Inexpensive Welding Machine

[TKA1234]

I don't know if I'm actually going to buy a welder or not. So, to make a better choice, I'd like to know what kind I should get.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=291
This link has some arc welding supplies on it. Could I buy the stitch welding torch and not need anything else (besides electrode rods)? Or should I get a butane torch and the rods? Sears has a torch for $30.

And let's say I have a budget of $50. Okay, what should I do?

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

You wont be able to do much with $50 as far as a new welder, check craigslist...deals can be had. Dont bother with the $70 HF welder, 9% duty cycle, not even at full power is horrible, thats welding for less than a minute out of 10 minutes...

 

[TKA1234]

I understand... I don't think I'd need one for this project anyway.

What about the Stitch Welding Torch (98753-1VGA) for $39.99? Does that just plug in to a normal outlet? It has a 100% duty cycle.

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

That will only weld sheet metal, 18-22 gauge is pretty thin.

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

A stitch welding torch is an accessory for a stick welder.

 

[TKA1234]

I see. I didn't think it would be cheap for an arc welder. :rolleyes3:

And what about the Sears Butane Torch. Would that be good for solder work?

 

[Kenny_McCormic]

You cant solder a frame, you need a welder. Try looking on craigs list for a used 200+amp stick welder, they can be had for under $100 sometimes and will last forever if cared for properly(follow duty cycle, keep fan oiled)

 

[jetlag]

A friend of mine found a 1 year old Hobart Handler 140 welder on Craigslist for $200... recently, I just saw a Lincoln3200HD for $200 also.

 

[motor_head]

older stick welders can be had for next to nothing on farm auctions but check craigslist maybe local swap shop many radio stations do this call in and an do a wanted or somebody might put in a for sale
a lot of times if you can find a local trader type thing deals can be had often

 

[thatboombotzguy]

Currently Home Depot has 3 different wire fed flux cor setups on clearance. 2 of these 3 can be upgraded to mig if you buy the add on kit. 2 of the skus are less than 200 bucks, down from 600. they include everything to get started. go check it out.

 

[brendonv]

I got a 140amp arc welder from my local store for 130 bucks then bought an auto darkening helmet for 50 down from 130 since the normal hand held one is crap. Arc welding takes a bit more practise but once u have mastered it u can lay down some nice beads. I find arc welding easier than mig but thats just me. I would go for an arc if ur on a budget, dont get those flux cored ones, there crappy. If u get a mig u gotta get a gas one.

 

[AutoMX]

Note about the "Stitch Welding" accessory: its for DC arc welders not AC like the cheap ones at HF. Won't work otherwise, don't waste your money on it.

Most of the talk about low end welders is just personal opinions. I've had a flux core wire feed HF welder for 3 years now and other than tips, I haven't had to replace anything on it. If stuff goes wrong they're petty useless but as a learning tool, I wouldn't say it's bad with the proper wire. I wouldn't pay the full $140 or whatever for it, but they often go on sale for $80 and I get weekly 20% off coupons so one can be had for $60, and thats about what I'd say they're worth. The 90amp wire feed can do up to about 3/8" steel and with proper control, the welds will hold fine.

For more serious stuff, get a real welder. Honestly anyone going out to fix farm equipment, trucks or do steel construction work with a $80 HF flux wirefeed welder is just a fool. That stuff calls for a oxy torch, a big mig, or a serious tig welder [obviously].
For simple tasks around the house and essentially building something between a bike and an ATV in weight, the little cheapo ones will work fine if properly used.

1 used $200 welder = almost 4 x cheap $60 welders, and thats alot of $$ for people with no jobs.

As a last note though, if you can avoid buying the cheap chinese ones and find a quality one within budget, get it and support people on this continent.