thanks!

Also, I've heard of those auto-dimming welding masks or such? What should I get? Gloves? Anything else?