What kind of welder

[GokartMan]

Hi
I have a go kart. And I've always wanted a welder. But i dont know what kind i should get. I am just going to weld simple stuff no 1" steel or anything. I dont wont to have to use a gas. I'd rather not use a arc welder. Thanks

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Well then, you've pretty much answered your own question. Lower capacity, no gas, not "arc". That leaves FCAW (Flux Core Arc Welding), also known as wire feed/ gasless mig. Go buy yourself a convertible MIG welder and flux core wire, or a FCAW only machine.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

As far as i know any mig can be used as flux core with flux cored wire. I reccomend a name brand such as lincoln or miller. If you dont have much money than go for a HF 90 amp flux core for $100.

Dont get something that can go past 125 amps or your wasting your money. 90 amps can weld frames for me and pretty stable too.

 

[Rustydog2010]

Bluethunder; what kind of duty cycle does your welder have?

 

[r97]

what is your budget?

 

[redsox985]

If you can, get one that can be upgraded to MIG. Flux core is good, but MIG produces much cleaner results and can be used on stainless or aluminum if need be with a different tank of gas.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

@rustydog10

Input: 120 volts, 20 amps, single phase, 60 Hz
Duty Cycle: 45% @ 60 amps, 25% @ 80 amps
Wire capacity: 0.030"/0.035" flux core wire

http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html

i got mine for $110
better ground clamp for $6
lincoln wire $10
auto darkening helmet $50

total is $176 havent had a problem yet

but you dont need anything it comes with a face helmet too

if you have the extra money get a brand name welder because if it breaks (it might at any time) im left with no welder.

 

[devino246]

Search craigslist for a used Miller, Lincolin Electric, or Century.

 

[GokartMan]

if i can get a arc/tig welder for 150 vs a flux core with a helmet and wire for 100. which one should i get?

 

[devino246]

if i can get a arc/tig welder for 150 vs a flux core with a helmet and wire for 100. which one should i get?

If you've never welded before, the flux-core

 

[Bluethunder3320]

i agree.

well what brands are these you taking about?

 

[devino246]

well what brands are these you taking about?

Im guessing HF

 

[newrider3]

If you've never welded before, the flux-core

I disagree. While arc and tig are more difficult to master, you will be glad you didn't go with flux core a year or so down the line. Flux core is the ****tiest form of welding, it is messy, smokey, and your welds will never look better than marginal. And with the cheap welder you only have 2 heat ranges, which means you can't weld anything thinner than 1/16" (even that is a struggle). I bought one of these HF flux core welders back when I didn't have much money, but if I had to do it again, I would've saved a little for something better. IMO $50 more is a good price to pay for better capabilities. At least spring for the convertible MIG so you could use gas eventually.

 

[Bluethunder3320]

okay, there are pro's and cons for flux core.

Pro's for flux core:
easier
cheaper for the HF
dont have to keep changing electrodes


pro's for stick welding
MUCH less maintenance, almost never need to
dont run out of wire
more variety of electrodes than flux wire
electrodes are cheaper than flux wire (i think??)
NOTHING TO BREAK other than electricals. NO JAMS! NO MOTOR!
the trade in general is worth more (pays more) over wirefeed if you get into welding.

 

[r97]

once again, what is your budget, i would suggest a name brand flux core welder that can be converted to mig.
a welder like that would be:
easy to use,
works on sheet metal, and plate,
can weld aluminum(mig) or steel, which is likely all your ever gona need to weld,
wire won't cost much if you get a name brand one because you can fit in a 10lb spool (hf can be "converted" but its prob better this way)
http://www.mylincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentseries.aspx?browse=114|12322|&locale=1033
http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/onephase.php
http://www.hobartwelders.com/products/wirefeed/

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Flux core is the ****tiest form of welding, it is messy, smokey, and your welds will never look better than marginal.

Oh... I don't know... I've had some really stellar looking FCAW welds!
More than a couple, and not by fluke. Yes it's smoky, yes you have to clean up the flux and spatter with a wire wheel to make the welds presentable. But you have to chip the slag off SMAW welds, too, and FCAW is much, much, MUCH easier for a rookie to learn. You can always learn SMAW later. But if you want to build your first kart anytime soon with no welding experience, you'll save a bucketload of trouble going FCAW. A rookie is very likely to get frustrated trying to learn SMAW with no instruction and on thinner metals.

 

[devino246]

Aditionally, Ive used FCAW on an older car body (18-20ga) without problems. Of course on auto bodies, all your doing is making a bunch of tac welds. But none the less, you can weld some thin stuff.

 

[Rustydog2010]

@rustydog10

Input: 120 volts, 20 amps, single phase, 60 Hz
Duty Cycle: 45% @ 60 amps, 25% @ 80 amps
Wire capacity: 0.030"/0.035" flux core wire

http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-98871.html

i got mine for $110
better ground clamp for $6
lincoln wire $10
auto darkening helmet $50

total is $176 havent had a problem yet

but you dont need anything it comes with a face helmet too

if you have the extra money get a brand name welder because if it breaks (it might at any time) im left with no welder.

Oh i dont need a welder, we have a Lincoln Electric 3 phase welder, does 1' +.