Welder

[RyanCarts]

I have a very old welder and I need to save up for a new one. I was thinking about one of those harbor freight welders as a temporary solution as I save up (I know they suck) but do you think they would work for minor modifications on a go kart frame? I need some input

 

[Poboy kartman]

I have a very old welder and I need to save up for a new one. I was thinking about one of those harbor freight welders as a temporary solution as I save up (I know they suck) but do you think they would work for minor modifications on a go kart frame? I need some input

Excuse me???? They DON'T suck!!!! They are what they are.....and a lot of bang for the buck....many karts have been built here and many, many more repaired.....with the cheap flux core welders...I love mine....

 

[RyanCarts]

So it would definitly be good for go kart frame?

 

[chancer]

.many karts have been built here and many, many more repaired.....with the cheap flux core welders...I love mine....

Here:http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=29874

 

[dwcopple]

mine was built with a 90A flux core from HF. They are unbeatable for the $$$ in my opinion. I love it.

 

[crazykart]

I've got one of the way older 80 amp flux core models, and not only is it still working great, but I havn't run into anything so far I couldn't weld. Even 1/2" thick plate I've weldes, just grinded the ends at a 45° angle and filled it in.

The only problem I have with the hf welders is their duty cycle times, but then again I've run mine continuously for 20-30 minutes with no signs of overheating and no problems.

For the price they are well well worth it.

 

[Poboy kartman]

I've got one of the way older 80 amp flux core models, and not only is it still working great, but I havn't run into anything so far I couldn't weld. Even 1/2" thick plate I've weldes, just grinded the ends at a 45° angle and filled it in.

The only problem I have with the hf welders is their duty cycle times, but then again I've run mine continuously for 20-30 minutes with no signs of overheating and no problems.

For the price they are well well worth it.

Now that you mention it....I haven't had any problem with the duty cycle either...although I don't usually weld for very long....

Two things that will help: Get some good quality wire...like Lincoln....(I actually haven't gotten around to that yet....and I'm still happy) ....and try to use the highest amperage receptacle available....(again....not something I've really tried that hard to do...) but those will help...

One final thing....make sure your weld areas are clean....as well as where you attach the ground....(a good ground makes all the difference...)

 

[exjeeper]

What's wrong with the old welder./ I have an OLD stick Lincoln that was my Grandfathers production line welder at WABCO (Westinghouse air brake company) (where he use to assemble mining equipment) from around the 50's(?) still welds just fine. The leads have been long ago replaced, but I'll put it up against a new stick welder any day.

 

[dwcopple]

I've never had the protection light ever come on my 90A HF welder. I pause often though as I'm a noob welder.

 

[maxthrust]

i bought a miller 180 about 5 years ago and i deff dont regret the price. it welds up to 5/16 in single pass and is more than enough for small projects

 

[machinist@large]

My Miller Dial Arc 250 AC/DC stick machine is a mid '70's model that I bought used in the early '90's. Still works great. And the Lincoln AC/DC tig machine as another Dial Arc unit in my space at work are both '60's era machines. (I'm in charge of the tool room for my company).

The Lincoln is a bit clunkier to use than the current generation machines in other part's of the shop, but once I figured it out, I can do just as good work as I can with the new stuff. And the old machines are usually built much heavier than the new stuff.

 

[drm]

Just fixed our kart with a 90a HF flux welder. Out of the box and welding in less than 30min. Looking forward to some diy stuff this winter.

 

[johnsonr81]

I've got a HF dual mig 131 and it has served me well for over 10 years. The gas solenoid went out a while back so I can only use flux core wire but it's been my go-to over the years. It has the power to weld thicker material although the duty cycle does slow me down at times. I've got a old Linde stick/TIG machine to do any "major" welding these days. The Harbor Freight welders are a great bang for the buck though!

 

[Desertduler]

I have a Miller XP130 wire feed welder that I have had for 15 years that has worked flawless for me, I use .025 wire with Argon / Co2 mix and I can weld up to 1/4 steel down to exhaust tubing. I also have a Lincoln 225 amp AC/DC stick welder which I only use for heavier jobs.

 

[Poboy kartman]

I have a Miller XP130 wire feed welder that I have had for 15 years that has worked flawless for me, I use .025 wire with Argon / Co2 mix and I can weld up to 1/4 steel down to exhaust tubing. I also have a Lincoln 225 amp AC/DC stick welder which I only use for heavier jobs.

Yeah....but you can make an internal combustion engine out of a can of Bush's baked beans, 3 clothes hangers, a sewer pipe, a shower head, a tomato juice can, .............aaaaaannnnnddddd.......3 semi-running Tecumsehs.....STILL!!!! IMPRESSIVE! !!!.

 

[Desertduler]

 

[chancer]

Yeah....but you can make an internal combustion engine out of a can of Bush's baked beans, 3 clothes hangers, a sewer pipe, a shower head, a tomato juice can, .............aaaaaannnnnddddd.......3 semi-running Tecumsehs.....STILL!!!! IMPRESSIVE! !!!.

Are you kidding!!!..... Oh your not..... well Denny probably can.

 

[Denny]

I could do it as long as I don't use the Tec. parts.

Denny

 

[desertdweller]

What's a good welder for 1"-1.5 square tubing?.....this 220 stick welder just eats that's stuff up even on the lowest setting.and rod....I'm looking at those H.F. inverter welders (110v)...anybody here use them?....

 

[chancer]

Lots of guys use them and like them. Just buy good lincoln wire.