Welders

[vgk]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Category.taf?CategoryID=292&pricetype=

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=55250

Which one Is the best and would they be suitable for welding up a go kart role cage?
Also what is this?
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=3663

 

[devino246]

The last one is used to weld bandsaw blades. Do you have a 230 Volt outlet in your garage? If not then your only option would be the first welder. Although i own quite a few things from HF, I would suggest trying to find a brand name one on craigslist. You can find some good deals there.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Why even consider buying a welder from harbor freight, its like burning money. Craigslist is the deal.

 

[vgk]

OK Craigslist. What should I look for? Lincon? Also how many volts does a normal house hold plug put out? My dad has a garage, and a welder but I cant use it

 

[Blazkowiez]

I'm still a big fan of Hobart and Century. You can find 240 from a normal garage if its set up for a dryer. It may not be the correct plug but if you're in the USA it will be the right voltage.

Don't try and split the voltage though, use one or the other, not both at the same time.

 

[devino246]

I like lincolins. A normal plug is 120(same as 115 or 110) Look at the plug on his welder sometime. If the plug is real big, its a 240. I would look for something like this:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00920580000P?vName=Tools&keyword=welder

I dont know how much welding on thin material or aluminum your planning on doing, but i would also suggest getting a MIG, rather than a flux-cored.

 

[devino246]

And Blazkowiez, do you mean Century? Im pretty sure they got bought out by LE. I have a Century from when they were owned by LE and I've been pretty satisfied.

 

[ctraugh]

I have a Hobart Handler 120. I use shielding gas. You would be surprised how much you can weld with it. It is rated at 7 gauge but I can weld up to 3/8 with it, but I have been welding for over 15 years. A 120 welder would be good for almost everything you will need to do on a go kart in my opinion.

 

[Blazkowiez]

Dude, thanks devino, we've got a large Century (sp ftw) garage at home and it pwns.

 

[devino246]

My century is only a 90 amp and ive burned through 3/16 pipe, its only rated for 1/8in. Im sure the ratings they give these welders are undershot to be on the safe side.