Welder Suggestions

sj9ers · Jan 31, 2009

I'm a college kid on a budget and need some suggestions on an affordable welder to buy for use on my mustang. This will be the first time I've ever welded and I wont be doing that big of jobs just filling in holes in the firewall and installing a floorpan and some other various projects. From researching I heard a MIG welder was the best and I've also read about flux wire welders that seam to be more affordable but I don't know if they will suit my needs. So wats a good inexpensive one to get me started? Keep in mind it doesn't have to last forever and I'm just trying to get started right now. Also I do have an arc welder that I got for free but never used and was wondering if that could be used on the projects I mentioned before?
Thanks

Evilfox · Feb 1, 2009

If you want cheap then check out Harbor Freights MIG welders. I bought one in a pinch and it was alright. My only gripe is no matter what I did it left small BB's on everything that I had to wire-brush off.

Harbor Freight Tools

219.99 if you don't mind a slightly used one. $20 more for a new one.

Edit
When you upgrade I recommend a Lincoln Electric. I have a K2470-1 which I absolutely love. One will set you back just shy of 600 dollars though.

bentley429 · Feb 1, 2009

Ours is a lincoln weld-pak 140 I believe. Real cheap at homo depot, does flux core or gas. Flux core is garbage. It is only 120v and works great for the little welder it is. Check them out.

Shakerhood · Feb 3, 2009

Hobart Handler 140

millhouse · Feb 3, 2009

Shakerhood said:
Hobart Handler 140

X2

It's made by Miller and uses high quality components. Look for packages sold through Tractor Supply. I picked up my HH180 for ~ $600 including the tank, cart, auto darkening helmet, gloves, 2 spools of wire, a couple wire brushes and a few other misc. items. Not bad considering the welder itself was sitting next to the "managers special" package for nearly $650 by itself...and the helmet was nearly $150!!!!!

bynummustang · Feb 3, 2009

"Buy nice or buy twice"

If you really want to do good work in a timely manner stay away from the harbor frieght welders. A buddy had one, and you could only burn for about 30 seconds. The duty cycle was very short. Which for you, might be a good idea so you don't weld too much at a time and warp the metal.

I don't mean to start a brand war, being that I haven't used a Lincoln much, but I've used the hell out of Miller stick and MIG welders, and I have no complaints. (except for the overhead fillet bead with a 6011 rod)

Welder Suggestions

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Welder Suggestions

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