welder question
 

Which of these welders would be best for welding in patches of sheet metal on my floorboards. Im cutting the rust out and am going to be welding in new metal. I was told a mig welder would be best but im not sure what the difference is between flux and just a regular mig. I did a search and nothing really turned up that i remotely understood.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=94056

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=6271

Thanks for any help in advance.

Re: welder question
 

definitely get a mig welder, one that uses gas not flux core. If your replacing floorboards, and doing a bit more work, buy something nice, hobart handlers are good, but are around 500bux, ive got a little 110v clarke 130en, welds up to 3/16, its a good little welder, but ive even found that i could use a little more power from time to time.

Of your choices, the second one is better, though not great

Re: welder question
 

I second the Hobart handler. If you have access to 220 the Handler 187 is a real nice little machine or for a little more you can get the 210 with external spool gun for aluminum. I know these are a bit more than HF ones you listed but you will be happier in the long run. I am a fairly expierenced welder and have trouble doing a nice clean job with cheap migs. The heat and the wire feed are both inconsistant so have to compromise and start hot and finish cold. but I am very picky and like my welds perfect. If you don't plan on ever welding anything but floor pans and don't care how they look you can get away with the second one.

Re: welder question
 

Do it once and do it right. Spend a little more and get yourself a good machine. 200 amps minimum. You can do SO much more with the extra power. This is DEFENATELY one of those "you get what you pay for" moments. :nod: