http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=44567

just looking to do sub-frames, body planeles, LCA, STB etc etc...
how well would this work with the stuff i just listed?

 

anyone?

 

It is a shame that they can get away with calling those flux-core wire welders a MIG welder. There is no "inert gas" unless you pay extra for a kit. It will weld fine for your application. The welds will have more splatter than if you used an inert gas shield for the arc. For a home hobby application it is fine. The only advantage I see over the old stick welders is the convenience of having the wire feed into the arc.

Lon

 

Actually they called it "flux wire welder" , but then they made it seem like this unit is easier, better and more friendlier than the MIG, which is just advertisement fluff. I don't think you can convert this one.

They have a different model, sold for $350/$200 reg/sale. That's the one I bought. It can do both MIG/flux core, but for MIG you will have to buy your own gas regulator which was something like another $70. The unit I have works, but I have to say the entire thing just feels cheap.

If you plan to use it once or a few times, I say it is worth it. It will work and do the job and if it doesn't you can always return it and get a different one. If you plan to make this your hobby, spend few extra hunder bucks and buy something made in US.

I don't know much about this stuff. Still learning myself, but for your application, it might be better to do a flux core anyway because it should burns hotter and give you better depth than MIG would when you are welding heavy stuff. With gas it would create cleaner welds, but gas also cools it down a little.

Then again if you ever plan to do bodywork or other sheet metal stuff, I am pretty sure you'll need gas. With flux core you have way more chance of burning right through.

 

I live in Toledo, Ohio and my roomate works at harbor freight as college help. From the way he talked it's a nice affordable welder for simple garage use from what he hasd heard from customers but he said not to get to carried away and use it for a project where you need perfection.