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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Harbor Freight again...welder this time

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genep

02-12-2005 12:30:44




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I need to weld some 1/8" wall rectangular tubing and I understand that DC welding is better on the thinner stuff. I'll be skipping around so as to distort less, so I don't need a big duty cycle. Has anyone used the 180 amp AC/DC Chicago Electric welder. The item number is 44568. It sells for about $150, and it might not be worth even that much. I know name brand welders are better but I'm not a professional and it might not be used again. Anyone here used one and with what results? Thanks for any comments

Gene

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genep

02-14-2005 05:46:33




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to genep, 02-12-2005 12:30:44  
Thanks for the comments and suggestions. I'm a self taught in welding and have owned an AC welder for 30+ years. I have the grinders, helmets, torches, etc, and this project is going to be spread out over time. My fabrication methods/skills aren't to where I can cut it out and take it somewhere for welding. I'll do it myself, maybe I'll consider another welder.
Gene



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Mike Burdick

02-13-2005 14:37:36




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to genep, 02-12-2005 12:30:44  
Gene,

Do a google search and see what others have said. Try "Harbor Freight Welder" for starters.

My thinking - what if it breaks and you need parts? My bet is that you would be OUT - OF - LUCK.

I"d get one from Lincoln, Miller, etc and enjoy learning about welding.



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hay

02-13-2005 09:08:54




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to genep, 02-12-2005 12:30:44  
i have a miller ac stick machine and a small cheap wire machine and believe me welding is not as easy as it looks. and then there is the ability to get good penetration and make the weld look good and all the equipment that has to be bought ( helmet,gloves,chipng hammer, wire brushes and etc.) i still have to take some larger thickness items to the local welding shop so i can't get all my own work done. like the others said for $150, you can get a lot done by a professional. just save up your projects and take them all at one time and you will get a pro job and not have the hassels. your call, but harbor freight does have lower quality merchandise also.

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T_Bone

02-13-2005 08:38:53




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to genep, 02-12-2005 12:30:44  
Hi Gene,

Have no idea about that machine as I've never used one. Buy it on Visa and if it doesn't preform well, take it back.

With the Lincoln and Miller both a little over double the cost, you might get lucky and get a machine good for light home use for $150.

I would suggest 3/32" 6010 for a general one shot rod for your project. Easy to use and learn with and will lay in a quality weld. 3/32" size as that will up the duty cycle time by using lower amps.

T_Bone

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BFO

02-13-2005 06:54:01




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to genep, 02-12-2005 12:30:44  
I don't know where you're from but $150 can buy you 3-4 hours at a welding shop, and you have the piece of mind that everything was welded correctly, and you do not have the hassle of hooking up the machine and buying the rod, helmet, clamps, grinder, etc. just a thought.



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Paul Janke

02-13-2005 06:45:58




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to genep, 02-12-2005 12:30:44  
Could you rent the welder you need? Then you could be sure it is a good one.



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Greywolf

02-13-2005 05:24:36




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to genep, 02-12-2005 12:30:44  
For that money you can get a small wire feed 110 volt unit. You will be much more satisfied than using a stick welder.



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msb

02-12-2005 19:07:11




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to genep, 02-12-2005 12:30:44  
If you have an AC welder,buy a small amount of 6013 rod.It doesn't penetrate nearly as much as 6011 and might be all you need if you get enough penetration with the 6013.Personally I hate the stuff but there is a place for it.



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dr.sportster

02-12-2005 15:06:44




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to genep, 02-12-2005 12:30:44  
If you think you will only use it once it might be better to just take the job to a weldor.In one hour of shop time alot could get done.



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Jerry Cent. Mi.

02-16-2005 16:22:20




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 Re: Harbor Freight again...welder this time in reply to dr.sportster, 02-12-2005 15:06:44  
Do you have a 220 power supply. Sometime getting the 220 service will cost more than the welder.



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